Vienna Jaques — Witnessing the First Baptism for the Dead
Published October 25, 2026 at 8:12 PM
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Bibliography Research
In the Mississippi River, Jane Neyman performed the first baptism for the dead on behalf of her recently deceased son, Cyrus. Vienna Jaques served as the official witness for this ordinance. To ensure she could hear the prayer and properly witness the event, Vienna Jaques rode her horse into the river.
Sources & References
LDS Living, 'The story behind the first baptism for the dead in this dispensation is one you may have never heard' (https://www.ldsliving.com/the-story-behind-the-first-baptism-for-the-dead-in-this-dispensation-is-one-you-may-have-never-heard/s/93568); Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 'Baptism for the Dead' (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/baptism-for-the-dead?lang=eng) (research confidence: high)
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