The Lord Spoke Her Name: The Remarkable Story of Vienna Jaques in the Restoration

by Brent M. Rogers

Church history is full of familiar names and powerful stories—like those from Joseph and Emma Smith. But there are many other important and inspiring stories worth knowing, attached to names we might not recognize.

Vienna Jaques is one such person. The only woman mentioned by name in the Doctrine and Covenants besides Emma Smith, Vienna lived a simple yet extraordinary life. From her conversion in Boston to her role in the first baptisms for the dead and on into the settlement of Salt Lake City, Vienna played an important part in the growth of the Church during the nineteenth century witnessing many significant moments in church history. Historian Brent M. Rogers shows through meticulous research Vienna’s journey as a single woman within the early Church, detailing the unsung life of this little-known but remarkable woman.

Genres: Religion, Biography, Lds, History, Nonfiction, Church

Kindle Edition

Published March 3, 2025

Reviews

[Lora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vienna Jake’s is the only woman besides Emma mentioned by name in the Doctrine & Covenants. Her story really didn’t exist until this historian put it together. Fascinating. Kudos to him for telling the story of a valiant woman! I would have been good friends with her I think.

“…Jakes’ life was much more, although that like has mostly been lost to history. Her history, her independence, her resourcefulness, her assertiveness and her generosity deserve our attention, even if she was not a prominent person from a prominent family or in any position of authority. Her life teaches that though not everyone can be in a position of leadership, everyone can display the leadership principles of discipleship. All can be leaders in their own sphere of influence in organizing and conducting charitable acts and in building Zion in everyday life. It is, after all, the everyday living of faith that is truly heroic. It is the everyday contributions that build towards the extraordinary.”

Who knew about the Utah tradition of Old Folks Excursions?! It’s a great idea we should be following today. We could surely use the wisdom.

From the Historical Society of Utah—“The veneration of older citizens in Mormon communities was originally expressed by Joseph Smith, Jr., the founding prophet of the faith, who said in May 1843: "The way to get along in any important matter is to gather unto yourselves wise men, experienced and aged men, to assist in council in all times of trouble." Consequently, the idea of honoring the aged people of Utah regardless of race, color, or creed was by no means foreign to those who originated it and eventually brought about its inception. The primary idea of assembling together these honored and beloved individuals for a special day of socializing and reminiscing among themselves as well as being shown great respect by the younger generations was conceived by a Mormon pioneer photographer and businessman, Charles R. Savage.”

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth reading.
Since there is limited information on her life, the author filled in gaps with what she might have gone through based on others’ documentation of those time periods.
She was a remarkable woman in her own right and as a biography I would have preferred it stuck just to the actual details of her life.

Still…worth reading and learning about Vienna!

[Becca Osborn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I liked hearing more about Vienna Jaques and her story. She was obviously a very industrious, selfless and dedicated woman. There were definitely gaps in records for her life (as was the case for any women at that time) however facts then were replaced by conjecture which I don't love in non-fiction books. Worth reading and appreciating the sacrifices she, and other early saints, made.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rogers writes in the postlude of what’s cool about this book. Vienna (and many others) are silenced due to lack of evidence and information but she deserves this book. Rogers does a wonderful job of creating a historical narrative for Vienna and her place in not only Church history but in American history.

[Amy Beth McPherson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating woman, I really enjoyed getting to know about Vienna. The author obviously worked hard to find information on Vienna. I wish he would have stuck to her story and just noted gaps in information and not add his own commentary or other information. To me that detracted from the book being a biography. Still worth a read.

[Courtney Hatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite type of history—a recentering rumination on a lost female voice that helps us better understand the women of that time, the greater community in which they lived, and how that both affirms and challenges our previous understandings. I finished and thought to myself, “I would happily start right over and read this again.” Bless Vienna—now that I know her, I love her.

[Makinsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a highly entertaining and informative book that you do not want to miss out on. It helps you learn and see the restoration of the church from another point of view. It was written very well and it is a very worthwhile read.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched and documented story of Vienna Jacques. She joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Boston as a nurse and home owner. Through her life she witnessed much of the early history of the church. She died in Salt Lake City at ninety six.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this well-written biography of a women who is a true example of strength and faithfulness.

[Jill D · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story about a remarkable woman I knew nothing about. She is an inspiration and I appreciate all the research included. It really brought the story to life for me.

[Swhe641200 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libby. Good insight into a life well lived as a Disciple of Christ. So many stories of others not told. Thank you.

[M Summ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insight into a formerly unknown sister pioneer who greatly blessed the church with her service and faith.

[Shellie Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I knew her. I’m sure there is just so much more.

[Katie Browning · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating story about a lesser known female in LDS church history.