Wife of Joseph Smith - Fanny Alger

Summary:

Historians and apologists for the church argue about whether Fanny was a plural wife or simply an affair.

Fanny was 16
Joseph Smith was 28
She was single at the time
The relationship occurred in early 1833

Why this matters:

This relationship is 10 years before the revelation on plural marriage is revealed.
Fanny was living with Emma and Joseph as a servant girl at the time.
It was a source of major contention between Oliver Cowdery and Joseph Smith. Oliver called the relationship a "dirty, nasty, filthy affair" and this was one of the reasons he left the church and was excommunicated.
Emma loved Fanny as her own daughter, but upon discovering their relationship Fanny was kicked out of the house.

Learn More:

Wikipedia - Fanny Alger
Year of Polygamy - Fanny Alger
Wikipedia - List of Joseph Smith's wives
LDS.org - Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo

About Me

I'm just a regular old Mormon that went on a mission, married in the temple and started a family. Later in life I discovered troubling issues about the church which did not seem to mesh with my understanding of the restored gospel. I ultimately left the church even though I really wanted to stay. I still respect the Mormon religion and identify with the culture.

I'm not a historian, and people searching for answers should really look to smarter people than me. But I'm hoping this blog will serve as a kick off point for anyone willing to critically think about the faith. These are just a few things I've encountered in my journey. Some fun, some serious, but all fascinating!