Fanny Alger
The Fanny Alger story is one of the most commonly discussed and controversial stories in early Mormon history. This is a complete (we hope) list of the known sources surrounding the alleged Fanny Alger marriage to Joseph Smith. We organize the events chronologically in a timeline format.
What do you think about the Fanny Alger story?
Fanny Alger – timeline of events
Highlight Key: Teachings & actions for monogamy | Teachings & actions for polygamy | Contextual events | Marriages, sealings or sexual relations | Legal matters | Considerations | Cautions
1816 | 1827 | 1830 | 1831 | 1832 | 1833 | 1834 | 1835 | 1836 | 1837 | 1838 | 1841 | 1842 | 1844 | 1872 | 1874 | 1875 | 1876 | 1878 | 1881 | 1884 | 1885 | 1886 | 1887 | 1889 | 1896 | 1903 | 1905 | 2005 | 2009 | 2014 | 2018
1816 | 1827 | 1830 | 1831 | 1832 | 1833 | 1834 | 1835 | 1836 | 1837 | 1838 | 1841 | 1842 | 1844 | 1872 | 1874 | 1875 | 1876 | 1878 | 1881 | 1884 | 1885 | 1886 | 1887 | 1889 | 1896 | 1903 | 1905 | 2005 | 2009 | 2014 | 2018
| 1816↑ | September 30 – Samuel Alger and Clarissa Hancock Alger give birth to Frances Ward Alger in Rehoboth, Bristol County, Massachusetts, the 4th of 11 children. She is referenced simply by her nickname Fanny Alger throughout her premarital life, and Fanny Custer afterwards. (source) |
| 1827↑ | January 18 – Joseph Smith Jr. lawfully marries Emma Hale in South Bainbridge, New York. She bore him 9 children (source) |
| 1829↑ | Summer – Joseph Smith Jr. receives the Lord’s law via revelation “And again, I command thee that thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife.” (D&C 19:25, RLDS DC 18:3A) |
| 1830↑ | March – Joseph Smith publishes The Book of Mormon, which strongly condemns polygamy ( Jacob 1:15, Jacob 2:23-35, Jacob 3:5-7, Mosiah 11:1-2,4,14, Ether 10:5) and declares monogamy as the means by which the Lord used to “raised up seed” unto himself (1 Nephi 7:1, 1 Nephi 16:7-8 and Jacob 2:25). This passage is later interpreted as “if God needs to raise up seed, he’ll command polygamy” despite there being no known historical precedent for that strategy, including in the cases where the need to “raise up seed” was paramount: Adam & Eve, Noah, Noah’s sons, Lehi, Lehi’s sons, Joseph Smith (who only bore children through Emma according to DNA tests) etc. |
| 1831↑ |
January – Joseph Smith moves to Kirtland, Ohio, a state where bigamy is a first degree misdemeanor and punishable by up to six months in jail (source) February 9 – Joseph Smith receives commandment and revelation “Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else. And he that looketh upon a woman to lust after her shall deny the faith, and shall not have the Spirit; and if he repents not he shall be cast out. Thou shalt not commit adultery; and he that committeth adultery and repenteth not, shall be cast out.” (LDS D&C 42:22–23; RLDS DC 42:7d) May 7 – Joseph Smith Jr. receives a revelation stating “marriage is ordained of God unto man. Wherefore, it is lawful that he should have one wife, and they twain shall be one flesh, and all this that the earth might answer the end of its creation.” (LDS D&C 49:15–16; RLDS DC 49:3a–b) August 30 – Revelation through Joseph Smith declares lust a sin: “verily I say unto you, as I have said before, he that looketh on a woman to lust after her, or if any shall commit adultery in their hearts, they shall not have the Spirit, but shall deny the faith and shall fear” (LDS D&C 63:16) |
| 1832↑ |
November – William McLellin writes a letter to Joseph Smith III in 1872 (34 years later) describing an event that happened this month that a colleague of his told him in 1838 (6 years after) that he heard that Joseph Smith at this time had a sexual affair with a woman named “Fanny Hill” and admitted it to Emma Smith. In this letter to Joseph Smith III (monogamist), he mixed up the name Fanny Alger with “Fanny Hill,” likely the fictional erotic character from John Cleland’s popular 1748 pornographic book “Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure“ (source) December – William McLellin is excommunicated for having sex with “a certain harlot” while on a mission. 14 months earlier, while preparing for his mission, he was warned by Joseph Smith in a revelation (D&C 66:10): “Commit not adultery—a temptation with which thou hast been troubled.” (source) |
| 1833↑ |
July – Joseph Smith Jr. slows translation of the KJV bible, having immersed himself in the Bible for several years. He corrected several Old Testament passages about David and Solomon’s polygamy, and reversing the meaning behind several misconceptions that David and Solomon were righteous in their efforts to “multiply wives unto themselves,” which was expressly forbidden for Kings of Israel to do according to the law set forth in Deuteronomy 17:15-17 (see JST versions of 2 Samuel 12:13, 1 Kings 3:14, 1 Kings 11:4). Additionally, Joseph Smith didn’t correct or restore any additional insights or instructions regarding polygamy, and left all New Testament references to monogamy unchanged (see Matthew 19:3-9, 1 Corinthians 7:2, 1 Timothy 3:2,12, and Titus 1:6) “In or about the year 1833” – Anthony Metcalf remembers a 3rd hand story from Martin Harris that he heard 13+ years earlier, wherein Martin Harris was recounting a 2nd hand+ 37-42 year old recollection (Harris came to Utah in 1870 as an 87 year old man and died July 10, 1875), stating: “In or about the year 1833, the servant girl of Joe Smith stated that the prophet had made improper proposals to her, which created quite a talk amongst the people. Joe Smith went to Martin Harris to counsel with him concerning the girl’s talk. Harris, supposing that Joe was innocent, told him to take no notice of the girl, that she was full of the devil and wanted to destroy the prophet of God; but Joe Smith acknowledged that there was more truth than poetry in what the girl said. Harris then said he would have nothing to do in the matter, Smith could get out of the trouble the best way he knew how.” (Anthony Metcalf, “Ten Years before the Mast” [1888], p.72) |
| 1834↑ | April 9 – Mosiah Hancock is born, who will later become the author of the most detailed account regarding Fanny Alger. Mosiah was 10 years old when Joseph Smith died, and an infant or early toddler when the events occurred that he would describe 62 years later. (source |
| 1835↑ |
Unknown – The LDS Church concludes 179 years later in a historical essay: “Fragmentary evidence suggests that Joseph Smith acted on the angel’s first command by marrying a plural wife, Fanny Alger, in Kirtland, Ohio, in the mid-1830s” (source) Unknown – Benjamin F. Johnson (polygamist) remembers 68 years later (1903) a 3rd hand+ story that originated in this year: “And now as to your question, ‘How early did the Prophet Joseph practice polygamy?’… In 1835, at Kirtland, I learned from my sister’s husband, Lyman R. Sherman who was close to the Prophet, and received it from him, ‘that the ancient order of Plural Marriage was again to be practiced by the Church.’ This, at the time did not impress my mind deeply, although there lived then with his family (the Prophet’s) a neighbor’s daughter, Fannie Alger, a very nice and comely young woman about my own age, toward whom not only myself, but every one, seemed partial, for the amiability of her character; and it was whispered even then that Joseph loved her.” (Dean Zimmerman, “I Knew the Prophets: An Analysis of the Letter of Benjamin F. Johnson to George F. Gibbs, Reporting Doctrinal Views of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young.” Bountiful, Utah: Horizon, 1976, p.38) August (estimated) – The Kirtland church publishes the “Article on Marriage” in the 1835 edition of the Doctrine & Covenants, which states “Inasmuch as this church of Christ has been reproached with the crime of fornication, and polygamy: we declare that we believe, that one man should have one wife; and one woman, but one husband, except in case of death, when either is at liberty to marry again” (Article on Marriage; D&C 101 [1835 ed.] and 109 [1844 ed.]) August (estimated) – The newly published “Article on Marriage” states that all marriages are to be done openly and publicly (never secretly) and according to laws and customs of the land in which they are performed. It also states that marriages should be approved only “if there be no legal objections” (polygamy was illegal in Ohio and Illinois). It reads: “According to the custom of all civilized nations, marriage is regulated by laws and ceremonies: therefore we believe, that all marriages in this church of Christ of Latter Day Saints, should be solemnized in a public meeting, or feast, prepared for that purpose” (Article on Marriage; D&C 101 [1835 ed.] and 109 [1844 ed.]) |
| 1836↑ |
April 3 – “Sealing power” is received for the first time in this generation at the Kirtland chapel, according to Warren A. Cowdery’s notes (source), later added to the D&C in 1876 as “section 110.” This official position of the church negates all claims that Fanny Alger was sealed to Joseph Smith prior to this. August 22-24 – According to local newspapers, Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon and others “held meetings at the house of a Fanny Brewer, and Rigdon spoke publicly on 22 and 24 August” during their trip to Salem, MA to find treasure, as recorded in D&C 111. (JSP #327 p.35 footnote 2) September – Fanny Alger moves away from Kirtland with her family, having still remained under the custody, support and legal guardianship of her parents (source) November 16 – Fanny Alger marries Solomon Custer, a non-Mormon and produces 9 children with him, but failing to bear any children to Joseph “to raise up seed.” She is engaged within 6 weeks of saying goodbye to the Smiths, and left no records throughout her life indicating a relationship with Joseph Smith (source) |
| 1837↑ |
Spring – Fanny Brewer’s memory is triggered 5 years later (in 1842) while collaborating with John C. Bennett to create a statement that would be published exclusively in his upcoming book. She remembered having moved to Kirtland in this year (1837), and includes a 2nd hand+ account from Martin Harris along with her 1st hand experience: “To the Public:— I have long desired that some one who had a certain knowledge of the hidden practices and abominations at Nauvoo, would have the moral courage to come out, with a full development; and my desires have been realized in General Bennett’s disclosures. As the ice is now broken, I, too, have a tale to tell. In the spring of 1837, I left Boston for Kirtland, in all good faith, to assemble with the Saints, as I thought, and worship God more perfectly. On my arrival, I found brother going to law with brother, drunkenness prevailing to a great extent, and every species of wickedness… There was much excitement against the Prophet, on another account, likewise,— an unlawful intercourse between himself and a young orphan girl residing in his family, and under his protection!!! Mr. Martin Harris told me that the Prophet was most notorious for lying and licentiousness!! In the fall of 1837, the Smith family all left Kirtland, by revelation, (or necessity,) for Missouri.” (John C. Bennett, The History of the Saints; or, an Exposé of Joe Smith and Mormonism [Boston: Leland & Whiting, 1842], p.85) Fall – Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery discuss the Fanny Alger situation at Oliver Cowdery’s home one evening, with 3 witnesses present (George W. Harris, David W. Patten, Thomas B. Marsh). All 3 men answered to their recollections of this conversation at the April 12 High Council meeting. “Winter of 1837 and 1838” – Benjamin F. Johnson (polygamist) erroneously summarizes the details of Fanny Alger’s life during his 68 year recollection: “Soon after the Prophet’s flight in winter of 1837 and 1838 [they left September 1836], the Alger family left for the West and stopping in Indiana for a time Fannie soon married to one of the citizens there, and although she never left the state, she did not turn from the Church [she belonged to the Universalist church (who reject the Book of Mormon)] nor from her friendship with the Prophet while she lived.” (source) |
| 1838↑ |
January 21 – Oliver Cowdery said to have written a letter to his brother Warren A. Cowdery on this date describing a 3 year recollection. No original letter exists, but only a copy of the letter, written by Warren F. Cowdery, Oliver’s nephew. In the letter, Warren F. Cowdery transcribes: “I never confessed intimated or admitted that I ever willfully lied about him [Joseph Smith]. When he was here we had some conversation in which in every instance, I did not fail to affirm that what I had said was strictly true A dirty, nasty, filthy scrape of his and Fanny Algers was talked over in which I strictly declared that I had never deviated from the truth on the matter, and as I supposed was admitted by himself.” In the letter, the word “scrape” was changed to “affair” by his nephew Warren F. Cowdery sometime after he had transcribed the original letter, as shown here. (Huntington Library, San Marino, California; JSP #5073 p.80 JSP, D5:502–505) April 11 – Seymour Brunson files 9 charges against Oliver Cowdery, who is tried by the Far West High Council the next day, stating: “I do hereby prefer the following Charges against Oliver Cowdery, which consists of nine in number. 1st For persecuting the bretheren, by urging on vexatious lawsuits against the Bretheren and thus dirstressing the inocent. 2nd For seeking to destroy the Character of Pres. Joseph Smith Jr by falsly insinuating that he was guilty of adultery &c. 3rd. By treating the Church with contempt by not attending meeting. 4th. For virtually denying the faith by declaring that he would not be governed by any eclesiasticle authority nor revelation whatever in his temporal affairs. 5th For selling his lands in Jackson Co. Contrary to the revelations. 6th For writing and sending an insulting letter to Pres. T[homas] B. Marsh while on the high Council attending to the duties of his office as president of the Council and insulting the high Council with the contents of said letter: 7th For leaving his Calling in which God had appointed him by revelation for the sake of filthy lucre & turning to the practice of Law. 8th For disgrasing the Church by being Connected in the Bogus buisness as common report says. 9th For dishonestly retaining Notes after they had been Paid, and finally for leaving or forsaking the cause of God and returning to the begerly elements of the world, neglecting his high and holy Calling Contrary to his profession.” (source) April 12 – Oliver Cowdery writes a letter answering to the 9 charges from Seymor Brunson. The letter is read to the High Council, and included in the minutes. In the letter, Oliver Cowdery only specifically answers charges #4 (“denying the faith by declaring that he would not be governed by any ecclesiastical authority nor Revelation whatever in his temporal affairs”) and #5 (“selling his lands in Jackson County contrary to the Revelations”), and none else. He states that there is a “difference of opinion” in the other 7 charges (the charge of Joseph Smith’s adultery case was reported by Seymor Brunson, not Oliver Cowdery. Oliver Cowdery writes: “I could have wished, that those charges might have been defered untill after my interview with President Smith; but as they are not, I must waive the anticipated pleasure with which I had flattered myself of an understanding on those points which are grounds of difference different opinions on some church Church regulations, and others which personally interest myself… So far as relates to the other seven charges, I shall lay them carefully away, and take such a course with regard to them, as I may feel bound by my honor, to answer to my rising posterity. I beg you, sir, to take no view of the foregoing remarks, other than my belief on the outward government of this Church. I do not charge you, or any other person who differs with me on those points, of not being sincere; but such difference does exist, which I sincerely regret. With considerations of the hi[gh]est respect, I am, Your obedient servent. O Cowdery.” (JSP #17705, p.119, see an analysis of Oliver Cowdery’s High Council trial) April 12 – Oliver Cowdery is excommunicated, having been found guilty on 6 charges (persecuting the brethren, slandering Joseph Smith on charges of adultery, treating the Church with contempt, abandoning his ecclesiatical duties, participating in fraudulent business practices and retaining notes dishonestly): “The Bishop and high Council assembled at the Bishops office, in trial of the above Charges April 12th 1838 After the organization of the Council the above Charges were read. Also a letter from O. Cowdery, as will be found recorded in the Church record of the city of Far West Book A. The 1st 2nd 3rd 7th 8th & 9th Charges were Sustained. The 4th & 5th Charges were rejected & the 6th withdrawn Consequently he (O. Cowdery) was concidered no longer a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints Voted by the high Council that Oliver Cowdery be no longer a Committee to select locations for the gathering of the Saints” (JSP #6664, p.30, JSP, J1:225–320) April 12 – Ebenezer Robinson records the testimonies of 4 men (George W. Harris, David W. Patten, Thomas B. Marsh and Joseph Smith Jr.) in the proceedings of the High Council Minutes, wherein Joseph Smith explained the Fanny Alger “girl business” situation to the satisfaction of the council. 2 out of the 3 witnesses to Oliver Cowdery’s conversation with Joseph Smith about Fanny Alger in Fall of 1837 stated that Oliver Cowdery never agreed that Joseph Smith admitted to Oliver of being guilty of the adultery charge. (Far West Record: Minutes of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830–1844 [1983], p.167–68)
July – Joseph Smith Jr. publishes an answer to the question “Do the Mormons believe in having more wives than one?” with “No, not at the same time. But they believe, that if their companion dies, they have a right to marry again” in the Elder’s Journal. (source) |
| 1839↑ | December 16 – Joseph Smith Jr. writes a public letter to the church in Caldwell County stating “Some have reported that we not only dedicated our property, but likewise our families to the Lord, and Satan taking advantage it of this has transfigured it into lasciviousness, a community of wives, which things are an abomination in the sight of God…if any person, has represented any thing otherwise than what we now write they have willfully misrepresented us” (source) |
| 1840↑ | April – Joseph Smith Jr. publishes in the Times and Seasons a prior letter (originally written December 16, 1839) condemning “lasciviousness, a community of wives, which things are an abomination in the sight of God” (source) |
| 1841↑ | October 15 – Brigham Young writes “An Epistle of the Twelve” in the Times & Seasons listing all of Joseph’s property as “his old Charley horse, given him in Kirtland; two pet deer; two old turkeys, and four young ones; the old cow given him by a brother in Missouri, his old Major, dog; his wife [singular], children, and a little household furniture, and this is the amount of the great possessions of that man whom God has called to lead his people in these last days; this the sum total” (source) |
| 1842↑ | September 13 – Fanny Brewer writes a 5 year recollection (from 1837) for John C. Bennett’s upcoming book. She recounts: “To the Public:— I have long desired that some one who had a certain knowledge of the hidden practices and abominations at Nauvoo, would have the moral courage to come out, with a full development; and my desires have been realized in General Bennett’s disclosures. As the ice is now broken, I, too, have a tale to tell. In the spring of 1837, I left Boston for Kirtland, in all good faith, to assemble with the Saints, as I thought, and worship God more perfectly. On my arrival, I found brother going to law with brother, drunkenness prevailing to a great extent, and every species of wickedness… There was much excitement against the Prophet, on another account, likewise,— an unlawful intercourse between himself and a young orphan girl residing in his family, and under his protection!!! Mr. Martin Harris told me that the Prophet was most notorious for lying and licentiousness!! In the fall of 1837, the Smith family all left Kirtland, by revelation, (or necessity,) for Missouri.” (John C. Bennett, The History of the Saints; or, an Exposé of Joe Smith and Mormonism [Boston: Leland & Whiting, 1842], p.85) |
| 1844↑ | June 27 – Joseph Smith was killed. |
| 1872↑ | July – William McLellin writes a letter to Joseph Smith III remembering a 25 year recollection detailing a 2nd hand+ discussion held in 1847 regarding an event that happened in 1838 (a 9 year memory) based on “some stories I had heard”: “Now Joseph I will relate to you some history, and refer you to your own dear Mother for the truth. You will probably remember that I visited your Mother and family in 1847, and held a lengthy conversation with her, retired in the Mansion House in Nauvoo. I did not ask her to tell, but I told her some stories I had heard. And she told me whether I was properly informed. Dr. F. G. Williams practiced with me in Clay Co. Mo. during the latter part of 1838. And he told me that at your birth your father committed an act with a Miss Hill [sic]—a hired girl. Emma saw him, and spoke to him. He desisted, but Mrs. Smith refused to be satisfied. He called in Dr. Williams, O. Cowdery, and S. Rigdon to reconcile Emma. But she told them just as the circumstances took place. He found he was caught. He confessed humbly, and begged forgiveness. Emma and all forgave him. She told me this story was true!! Again I told her I heard that one night she missed Joseph and Fanny Alger. She went to the barn and saw him and Fanny in the barn together alone. She looked through a crack and saw the transaction!!! She told me this story too was verily true” (Community of Christ Archives; Typescript in “The William E. McLellin Papers, 1854–1880” [2007], p.488–89; Editor’s note: William McLellin calls Fanny Alger “Miss Hill” perhaps from his forgetful memory or possibly an accidental “Freudian slip.” Fanny Hill was well-known (among sex addicts) as a star character and erotic whore from John Cleland’s 1748 pornographic novel called “Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure.” (source) |
| 1874↑ | October 10 – Fanny Alger Custer joins the Universalist church in Dublin. (source) |
| 1875↑ |
Unknown – Ann Eliza Webb (born 3 months after Joseph Smith died) publishes a 40+ year old a 2nd hand+ memory about Fanny Alger and the Smith family: “Mrs. Smith had an adopted daughter, a very pretty, pleasing young girl, about seventeen years old. She was extremely fond of her; no own mother could be more devoted, and their affection for each other was a constant object of remark, so absorbing and genuine did it seem. Consequently it was with a shocked surprise that the people heard that sister Emma had turned Fanny out of the house in the night…. By degrees it became whispered about that Joseph’s love for his adopted daughter was by no means a paternal affection, and his wife discovering the fact, at once took measures to place the girl beyond his reach…. [T]he storm became so furious, that Joseph was obliged to send, at midnight, for Oliver Cowdery, his scribe, to come and endeavor to settle matters between them… The scribe was a worthy servant of his master. He was at the time residing with a certain young woman, and at the same time he had a wife living…. The worthy couple—the Prophet and his scribe—were sorely perplexed what to do with the girl, since Emma refused decidedly to allow her to remain in her house; but after some consultation, my mother offered to take her until she could be sent to her relatives. Although her parents were living, they considered it the highest honor to have their daughter adopted into the Prophet’s family, and her mother has always claimed that she was sealed to Joseph at that time.” (Ann Eliza Webb “Wife No. 19” [1875] p.66–67) October 6 – J. H. Beadle writes a Salt Lake Tribune article quoting William McLellin’s minimum 4th hand+ 40+ year recollection: “He [McLellin] also informed me of the spot where the first well authenticated case of polygamy took place, in which Joseph Smith was ‘sealed’ to the hired girl. The ‘sealing’ took place in a barn on the hay mow, and was witnessed by Mrs. Smith through a crack in the door! The Doctor was so distressed about this case, (it created some scandal at the time among the Saints,) that long afterwards when he visited Mrs. Emma Smith at Nauvoo, he charged her as she hoped for salvation to tell him the truth about it. And she then and there declared on her honor that it was a fact—’saw it with her own eyes.’” (William McLellin quoted by J. H. Beadle, “Jackson County,” Salt Lake Tribune, October 6, 1875, p.4) |
| 1876↑ |
April 24 – Eliza J. Webb [Eliza Jane Churchill Webb] writes a letter to Mary Bond describing a 3rd hand+ and 40+ year recollection: “Fanny Alger’s mother says Fanny was sealed to Joseph by Oliver Cowdery in Kirtland in 1835-or 6…. Fanny Alger had lived in Joseph’s family several years, and when she left there she came and lived with me a few weeks. I suppose your mother will remember what a talk the whole affair made.” (Eliza J. Webb, Letter to Mary Bond, April 24, 1876, P21, f11, item 7, 8, Community of Christ Archives) May 4 – Eliza J. Webb [Eliza Jane Churchill Webb] writes a letter to Mary Bond describing a 2nd hand+ 40+ year recollection: “I do not know that the ‘sealing’ commenced in Kirtland but I am perfectly satisfied that something similar commenced, and my judgment is principally formed from what Fanny Alger told me herself concerning her reasons for leaving ‘Sister Emma.'” (Eliza J. Webb, Letter to Mary Bond, May 4, 1876, P21, f11, item 9, Community of Christ Archives) |
| 1881↑ | April – Anonymous author “Historicus” writes a 3rd hand+ 48+ year recollection, with no mention of sources for the story: “Emma Smith, Joseph’s wife, had a young girl in her employment by the name of Fanny Olger or Alger. It was the time the present Joseph Smith was an infant, (he was born in November 1832) and in consequence of the free-loveism of the prophet, Emma’s recovery was very much retarded, and for several months she was in a very low condition. She discovered that Joseph had been celestializing with this maiden, Fanny, who acknowledged the truth, but Joseph denied it in toto and stigmatized the statement of the girl as a base fabrication. Emma, of course, believed the girl, as she was very well aware that no confidence could be placed in her husband, and she became terrible worked up about it. She was like a mad woman, and acted so violently that Oliver Cowdery and some of the elders were called in to minister to her and ‘cast the devil out of sister Emma.’ Whatever may have been sister Emma’s other faults, she certainly must have had a very forbearing and forgiving disposition, for she condoned this offense as well as innumerable other similar ones.” (Historicus, “Sketches from the History of Polygamy: Joseph Smith’s Especial Revelations,” Anti-Polygamy Standard 2, no. 1 [April 1881]: p.1) |
| 1884↑ |
February 27 – Mosiah Hancock writes a 3rd hand+ account in the Deseret News: “Concerning the doctrine of celestial marriage the Prophet told my father [Levi Hancock] in the days of Kirtland [47-52 years earlier], that it was the will of the Lord for His servants who were faithful to step forth in that order. But said Brother Joseph, ‘Brother Levi, if I should make known to my brethren what God has made known to me they would seek my life.’” (Deseret News, February 27, 1884, p.15) Unknown – Clark Braden reports 4th hand+ information from at least 48+ years earlier that a person named Lewis Bond [no such person known] and Ezra Bond (brother of Mary Bond) state that their father (Ira Bond) and mother (Charlotte Wilcox Bond) “repeatedly declared” that Joseph Smith fornicated with a girl: “Lewis Bond and Ezra Bond have repeatedly stated that their father and mother, who were amongst the first Mormons in Kirtland, repeatedly declared that Smith practiced polygamy in Kirtland, and that he followed a girl into a privy and committed fornication with her.” (“Public Discussion of the Issues between the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and The Church of Christ (Disciples) Held in Kirtland, Ohio” [1884] p.202; Editor’s note: The family moved to Kirkland sometime before December 9, 1835 and after their conversion in 1833.) |
| 1885↑ |
January – John Hawley writes a 16+ year recollection of a 32+ year 2nd hand+ story from John Alger (Fanny Alger’s polygamist brother): “What I heard John Olger one of the first (or among the first) members of the Church toald me his Sister was Seald to Joseph in Curtlin, this he Said to me in 1868.” (John Hawley Autobiography [January 1885], Community of Christ Archives) March 27 – Fanny Alger Custer’s husband Solomon Franklin Custer dies in Dublin, Indiana “after five or six weeks illness” (obituary) Unknown – Alfred Holbrook writes about a 49+ year old story that’s 3rd hand+, referring to someone that historians believe is Fanny Alger, but the statement itself is void of that detail: “I do not think, however, that Mr. Rigdon ever favored the idea of polygamy…. The doctrine was first broached in Kirtland by the revelation of Joe Smith, with reference to the daughter of one of the old inhabitants of Kirtland, who was sealed to Joe as his spiritual wife. It was not the prevalent doctrine, nor generally received as binding upon other persons than those who were called by a distinct revelation.” (“Reminiscences of the Happy Life of a Teacher” [1885], p.223–24) |
| 1886↑ | Unknown – Chauncy Webb (Ann Eliza Webb’s father) is believed to be “Mr. W” who is quoted in Wilhelm Wyl’s 3rd hand+ story from 51+ years earlier: “Mr. W.: ‘He was sealed there secretly to Fanny Alger. Emma was furious, and drove the girl, who was unable to conceal the consequences of her celestial relation with the prophet, out of her house.’” (Wilhelm Wyl, “Mormon Portraits: Joseph Smith the Prophet, His Family and His Friends” [1886], p.57; Editor’s note: this is the only known reference to a pregnancy of Fanny Alger’s.) |
| 1887↑ |
Unknown – Andrew Jensen creates a hand-written list of Joseph Smith’s wives, listing 27 in total. His handwritten notes, journals and archive materials show that he derived much of the list from conversations with other people, mostly Eliza R. Snow. The “middle portion” of his handwritten list (including the name Fanny Alger) contains the handwriting of Eliza R. Snow, confirmed by Brian Hales and Jill Mulvay Derr, the world’s leading researcher on Eliza R. Snow. (Don Bradley, “Dating Fanny Alger (Part 1 of 12 Don Bradley) by Gospel Tangents; timestamp 7:09-9:22“; See image of list) Unknown – A document found in Andrew Jensen’s compilation of notes states that either Eliza R. Snow or Fanny Alger (the record is unclear) lived with the Smiths, and that Eliza R. Snow knew Fanny Alger, according to the 40-50+ year recollection: “Alger, Fanny, Joseph Smith’s wife. One of the first wives Joseph married. Emma made such a fuss about. Sister E. R. Snow was well acquainted with her as she lived with the Prophet at the time. She afterwards married in Indiana where she became the mother of a large family. A brother Alger lives in St. George.” (Eliza R. Snow, Document 10, in Andrew Jenson Papers, MS 17956, Box 49, fd. 16) July – Andrew Jensen includes Fanny Alger in his published report, after consulting with Eliza R. Snow on the list of Joseph Smith’s alleged wives, with Eliza R. Snow writing Fanny Alger’s name on the list: “Fanny Alger, one of the first plural wives sealed to the Prophet…” (“Plural Marriage,” Historical Record 6 [July 1887]: p.233; See image of list) |
| 1889↑ |
November 29 – Fanny Alger dies at her home in Dublin, Indiana at age 73 having never once recorded or spoken to anyone about her allegations with Joseph Smith, according to record. (source) December 1 – Fanny Alger’s funeral services were held at the Universalist church in Dublin, Indiana (source) |
| 1896↑ | Unknown – Mosiah Hancock (either not yet born or an infant at the time of the event) inserts his own commentary into his dead father Levi Hancock’s autobiography (technically making it a biography) 14 years after Levi’s death. Mosiah inserts the story (at minimum a 14+ year recollection of a 3rd hand+ story from 50 years prior, using 70% dialogue verbatim attempt) about Levi approaching his brother-in-law Samuel Alger, who was Fanny Alger’s father, stating: “As early as the Spring of 1832 Bro Joseph said ‘Brother Levi, The Lord has revealed to me that it is his will that righteous men shall take Righteous women even a plurality of Wives that a Righteous race may be sent forth Uppon the Earth preparatory to the ushering in of the Millennial Reign of our Redeemer For the Lord has such a high respect for the nobles of his kingdom that he is not willing for them to come through the Loins of a careles [sic] People—Therefore; it behoves [sic] those who embrace that Principle to pay strict attention to even the least requirement of our Heavenly Father’… At that time Clarissa Reed was working at the Prophet’s. She told the Prophet She loved brother Levi Hancock. The Prophet had the highest respect for her feelings she had thought that perhaps she might be one of the prophet’s wives as herself and Sister Emma were on the best of terms My Father and Mother understanding each other were inspired by the spirit of the Lord to respect His word through the Prophet—Therefore Brother Joseph said ‘Brother Levi I want to make a bargain with you—If you will get Fanny Alger for me for a wife you may have Clarissa Reed. I love Fanny.’ ‘I will’ Said Father—’Go brother Levi and the Lord will prosper you’ said Joseph—Father goes to the Father Samuel Alger—his Father’s Brother in Law and [said] ‘Samuel the Prophet Joseph loves your Daughter Fanny and wishes her for a wife what say you’—Uncle Sam Says—’Go and talk to the old woman about it twi’ll be as She says’ Father goes to his Sister and said ‘Clarissy, Brother Joseph the Prophet of the most high God loves Fanny and wishes her for a wife what say you’ Said She ‘go and talk to Fanny it will be all right with me’—Father goes to Fanny and said ‘Fanny Brother Joseph the Prophet loves you and wishes you for a wife will you be his wife’? ‘I will Levi’ Said She. Father takes Fanny to Joseph and said ‘Brother Joseph I have been successful in my mission’—Father gave her to Joseph repeating the Ceremony as Joseph repeated to him.” (Levi Hancock, “Autobiography with Additions in 1896 by Mosiah Hancock,” p.63, LDSCHL MS 570; Editor’s note: this source is the only footnote to the claim in “Saints” volume 1: “Fanny accepted Joseph’s teachings and his proposal, and her uncle performed the ceremony.”) |
| 1903↑ | “circa Apr.–circa Oct” – Benjamin F. Johnson (polygamist) remembers a 3rd hand+ story that originated in 1835 (68 years earlier): “And now as to your question, ‘How early did the Prophet Joseph practice polygamy?’… In 1835, at Kirtland, I learned from my sister’s husband, Lyman R. Sherman who was close to the Prophet, and received it from him, ‘that the ancient order of Plural Marriage was again to be practiced by the Church.’ This, at the time did not impress my mind deeply, although there lived then with his family (the Prophet’s) a neighbor’s daughter, Fannie Alger, a very nice and comely young woman about my own age, toward whom not only myself, but every one, seemed partial, for the amiability of her character; and it was whispered even then that Joseph loved her. After this, there was some trouble with Jared Carter, and through Brother Sherman I learned that “as he had built himself a new house, he now wanted another wife’, which Joseph would not permit. And then there was some trouble with Oliver Cowdery, and whisper said it was relating to a girl then living in his family; and I was afterwards told by Warren Parish, that he himself and Oliver Cowdery did know that Joseph had Fannie Alger [Fanny Alger] as a wife, for they were spied upon and found together. And I can now see that as at Nauvoo, so at Kirtland, that the suspicion or knowledge of the Prophet’s plural relation was one of the causes of apostasy and disruption at Kirtland although at the time there was little said publicly on the subject.” (Letter to George F. Gibbs, 1903; My Life’s Review) |
| 1905↑ | Before November 18 – Benjamin Johnson writes a 70 year old memory of Fanny Alger denying to comment about her marriage with Joseph Smith: “Without a doubt in my mind, Fanny Alger was, at Kirtland, the Prophet’s first plural wife, in which, by right of his calling, he was justified of the Lord… Fanny A., when asked by her brother and others, even after the Prophet’s death, regarding her relations to him, replied: ‘That is all a matter of our own, and I have nothing to communicate.'” The account was first published 42 years later in 1947. (Benjamin Johnson, “My Life’s Review”) |
| 1938↑ | Unknown – LDS apostle Joseph Fielding Smith publishes a 103 year old and 4th hand+ story of William McLellin (serial adulterer) telling Joseph F. Smith (polygamist) and Orson Pratt (polygamist) about Emma’s confession that Joseph Smith was an adulterer and a polygamist: “Emma Smith told him [McLellin] that Joseph was both a polygamist and an adulterer.” (Joseph Fielding Smith, “Life of Joseph F. Smith, Sixth President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” [1938] p.239) |
| 2005↑ |
Fall – DNA researchers Ugo A. Perego, Natalie M. Myres and Scott R. Woodward document their DNA test results that disprove genetic links between Joseph Smith Jr. and 3 of his assumed children from alleged plural marriages, including Fanny Alger (source, story):
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| 2009↑ | Unknown – Don Bradley finds Andrew Jensen’s folder containing his research notes used to construct his 1887 article called “Plural Marriage” from the Historical Record. It contained a late recollection from Eliza R. Snow claiming she was “well acquainted with her [Fanny Alger] as she/ and lived with the Prophet at the time.” It’s unclear in the single-sentence reference whether it’s Eliza R. Snow or Fanny Alger referred to as the “she” that’s described as living with Joseph Smith at the time. (Document 10, Andrew Jenson Papers, ca. 1871–1942, MS 17956, Box 49, fd. 16, LDS Church History Library) |
| 2014↑ | October – The LDS Church publishes “Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo” as one of the official Church Gospel Topics Essays, stating: “Fragmentary evidence suggests that Joseph Smith acted on the angel’s first command by marrying a plural wife, Fanny Alger, in Kirtland, Ohio, in the mid-1830s” (source) |
| 2018↑ |
September 4 – “Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days” volume 1 (subtitled “The Standard of Truth, 1815–1846”) is published, as a 3rd major rewrite of church history into story form, and distributed as a softcover novel and audio series. It was “written by a team of six writers, edited by another team, and reviewed by several historians for accuracy,” although credited ultimately to Steven Erastus Snow (general authority and Church historian). In regards to the Fanny Alger story, this volume states:
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If anything is missing or incorrect, please let us know. We will happily add all original source material relevant to the Fanny Alger story.
Fanny Alger – All Known Sources
Fanny Alger – Popular Opinions
LDS Church
- “Fragmentary evidence suggests that Joseph Smith acted on the angel’s first command by marrying a plural wife, Fanny Alger, in Kirtland, Ohio, in the mid-1830s… Little is known about this marriage, and nothing is known about the conversations between Joseph and Emma regarding Alger.” 1
Brian Hales
- “Joseph Smith’s marriage to Fanny Alger, his first and only plural wife prior to the Saints settling in Nauvoo, is poorly documented, so it is hard to draw firm conclusions regarding the details of the relationship.” 2
- “no contemporaneous records have been located. Also, fifteen of the accounts were composed at least thirty-seven years after the incident; thirteen of the narratives are secondhand. The first published reference to Fanny Alger by her full name occurred in 1881, although her first name was used in an 1875 anti-Mormon book… Regardless, most Church members would not have known anything about her until Andrew Jenson mentioned her as ‘one of the first plural wives sealed to the Prophet’ in his 1887 article in the Historical Record.” 3
Don Bradley
- “Fanny’s hurried marriage to Solomon Custer soon thereafter, within just weeks of meeting him, was undoubtedly for the purpose of giving legitimacy to her child. But since the later census gives no record of the child, he or she presumably died in infancy.” 4
- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/plural-marriage-in-kirtland-and-nauvoo?lang=eng
- https://josephsmithspolygamy.org/plural-wives-overview/fanny-alger/
- Joseph Smith’s Polygamy Vol. 2, p.369
- “Re: Fanny Alger, Joseph Smith and Questions about the Baby,” by Don Bradley, on “Recovery from Mormonism” discussion board 29 February 2014, at: http://exmormon.org/phorum/read.php?2,1163443,1164338#msg-1164338
Facebook community discussions about Fanny Alger.
What do you think about Fanny Alger’s alleged marriage to Joseph Smith?
You may want to include Brian C. Hales explanation of the Alger events in your chronology, because he is widely regarded as an authority on this subject. He is even cited in the Joseph Smith Papers by the LDS Historian’s Office in footnotes.
Thanks for the suggestion Denver. I’ve had a few people request this, but it doesn’t fit the criteria. The rest of the world quotes historians’ interpretations and commentary. This site is about cataloging source materials and letting people make their own conclusions. Last thing the world needs is more opinion on the matter. There are already hundreds of sites that inter-quote each other as authorities.
Until Brian Hales (or any historian, professional or amateur) lives is 1830s Kirkland or Missouri, 1840s Nauvoo or 1847-1900 Utah territory, he’s not a source. Nor an authority, IMO. First hand contemporary witnesses of the events being discussed is what I’m after. Those are the real “authorities on the matter.” Modern historian pontification is the opposite of that.
Right, but if you are going to cite to the Bradley book, and the LDS gospel topics and Saints: Vol. 1, then Hales ought to merit mention. It is pretty clear from his work that he accepts uncritically the very late sources and then opines based on that to add his conjecture to the “mountain” of quasi-historical “proof” that has won the day in most LDS minds. He is yet another pedestrian repeating scant proof, to show what everyone knows–but it is all just a house of cards.
That makes more sense. Thanks for the added clarity. I include the official LDS publications (essays, Saints, HC vol 1-7, etc) because it shows the church’s stance, just as I do the official stances of the church prior to June 1844. Indirectly, I suppose I’m already quoting some of Hales’ work, given his prominent role in the essays, and likely consultations in the Saints series. I should probably point that out in the descriptions.
I think I can easily add a “popular opinion” section underneath the table of sources, where I quote Hales, LDS church, Compton, Brodie, Jensen, etc. That way it’s defined as such and not mixed in with an otherwise list of historical sources.
I love and empathize with the “Joseph is innocent crowd” but I don’t agree with them. I agree with them that Joseph translated the book and I agree with them that that does not mean the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God’s kingdom on earth, led by 15 prophets, seers and revelators
But I can’t find an adequate answer to why Oliver was saying the Fanny things about Joseph if it was a lie.
If Joseph wasn’t perfect, Oliver and David likely weren’t perfect either. I’m not trying to condemn Joseph, but I think he fell
If Joseph did not fall, I will apologize for what I’ve said. In the mean time, I will support and be grateful for the “Joseph is innocent” crowd because some of our beliefs overlap and I see them as brothers and sisters in God, searching for truth.
Thanks Leo! Those are some great questions, as Oliver Cowdery’s references are the closest thing we get to a contemporary source. I personally don’t know whether or not Joseph was innocent. I’m simply digging to try to find convicting evidence. So far, I’ve found none that’s reliable enough, but I’m happy to admit he was guilty the minute something comes along that’s trustworthy.
There’s no doubt rumors about Fanny Alger and Joseph Smith were circulating, but what’s interesting to me is that despite Martin Harris and others stating (decades later, of course) that the whole community was ablaze in the rumors and gossip, there are still zero mentions of this in anyone’s journals from that era. Seriously? Rumors like this almost ALWAYS make the headlines and people note them. Secrets make diaries. Why? Because diaries are the best keepers of secrets. It goes against human nature to have thousands of people just keep things like this in their heads, never written down, especially as they’ve already demonstrated they’re unwilling to keep it secret (by virtue of them talking about it with other people).
In my analysis of Oliver Cowdery’s trial, there are a few things I learned that make it hard for me to accept that he was upset at Joseph Smith and though he was guilty of adultery:
scrapeaffair” language) was a copy of the letter, written in Warren F. Cowdery’s handwriting. There is no original letter, therefore we don’t know if Oliver Cowdery stated those things or not. Not to mention Warren F. Cowdery edited the letter and changed it after the copy was made, which is yet another discrediting mark on the letter. Hardly credible evidence IMO.So, the idea of Oliver Cowdery being “excommunicated for accusing Joseph Smith of adultery with Fanny Alger” is completely false., according to the records.
I did a longer, more detailed write-up about the Oliver Cowdery trial here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hemlockknots/permalink/1014120416092098/
Regarding what MAY have happened, I have come up with lots of plausible things that could have occurred besides a plural marriage or a fling in the hay.
I lean towards it being a business type situation. She likely got her butt handed to her (verbally) for messing something up. She was kicked out and fired on the spot, so it seems, but there’s no repercussion for Joseph Smith? Emma seems to be the kind of no-nonsense person that would have kicked Joseph out and divorced him, rather than taken her anger out on the girl.
I too think she may have been negligent in her duties or was telling mischievous falsehoods or rumors to those who were seeking dirt on the Smiths. I see zero evidence of her being “converted” to the gospel movement.
Perhaps you should add that in 1851 there was a fort built at what is now known as Parowan, Utah. The little fort was christened Fort “Louisa” after Joseph Smith’s first plural wife Louisa Beaman.
In regards to William McClellin’s letter to Joseph 3 in 1838, I see your editorial note and it makes sense but it seems like he’s talking about two different incidences. One about a Ms Hill that occurred at the time of Joseph’s birth in 1832 and then the one with Fanny Alger later on. He treats these as two stories and it’s harder to do a Freudian slip in writing than speaking. It would make sense that Frederick G Williams would have been involved as a close family friend and Joseph’s scribe and physician at the time. I could be wrong but this fits with the theme of Joseph “interacting” with girls that were living or working in the home. Such as Fanny, Malissa Lott, Partridge sisters, Lawrence sisters, Lucy Walker, Eliza Snow etc. Is there a census at the time that would show a Hill family living in or around Kirtland?
Seems like a lot of secrets and a lot of chaos that God wouldn’t need in a church.