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The LDS church has published its first list of the wives of Joseph Smith. They conclude the number is 29 (including Fanny Alger).

https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org ... th-jr-1805

The Fanny Alger claim as a plural wife is pretty thin.

Born in New York. Daughter of Samuel Alger and Clarissa Hancock. Family moved to Lebanon, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, by 1820. Moved to Mayfield, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, by 1828. Resided in Chagrin, Cuyahoga Co., 1830. Lived with Joseph Smith’s family, ca. 1833. Identified in some sources as a plural wife of Joseph Smith.

What sources? The affair with Alger predates the revelation on plural marriage by nearly a decade.

Besides time and eternity wives, there’s a little known 3rd category.

“Wife for fun in the barn only”

drumdude wrote: ↑

Sat Nov 22, 2025 12:38 am

Besides time and eternity wives, there’s a little known 3rd category.

“Wife for fun in the barn only”

All I can say to that is: learn from my mistake, and do not google the phrase that drumdude put in quotes.

I mean it - just don't!

drumdude wrote: ↑

Sat Nov 22, 2025 2:14 am

You did, didn't you? Shame on you.

(I wonder how many others will do it, but won't comment, preferring to keep their shame to themselves - or sharing it only with their bishop!

Fun fact, Interpreter’s film “Witnesses” had this barn scene in it originally, but the studios said if Joseph’s priesthood was shown in theaters the film would require an X rating.

So unfortunately Fanny Alger’s spiritual eyes wedding night was left on the cutting room floor.

I am somewhat surprised that the church would release this information on its official website. This further suggests that the COB is moving away from its policy of obfuscation and denial. My mother lived 83 years as an active member and never knew Joseph Smith was a polygamist. Twenty years ago, making this information public would get you an invitation to a court of love.

Dr. Sunstoned wrote: ↑

Sat Nov 22, 2025 2:42 am

I am somewhat surprised that the church would release this information on its official website. This further suggests that the COB is moving away from its policy of obfuscation and denial. My mother lived 83 years as an active member and never knew Joseph Smith was a polygamist. Twenty years ago, making this information public would get you an invitation to a court of love.

When the PBS special on The Mormons came out, I had a friend who had been in just about every local calling open to a woman, including years as stake Relief Society president.

She was very disturbed by some of the things that were talked about, and was absolutely incensed at "these men" who said that Joseph Smith was a polygamist. She wanted to know how they could be allowed to malign the prophet so, and - as she saw it - nobody from the church was allowed to defend Joseph.

I honestly didn't have the heart to tell her that some of these men were talking about historical facts, admitted to uncontested by the church.

Does anyone have access to the LDS ordinance records to see the details of Fanny Alger?