Fanny Alger (Custer) was Joseph Smith’s second wife. At the age of 16, she married Joseph in early 1833, when he was 27. Fanny’s parents were neighbors of the Smiths, and she lived with Joseph and his wife, Emma. However, after Emma discovered the relationship, Fanny was dismissed from her position as the Smiths’ housekeeper and stopped living with them.

Given the historical records of this relationship, many informed Mormons conclude that Fanny Alger was Joseph Smith’s first plural wife. The alternative interpretation would suggest that Joseph was involved in philandering or adultery.