"A very nice & Comly young woman about my own age. towards whom not only myself but every one seemed partial for the ameability of her character" — Benjamin F. Johnson1
Fanny Alger, born around 1818 in New York, became a controversial figure in the early history of the Church. Moving from New York to Ohio with her family, she eventually resided with the Smith family around 1833 in Kirtland, Ohio.2
There is some historical debate about her relationship with Joseph Smith, particularly whether she was his plural wife. Fanny's acceptance of Joseph's proposal, reportedly conducted with the approval of her parents and officiated by her uncle Levi Hancock, occurred in a time when plural marriage was not publicly taught or accepted in the Church. This secrecy led to rumors and controversy among Church members, including criticism from Oliver Cowdery, who disputed the nature of Joseph and Fanny's relationship.3
By the fall of 1836, Fanny had moved to Indiana, where she married Solomon Custer. In later years, when asked about her relationship with Joseph Smith, Fanny emphasized the personal nature of the matter and refused to publicize details. Her life continued in Indiana, where she was involved with Universalism, and eventually, she moved to Indianapolis to live with her son until she died in 1889.4
