The Official Wife Count

Richard Lyman Bushman stated in an interview with Frontline for a PBS special, "... Joseph took as many as 30 wives, 10 of which were already married to other men. Joseph Smith also had an affair with Fanny Alger, a 19 year old house maid serving in his home.

"There was pressure put on these women, telling them it was the Lord's will and that it would bring them blessings." In the end, bringing resentment to Emma as well.

The revelation brings celestial marriage, if you practice polygamy as well. When Joseph asked Brigham Young, Brigham said no, but later relented because it was required to achieve celestial eternal marriage. Eventually, Brigham Young had 50 wives, eventually bearing him 57 children.