Reynolds Cahoon 1790-1861

I am a descendant of Reynolds Cahoon and his first wife, Thirza Stiles. Their son Daniel Stiles is my 2nd Great Grandfather. I have spent years gathering information and writing about Reynolds and his family. I hope to publish a book soon about Reynolds and his family. I am interested in getting to know my Cahoon relatives better. Please contact me with any suggestions or information about the family. doug_cahoon@yahoo.com

Reynolds Cahoon, and his family, seemed to have been involved in the crucial developments surrounding the early years of the Mormon Church. Reynolds served at least seven missions before 1834, having such companions as Samuel and Hyrum Smith, David Patten, Thomas B. Marsh, David Whitmer and Orson Pratt. He was a builder and was on the committees for the Kirtland and Nauvoo Temples, as well as many other buildings the saints erected. He was a counselor to the Bishop of Kirtland and later served in the presidencies of the Kirtland, Adam‑ondi‑Ahman and Zarahemla Stakes. He was a member of the High Council and was a charter member of the ill‑fated Kirtland Safety Society, a captain of the Missouri “Danite” band, a polygamist, a member of “The Council of Fifty,” on the standing Committee of Investigation for the Nauvoo Masonic lodge, was an assistant aide‑de‑camp with the Nauvoo Legion, was one of Joseph Smith’s and later Brigham Young’s bodyguards, and he also belonged to Joseph Smith’s elite “Quorum of the Anointed.” He was notably involved in the events of the “final crossing” of Joseph Smith that, many believed, lead to Smith’s untimely death at Carthage, Illinois. He followed Brigham Young west and continued involvement in building projects, as well as serving as counselor in the Stake High Priests quorum until his death.