Reynolds Cahoon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Reynolds Cahoon |
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| Council of Fifty, Kirtland High Council | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 30, 1790 Cambridge, New York, United States |
| Died | April 29, 1861 (aged 70) South Cottonwood, Utah Territory, United States |
| Known For | Early leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Mormon pioneer |
Reynolds Cahoon (born April 30, 1790 – died April 29, 1861) was an important early leader in the Latter Day Saint movement. He later became a leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). He was also one of the first members of the Council of Fifty. This group was started by Joseph Smith Jr. in 1844.
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Early Life and Family
Reynolds Cahoon was born on April 30, 1790. His parents were William and Mehitabel Hodge Cahoon. They lived in Cambridge, New York.
In 1810, he married Thirza Stiles. They had four daughters together. The next year, Cahoon moved to Harpersfield, Ohio. He also served in the War of 1812. Reynolds Cahoon worked as a farmer, a tanner, and a shoemaker.
Joining the Latter Day Saints
Reynolds Cahoon became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was baptized by Parley P. Pratt on October 11, 1830. After his baptism, Joseph Smith Jr. made him a high priest. This was an important leadership role.
In 1831, Cahoon was asked to serve a mission to Missouri. He traveled with Samuel Smith, who was Joseph Smith's brother.
Building the Kirtland Temple
While living in Kirtland, Ohio, Reynolds Cahoon helped build the first Latter Day Saint temple. This temple is known as the Kirtland Temple. He was part of the committee that oversaw its construction. He helped start the building's foundation. He also raised money for the project by working at a store.
In 1832, Cahoon became the first counselor to Bishop Newel K. Whitney. He was also a member of the Kirtland High Council. This council helped guide the church in the Kirtland area. In 1833, he served another mission. This time he went to Warsaw, New York with David W. Patten to preach.
In 1834, Joseph Smith named Cahoon's new son "Mahonri Moriancumer Cahoon." Joseph Smith explained that this name came from the Book of Mormon.
Moving West
In 1838, Cahoon moved to Daviess County, Missouri. He served in a leadership role there. When the Latter Day Saints were forced to leave Missouri, Cahoon went to Iowa Territory. He later settled in Nauvoo, Illinois.
In Nauvoo, he was a guard in the Nauvoo Legion. He also helped with the building of the Nauvoo Temple. In 1844, Cahoon was chosen to be part of the Council of Fifty. This group worked to help the Latter Day Saints find a safe place to live.
When Joseph and Hyrum Smith tried to leave Nauvoo, Cahoon helped them. He traveled with Porter Rockwell to deliver a message from Joseph's wife, Emma Smith. Cahoon encouraged Joseph Smith to return to Nauvoo, even though it was dangerous. Cahoon and others advised Joseph Smith to go to Carthage. After Joseph and Hyrum Smith died, Cahoon guarded their bodies. He was later accused of a serious crime, but the case was dropped.
In 1846, Cahoon and his family moved to Winter Quarters, Nebraska. In 1848, Cahoon traveled west to Utah Territory. He was the captain of the 6th company of Mormon pioneers. He settled in Murray, Utah.
Later Life and Legacy
Reynolds Cahoon died in Salt Lake City, Utah, on April 29, 1861. He was almost 71 years old. He passed away due to a health issue.
The Deseret News newspaper wrote about his death. They called him "a cheerful partaker in all their [the Latter Day Saints'] tribulations, privations and persecutions; an active member; a faithful servant." He is mentioned several times in the Doctrine and Covenants, which is a book of scripture for the LDS Church.
