My 3rd GGrandfather was Mormon pioneer Reynolds Cahoon. I'm writing a novel based on Reynolds' life, and am looking for any stories about him and his sons. I've got a copy of the book "Reynolds Cahoon And His Stalwart Sons", and have a lot of material from it. Unfortunately it's as much about the Mormons as it is about Reynolds. I'd appreciate any stories you have. For example:
* Reynolds was a close associate of Mormon church founder Joseph Smith. He had a large part in the building of at least two Mormon temples, one in Kirtland, OH, and one in Nauvoo, IL.
* Reynolds is mentioned in the Mormon tome "The Doctrine And Covenants", which Smith claimed to be revelations from God. That is, according to Smith, God spoke Reynolds name!
* Reynolds practiced plural marriage, probably on the encouragement of Smith.
* Reynolds reportedly urged Smith to turn himself in the night he was attempting to flee a mob in Il. Smith turned himself over to authorities at the Carthage, Il jail, where he was killed several days later by the angry mob.
After Smith's death, Reynolds came to Utah with the Mormon pioneers. He seems to have lost most of his authority once he landed in the west. I'm very interested in this, and why one of Reynolds sons actually stayed behind when the Mormons left Illinois. Was it over the appointment of Brigham Young as the new leader of the church? Was it a reprisal for Reynolds closeness to Smith?
If you have any information about Reynolds or his sons, please email me at cahoonr@blarg.net. I'd appreciate references with any stories.
Thanks.
Rick Cahoon
