Kanosh (Pahvant Chief)

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Kanosh (1821 – December 24, 1884) was a nineteenth century leader of the Pahvant band of the Ute Indians.

It is believed Kanosh was born in Spanish Fork Canyon, but this is not certain.^[1]

Kanosh invited the Mormons to come and settle in his area where they founded the town of Kanosh.

Kanosh joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1874 Kanosh was ordained an elder by Dimick B. Huntington.^[2] He was one of the very earliest Native Americans to receive the endowment.^[3]

Kanosh met with Brigham Young on September 1, 1857 to discuss strategy in relation to the Utah War.^[4] Young authorized Kanosh and his followers to steal cattle from emigrants passing through Utah Territory.

One of Kanosh's wives was Sally, a Southern Paiute who had been raised in Young's household. This relationship is a key part of why Kanosh's band worked so closely with the Latter-day Saints.^[5] Another of Kanosh's wives was a Piute named Mary who had been raised by Latter-day Saints in Payson, Utah Territory.^[6] Kanosh built a regular cabin for her, whereas his other three wives lived in wikiups.^[7]

Kanosh and his fellow Pahvant's were the only large group of Utes who did not participate in the Black Hawk War.^[8]

Kanosh died at the town of Kanosh, Utah Territory.^[9]

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