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 learned to speak good English for an Indian. William Black, one of the pioneers of the Sevier and San Pete valleys, was a lifelong friend of this chief."[2]
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.[3] He was one of the very earliest Native Americans to receive the endowment.[4]
Kanosh met with Brigham Young on September 1, 1857 to discuss strategy in relation to the Utah War.[5]
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.[6] Another of Kanosh's wives was a Piute named Mary who had been raised by Latter-day Saints in Payson, Utah Territory.[7] 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.[7]