Kanosh (chief) facts for kids
.jpg)
Kanosh (born 1821 – died December 24, 1884) was an important leader of the Pahvant band of the Ute Indians. His people lived in what is now central Utah. Kanosh became the main chief after Chuick, who was more aggressive. His group had a large camp at a place called Corn Creek. Kanosh is remembered for being friendly with the early Mormon pioneers who settled in the area.
Contents
Kanosh's Early Life
It is thought that Kanosh was born near the modern-day city of Spanish Fork, Utah. However, this is not completely certain. Kanosh could speak Spanish. He also learned to speak English very well. William Black, one of the first settlers in the Sevier and San Pete Valleys, was a close friend of Chief Kanosh for many years.
Working with Settlers
Kanosh invited the Mormons to come and settle in his area. Because of this invitation, they founded a town there, which they named Kanosh after him. In 1854, Kanosh represented the Pahvant Utes when a peace treaty was signed with Brigham Young. This treaty officially ended the Walker War. Kanosh was also among the Ute people who began to farm the land.
Joining the Church
Kanosh joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1858. Later, in 1874, he was given a special leadership role called an elder by a man named Dimick B. Huntington. Kanosh was one of the very first Native Americans to take part in the endowment ceremony, which is a special event held in Mormon temples.
Important Meetings and Events
On September 1, 1857, Kanosh met with Brigham Young. They talked about plans for the Utah War. Some old stories, which were against the Mormons, claimed that Kanosh helped gather Ute people for the Mountain Meadows Massacre later that month. However, there has never been any real proof to connect Kanosh to that event.
Kanosh's Family
One of Kanosh's wives was named Sally. She was a Southern Paiute woman who had grown up in Brigham Young's home. This connection was a big reason why Kanosh's group worked so closely with the Latter-day Saints. Another of Kanosh's wives was a Paiute woman named Mary. She had been raised by Latter-day Saints in Payson, Utah Territory. Kanosh built a regular wooden cabin for Mary. His other three wives lived in traditional wikiups, which are dome-shaped homes made of branches and mats.
Kanosh and his Pahvant people were the only large group of Utes who did not fight in the Black Hawk War. Kanosh passed away in the town of Kanosh, Utah Territory.
