Canute Peterson

Canute Peterson, c. 1880

Peterson's house in Ephraim

Canute Peterson(alsoKnud Peterson;May 13, 1824 – October 14, 1902) was aMormon pioneersettler ofUtah Territoryand was a leader inLDS Church.

Biography

Peterson was born inBergen,Norway. In Norway, he became a member of theReligious Society of Friendsand emigrated to the United States in 1837. In 1842, while living inLaSalle County, Illinois,he became a member of the LDS Church. After joining the church, he became a missionary toNorwegiansliving inWisconsin.

Peterson led a company of Mormon pioneers to theSalt Lake Valleyin 1849. He was one of the founders ofLehiin Utah Territory.

From 1853 to 1855, Peterson was amissionaryin theScandinavianMission,where he preached in Norway and became the president of theChristianaConferenceof the church.

In 1867, Peterson was asked to move toEphraim, Utahto be abishopof the church there. Peterson was instrumental in assisting the Latter-day Saints make peace with theNative AmericansinSanpete County.

On October 14, 1882, Peterson became a member of theCouncil of Fifty.

He died fromrheumatic feverat his home in Ephraim on October 14, 1902.

When he died, Peterson was serving as thepresidentof theSanpete Stake,a position he held since 1877. He was also ordained to the office ofpatriarch.

References

• Kate B. Carter (1939–1951).Heart Throbs of the West(Salt Lake City, Utah: Daughters of the Utah Pioneers),2:303–330
• Andrew Jenson.LDS Biographical Encyclopedia(Salt Lake City, Utah: Andrew Jenson History Co.),1:362–363
• "The Story of Canute Peterson,"Instructor,April 1946, pp. 174–177