David W. Patten
Born: 14 November 1799
Called to Quorum of the Twelve: 15 February 1835
Died: 25 October 1838
Called to Quorum of the Twelve: 15 February 1835
Died: 25 October 1838
Conference Talks |
Wikipedia, public domain
|
Biographical Articles
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 1
Contributor, February 1885, David W. Patten
Juvenile Instructor, 1 September 1896, Life of David W. Patten
Juvenile Instructor, 15 September 1896, Life of David W. Patten
Juvenile Instructor, 1 October 1896, Life of David W. Patten
Juvenile Instructor, 15 October 1896, Life of David W. Patten
Juvenile Instructor, 1 November 1896, Life of David W. Patten
Juvenile Instructor, 15 November 1896, Life of David W. Patten
Juvenile Instructor, 1 December 1896, Life of David W. Patten
Juvenile Instructor, 15 December 1896, Life of David W. Patten
Young Woman's Journal, September 1915, Story of David W. Patten
Contributor, February 1885, David W. Patten
Juvenile Instructor, 1 September 1896, Life of David W. Patten
Juvenile Instructor, 15 September 1896, Life of David W. Patten
Juvenile Instructor, 1 October 1896, Life of David W. Patten
Juvenile Instructor, 15 October 1896, Life of David W. Patten
Juvenile Instructor, 1 November 1896, Life of David W. Patten
Juvenile Instructor, 15 November 1896, Life of David W. Patten
Juvenile Instructor, 1 December 1896, Life of David W. Patten
Juvenile Instructor, 15 December 1896, Life of David W. Patten
Young Woman's Journal, September 1915, Story of David W. Patten
Jenson, Andrew. "Patten, David Wyman." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 1. pg. 76.
PATTEN, David Wyman, a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles from 1835 to 1838, and one of the early martyrs of the Church, was the son of Berienio Patten and Abigail Cole, and was born about the year 1800, at Theresa, near Indian River Falls, New York. He left home when a boy and went to Michigan, where he married Phoebe Ann Babcock in 1828. From his early youth he exhibited religious characteristics, and when twenty-one years old, the Holy Spirit called upon him to repent of his sins, which he did. During the three succeeding years many future events were made known unto him, by dreams and visions He also looked for the Church of Christ to arise in its purity and expected to live to see it. In the year 1830 he first heard of and saw the Book of Mormon, and from that time he began to cry to God for more faith. In May, 1832, he received a letter from his brother in Indiana, telling him of the rise of the Church of Christ, the reception of the Holy Ghost and its gifts, etc. Soon after he was convinced that the work was true and was baptized by his brother John Patten, in Green county, Indiana, June 15, 1832. He was ordained an Elder on the 17th by Elisha H. Groxes and appointed with a Bro. Wood to preach in the Territory of Michigan. During this his first mission, many remarkable cases of healing occurred under his administration. In many Instances he went to the sick, who said they had faith and promised to obey the gospel when they got better, and commanded them in the name of the Lord to arise and be made whole, and they were instantly restored) Sixteen persons were baptized by him and his companion near the Maumee river. In October he went to Kirtland, Ohio, where he spent two or three weeks, after which he started out on this second mission, this time going east into Pennsylvania.) He traveled sometimes in company with John Murdock and sometimes with Reynolds Cahoon, baptizing several on the way. When he found any sick, he preached to them faith in the ordinances of the gospel, and where the truth found a place in their hearts, he commanded them in the name of Jesus Christ to arise from their beds of sickness and be made whole. In many instances the people came to him from afar to have him lay hands on their sick, because of this gift, which the Lord had bestowed upon him, and almost daily the sick were healed under his administration. Among others a woman who had suffered from an infirmity for nearly twenty years was instantly healed. From this mission he returned to Kirtland Feb. 25, 1833. (in the following March, the Elders were sent out from Kirtland to preach the gospel and counsel the Saints to gather to Ohio. Elder Patten started with Reynolds Cahoon east, and on reaching Avon he preached at father Bosley's, where a man was present who had disturbed several meetings and would not be civil or quiet. He had defied any man to put him out of the house, or make him be still. Bro. Patten felt stirred up spirit and told the man to be quiet, though he certainly would put him out. The fellow said: "You can't do it." Elder Patten replied: "In the name of the Lord I will do it," after which he walked up to him, and, seizing him with both hands, carried him to the door and threw him out about ten feet on to a pile of wood, which quieted him for the time being. From this circumstance the saying went out that David Patten had cast out one devil, soul and body. ) In Orleans, Jefferson county, N. Y., Elder Patten raised up a branch of eighteen members, through much persecution and affliction and all manner of evil speaking. Also in Henderson he found a noble people who received his testimony, and he baptized eight persons. When hands were laid upon them, the Holy Ghost fell on them, and they spake with tongues and prophesied. During the summer Elder Patten raised up several other branches, containing in all eighty members. He writes: "The Lord did work with me wonderfully, in signs and wonders following them that believed in the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ; insomuch that the deaf were made to hear, the blind to see, and the lame were made whole. Fevers, palsies, crooked and withered limbs, and in fact all manner of diseases, common to the country, were healed by the power of God, that was manifested through his servants." In the fall of 1833 Elder Patten returned to Kirtland, Ohio, where he worked on the House of the Lord one month. He then made a trip to Michigan Territory to his former place of residence, after which he moved to Florence, Ohio. After remaining there about seven weeks, being sick most of the time, he commanded himself into the hands of God and went out to preach again until the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, saying: "Depart from your field of labor and go unto Kirtland, for behold I will send thee up to the land of Zion, and thou shalt serve thy brethren there." He obeyed the word of the Lord, and was sent in company with Wm. D. Pratt to bear dispatches to the brethren in Missouri, arriving in Clay county March 4, 1834, after much suffering from cold and fatigue. Much good, however, was accomplished on his mission. He tarried in Missouri until the arrival of Zion's Camp in June, 1834, when the people of Clay county pleaded with the Saints not to go over to Jackson county, as they would use their utmost endeavors to give them their rights, according to the laws of the land. A violent persecutor stepped up to Elder Patten and, drawing his bowie knife, said, "You, damned Mormon, I will cut your damned throat." Bro. Patten looked him full in the face, at the same time putting
his hand in his left breast pocket, and said, "My friend, do nothing rashly." "For God's sake, don't shoot," exclaimed the mobocrat, and put up his knife and left Patten, who, by the way, was unarmed. In company with Warren Parish, Elder Patten started on another preaching mission Sept. 12, 1834. They went to Paris, Henry county, Tenn., where they remained about three months, preaching the gospel in that vicinity and the regions round about. Twenty were baptized, and several instances of the healing power of God were made manifest. Among these the wife of Mr. Johnston F. Lane deserves special mention. She had been sick for eight years, and for the last year was unable to walk. Hearing of the Elders and the faith they preached, she prevailed on her husband to send for them. Elder Patten went with him immediately and taught him the gospel, showing what power was exercised by the Lord upon those who had faith. The woman believed the testimony of Bro. Patten, who laid his hands upon her, saying. "In the name of Jesus Christ I rebuke the disorder, and command it to depart." He then took her by the hand and commanded her to arise in the name of Jesus Christ, and be made whole. She arose and was perfectly healed. He then commanded her to go to the water and be baptized, which she did the same hour. After he had baptized and confirmed her, he told her that she should amend and gain strength, and in less than one year she should have a son. Although she had been married some twelve years and had no children, this prophecy was fulfilled. She bore a child, whom the parents called David Patten, and she afterwards had several children. Elder Patten returned from Tennessee to Kirtland some time during the following winter, and on Feb. 15, 1835, he was ordained one of the Twelve Apostles under the hands of Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin Harris. Shortly after, when the Twelve left Kirtland on (their first mission, he traveled eastward, through New York, Canada, Vermont, Maine and other States, holding meetings, attending conferences and setting the branches in order, returning to Kirtland in September. (After receiving his blessings and endowments in the Temple, Elder Patten took his wife and started on another mission to Tennessee. There he met Wilford Woodruff April 15, 1835, in whose company he then traveled and preached for some time. May 17, 1835, (Elders Patten and Woodruff laid hands on a woman by the name of Margaret Tittle, who was laying at the point of death, and she was instantly healed through the power of God.] Bro. Patten had preached faith, repentance and baptism to her, and she covenanted to be baptized. But after she was healed, she refused to attend to that ordinance. Elder Patten told her that she was acting a dangerous part, and she would again be afflicted, if she did not repent. The brethren pursued their journey, and on their return found her very low with the same fever. She begged them to lay hands upon her and heal her, and she would obey the gospel. They complied with her request, and she was healed, after which Wilford Woodruff baptized her. Elder Patten preached three times at the house of father Fry in Benton county, Tenn., May 22, 1835. Many hardened their hearts, and a Mr. Rose, who rejected his testimony, asked him to raise the dead. Bro. Patten rebuked him for his wickedness, when he and others came with arms and threatened to mob the brethren. (At the close of the meeting Elder Patten walked out into the door yard and told the mob to shoot him, if they wished. He had nothing but a walking stick in his hand, but the mob fled and left him. A few days later Warren Parrish arrived from Kirtland and joined Elders Patten and Woodruff. These three brethren then traveled together from town to town, through Kentucky and Tennessee, preaching the gospel, and healing the sick. The Spirit of God was with them and attended their administrations. While Elders Patten and Parrish were staying at Seth Utley's house in Benton county, Tenn., on June 19, 1835, about forty men, armed with deadly weapons, led by Sheriff Robert C. Petty, a colonel, a major and other officers, besides a Methodist priest with a gun on his shoulder, surrounded the house. The sheriff informed the brethren that he had a States' warrant for David W. Patten, Warren Parrish and Wilford Woodruff, issued on complaint of Matthew Williams, the Methodist priest, who swore that those brethren had put forth the following false and pretended prophecy: "That Christ would come the second time, before this generation passed away, and that four individuals should receive the Holy Ghost within twenty-four hours." After examination Elders Patten and Parrish were bound over to appear on June 22nd, under $2,000 bonds. "Early on the 22nd," writes Wilford Woodruff, Patten and Parrish had their trial. The mob gathered to the number of one hundred, all fully armed. They took from Elder Patten his walking stick and a penknife, and went through with a mock trial; but would not let the defendants produce any witnesses; and without suffering them to say a word in defense, the judge pronounced them guilty of the charge preferred. Brother Patten, being filled with the Holy Ghost, arose to his feet, and by the power of God bound them fast to their seats while he addressed them. He rebuked them sharply for their wicked and unjust proceedings. Bro. Parrish afterwards said, 'My hair stood up straight on my head, for I expected to be killed.' When Patten closed, the Judge addressed him, saying, 'You must be armed with concealed weapons, or
you would not treat an armed court else you have this.' Patten replied, 'I am armed with weapons you know not of, and my weapons are the Holy Priesthood and the power of God. God is my friend, and he permits you to exercise all the power you have, and he bestows on me all the power I have.' The court finally concluded to let the brethren go, if they would pay the coat of court and leave the country in ten days. The sheriff advised the brethren to accept these propositions, as it was the only means of escaping the violence of the mob. The Saints in that vicinity paid the cost. Elders Patten and Parrish left and went to Bro. Seth Utley's. They had not been one long when the mob began to quarrel among themselves and were mad because they had let the prisoners go. They soon mounted their horses and started after them with all possible speed. The news of this movement reached the brethren and they immediately mounted their mules and went into the woods. By a circuitous route they reached the house of Albert Petty, put up their mules, went to bed and slept. They had not been long asleep when some heavenly messenger came to Bro. Patten and told him to arise and leave that place, for the mob was after them and would soon be at that house. Elder Patten awoke Parrish and told him to arise and dress himself, as the mob would soon be upon them. They arose, saddled their animals and started for Henry county in the night. They had not been gone long before the house was surrounded by a mob, who demanded Patten and Parrish. Bro. Petty informed them that they were not there, but the mob searched the house and remained till daybreak, when they found the tracks of the brethren's animals, which they followed to the line of the next county, when they gave up the chase." After attending a conference on Damon's creek, Calloway county, Kentucky, Sept. 2, 1836, Thos. B. Marsh presiding, Elder Patten left the Saints in Kentucky and Tennessee, accompanied by his wife, and started for Far West, Mo., where they arrived in peace and safety. Elder Patten remained in Missouri until the spring of 1837, when he performed a mission through several States, preaching by the way until he arrived in Kirtland. It was a time of great apostasy in the Church. "Warren Parrish, his brother-in-law and fond associate, apostatized and labored diligently to draw away Elder Patten from the Church. Those things troubled Bro. Patten very much and caused him great sorrow. He soon afterwards returned to Missouri, where he (Feb. 10, 1838), together with Thos. B. Marsh, was appointed to take the presidency in Far West until Pres. Joseph Smith arrived. Elder Patten wrote an epistle and delivered what proved to be his last testimony to the world and Church, which was published in the "Elders' Journal," No. 3. He continued to labor in the Church in Missouri through the summer of 1838, and when the persecution and mobbing commenced, he was foremost in defending the Saints. News came to Far West Oct. 24, 1838. that Rev. Samuel Bogart, with a mob of seventy-five men, were committing depredations on Log creek, destroying property and taking prisoners. Elder Patten with about seventy-five others were sent out to meet the mobbers, with whom they had an encounter early the next morning (Oct. 25th), when Bro. Patten was mortally wounded, receiving a large ball in the bowels. When the battle was over, the brethren started towards Far West with their dead and wounded. After traveling a few miles in a wagon the sufferings of Apostle Patten became so great that he begged to be left. He and Bro. Seeley, another of the wounded, were then placed upon litters and carried by the brethren. When they arrived near Log creek, they were met by Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Heber C. Kimball and others. At this place Bro. Patten became so ill that he could not stand to be borne any further. He was therefore conveyed into the house of Bro. Stephen Winchester, about three miles from Far West. During his removal his sufferings were so excruciating, that he frequently asked the brethren to lay him down that he might die. He lived about an hour after his arrival at Winchester's house and was perfectly sensible and collected until he breathed his last at ten o'clock at night. Although he had medical assistance, his wound was such that there was no hope entertained of his recovery; of this he was fully aware. "In this situation," writes Heber C. Kimball, "when the shades of time were lowering, and eternity with all its realities were opening to his view, he bore a strong testimony to the truth of the work of the Lord, and the religion he had espoused. The principles of the gospel, which were so precious to him before, were honorably maintained in nature's final hour, and afforded him that support and consolation at the time of his departure, which deprived death of its sting and horror. Speaking of those who had apostatized, he exclaimed, 'O, that they were in my situation; for I feel I have kept the faith, I have finished my course: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give to me." Speaking to his beloved wife, who was present and who attended him in his dying moments, he said, 'Whatever you do else, do not deny the faith!' " The brethren, who felt very much attached to their beloved brother, beseeched the Lord to spare his life, and endeavored to exercise faith for his recovery. Being aware of this he expressed a desire that they should let him go, as he wished to be with Christ, which was far better. A few minutes before he died, he prayed as follows: "Father, I ask thee in the name of Jesus Christ that thou wouldst release my spirit and receive it unto thyself." He then said to those who surrounded his dying bed. "Brethren, you have held me by your faith, but do give me up and let me go. I beseech you." The brethren then committed him to God, and he soon breathed his last without a groan. Elder Patten was buried at Far West Saturday Oct. 27, 1838. In pointing to the lifeless body the Prophet Joseph said. "There lies a man who has done just as he said he would: he has laid down his life for his friends." "Brother David W. Patten," writes Joseph Smith, "was a very worthy man, beloved by all good men who knew him. He .... died as he had lived, a man of God, and strong in the faith of a glorious resurrection, in a world where mobs will have no power or place." (For further details see Life of David W. Patten, by Lycurgus A. Wilson; "Millennial Star," Vol. 26. p. 406; "Historical Record," Vol. 5. p. 54.)
PATTEN, David Wyman, a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles from 1835 to 1838, and one of the early martyrs of the Church, was the son of Berienio Patten and Abigail Cole, and was born about the year 1800, at Theresa, near Indian River Falls, New York. He left home when a boy and went to Michigan, where he married Phoebe Ann Babcock in 1828. From his early youth he exhibited religious characteristics, and when twenty-one years old, the Holy Spirit called upon him to repent of his sins, which he did. During the three succeeding years many future events were made known unto him, by dreams and visions He also looked for the Church of Christ to arise in its purity and expected to live to see it. In the year 1830 he first heard of and saw the Book of Mormon, and from that time he began to cry to God for more faith. In May, 1832, he received a letter from his brother in Indiana, telling him of the rise of the Church of Christ, the reception of the Holy Ghost and its gifts, etc. Soon after he was convinced that the work was true and was baptized by his brother John Patten, in Green county, Indiana, June 15, 1832. He was ordained an Elder on the 17th by Elisha H. Groxes and appointed with a Bro. Wood to preach in the Territory of Michigan. During this his first mission, many remarkable cases of healing occurred under his administration. In many Instances he went to the sick, who said they had faith and promised to obey the gospel when they got better, and commanded them in the name of the Lord to arise and be made whole, and they were instantly restored) Sixteen persons were baptized by him and his companion near the Maumee river. In October he went to Kirtland, Ohio, where he spent two or three weeks, after which he started out on this second mission, this time going east into Pennsylvania.) He traveled sometimes in company with John Murdock and sometimes with Reynolds Cahoon, baptizing several on the way. When he found any sick, he preached to them faith in the ordinances of the gospel, and where the truth found a place in their hearts, he commanded them in the name of Jesus Christ to arise from their beds of sickness and be made whole. In many instances the people came to him from afar to have him lay hands on their sick, because of this gift, which the Lord had bestowed upon him, and almost daily the sick were healed under his administration. Among others a woman who had suffered from an infirmity for nearly twenty years was instantly healed. From this mission he returned to Kirtland Feb. 25, 1833. (in the following March, the Elders were sent out from Kirtland to preach the gospel and counsel the Saints to gather to Ohio. Elder Patten started with Reynolds Cahoon east, and on reaching Avon he preached at father Bosley's, where a man was present who had disturbed several meetings and would not be civil or quiet. He had defied any man to put him out of the house, or make him be still. Bro. Patten felt stirred up spirit and told the man to be quiet, though he certainly would put him out. The fellow said: "You can't do it." Elder Patten replied: "In the name of the Lord I will do it," after which he walked up to him, and, seizing him with both hands, carried him to the door and threw him out about ten feet on to a pile of wood, which quieted him for the time being. From this circumstance the saying went out that David Patten had cast out one devil, soul and body. ) In Orleans, Jefferson county, N. Y., Elder Patten raised up a branch of eighteen members, through much persecution and affliction and all manner of evil speaking. Also in Henderson he found a noble people who received his testimony, and he baptized eight persons. When hands were laid upon them, the Holy Ghost fell on them, and they spake with tongues and prophesied. During the summer Elder Patten raised up several other branches, containing in all eighty members. He writes: "The Lord did work with me wonderfully, in signs and wonders following them that believed in the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ; insomuch that the deaf were made to hear, the blind to see, and the lame were made whole. Fevers, palsies, crooked and withered limbs, and in fact all manner of diseases, common to the country, were healed by the power of God, that was manifested through his servants." In the fall of 1833 Elder Patten returned to Kirtland, Ohio, where he worked on the House of the Lord one month. He then made a trip to Michigan Territory to his former place of residence, after which he moved to Florence, Ohio. After remaining there about seven weeks, being sick most of the time, he commanded himself into the hands of God and went out to preach again until the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, saying: "Depart from your field of labor and go unto Kirtland, for behold I will send thee up to the land of Zion, and thou shalt serve thy brethren there." He obeyed the word of the Lord, and was sent in company with Wm. D. Pratt to bear dispatches to the brethren in Missouri, arriving in Clay county March 4, 1834, after much suffering from cold and fatigue. Much good, however, was accomplished on his mission. He tarried in Missouri until the arrival of Zion's Camp in June, 1834, when the people of Clay county pleaded with the Saints not to go over to Jackson county, as they would use their utmost endeavors to give them their rights, according to the laws of the land. A violent persecutor stepped up to Elder Patten and, drawing his bowie knife, said, "You, damned Mormon, I will cut your damned throat." Bro. Patten looked him full in the face, at the same time putting
his hand in his left breast pocket, and said, "My friend, do nothing rashly." "For God's sake, don't shoot," exclaimed the mobocrat, and put up his knife and left Patten, who, by the way, was unarmed. In company with Warren Parish, Elder Patten started on another preaching mission Sept. 12, 1834. They went to Paris, Henry county, Tenn., where they remained about three months, preaching the gospel in that vicinity and the regions round about. Twenty were baptized, and several instances of the healing power of God were made manifest. Among these the wife of Mr. Johnston F. Lane deserves special mention. She had been sick for eight years, and for the last year was unable to walk. Hearing of the Elders and the faith they preached, she prevailed on her husband to send for them. Elder Patten went with him immediately and taught him the gospel, showing what power was exercised by the Lord upon those who had faith. The woman believed the testimony of Bro. Patten, who laid his hands upon her, saying. "In the name of Jesus Christ I rebuke the disorder, and command it to depart." He then took her by the hand and commanded her to arise in the name of Jesus Christ, and be made whole. She arose and was perfectly healed. He then commanded her to go to the water and be baptized, which she did the same hour. After he had baptized and confirmed her, he told her that she should amend and gain strength, and in less than one year she should have a son. Although she had been married some twelve years and had no children, this prophecy was fulfilled. She bore a child, whom the parents called David Patten, and she afterwards had several children. Elder Patten returned from Tennessee to Kirtland some time during the following winter, and on Feb. 15, 1835, he was ordained one of the Twelve Apostles under the hands of Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin Harris. Shortly after, when the Twelve left Kirtland on (their first mission, he traveled eastward, through New York, Canada, Vermont, Maine and other States, holding meetings, attending conferences and setting the branches in order, returning to Kirtland in September. (After receiving his blessings and endowments in the Temple, Elder Patten took his wife and started on another mission to Tennessee. There he met Wilford Woodruff April 15, 1835, in whose company he then traveled and preached for some time. May 17, 1835, (Elders Patten and Woodruff laid hands on a woman by the name of Margaret Tittle, who was laying at the point of death, and she was instantly healed through the power of God.] Bro. Patten had preached faith, repentance and baptism to her, and she covenanted to be baptized. But after she was healed, she refused to attend to that ordinance. Elder Patten told her that she was acting a dangerous part, and she would again be afflicted, if she did not repent. The brethren pursued their journey, and on their return found her very low with the same fever. She begged them to lay hands upon her and heal her, and she would obey the gospel. They complied with her request, and she was healed, after which Wilford Woodruff baptized her. Elder Patten preached three times at the house of father Fry in Benton county, Tenn., May 22, 1835. Many hardened their hearts, and a Mr. Rose, who rejected his testimony, asked him to raise the dead. Bro. Patten rebuked him for his wickedness, when he and others came with arms and threatened to mob the brethren. (At the close of the meeting Elder Patten walked out into the door yard and told the mob to shoot him, if they wished. He had nothing but a walking stick in his hand, but the mob fled and left him. A few days later Warren Parrish arrived from Kirtland and joined Elders Patten and Woodruff. These three brethren then traveled together from town to town, through Kentucky and Tennessee, preaching the gospel, and healing the sick. The Spirit of God was with them and attended their administrations. While Elders Patten and Parrish were staying at Seth Utley's house in Benton county, Tenn., on June 19, 1835, about forty men, armed with deadly weapons, led by Sheriff Robert C. Petty, a colonel, a major and other officers, besides a Methodist priest with a gun on his shoulder, surrounded the house. The sheriff informed the brethren that he had a States' warrant for David W. Patten, Warren Parrish and Wilford Woodruff, issued on complaint of Matthew Williams, the Methodist priest, who swore that those brethren had put forth the following false and pretended prophecy: "That Christ would come the second time, before this generation passed away, and that four individuals should receive the Holy Ghost within twenty-four hours." After examination Elders Patten and Parrish were bound over to appear on June 22nd, under $2,000 bonds. "Early on the 22nd," writes Wilford Woodruff, Patten and Parrish had their trial. The mob gathered to the number of one hundred, all fully armed. They took from Elder Patten his walking stick and a penknife, and went through with a mock trial; but would not let the defendants produce any witnesses; and without suffering them to say a word in defense, the judge pronounced them guilty of the charge preferred. Brother Patten, being filled with the Holy Ghost, arose to his feet, and by the power of God bound them fast to their seats while he addressed them. He rebuked them sharply for their wicked and unjust proceedings. Bro. Parrish afterwards said, 'My hair stood up straight on my head, for I expected to be killed.' When Patten closed, the Judge addressed him, saying, 'You must be armed with concealed weapons, or
you would not treat an armed court else you have this.' Patten replied, 'I am armed with weapons you know not of, and my weapons are the Holy Priesthood and the power of God. God is my friend, and he permits you to exercise all the power you have, and he bestows on me all the power I have.' The court finally concluded to let the brethren go, if they would pay the coat of court and leave the country in ten days. The sheriff advised the brethren to accept these propositions, as it was the only means of escaping the violence of the mob. The Saints in that vicinity paid the cost. Elders Patten and Parrish left and went to Bro. Seth Utley's. They had not been one long when the mob began to quarrel among themselves and were mad because they had let the prisoners go. They soon mounted their horses and started after them with all possible speed. The news of this movement reached the brethren and they immediately mounted their mules and went into the woods. By a circuitous route they reached the house of Albert Petty, put up their mules, went to bed and slept. They had not been long asleep when some heavenly messenger came to Bro. Patten and told him to arise and leave that place, for the mob was after them and would soon be at that house. Elder Patten awoke Parrish and told him to arise and dress himself, as the mob would soon be upon them. They arose, saddled their animals and started for Henry county in the night. They had not been gone long before the house was surrounded by a mob, who demanded Patten and Parrish. Bro. Petty informed them that they were not there, but the mob searched the house and remained till daybreak, when they found the tracks of the brethren's animals, which they followed to the line of the next county, when they gave up the chase." After attending a conference on Damon's creek, Calloway county, Kentucky, Sept. 2, 1836, Thos. B. Marsh presiding, Elder Patten left the Saints in Kentucky and Tennessee, accompanied by his wife, and started for Far West, Mo., where they arrived in peace and safety. Elder Patten remained in Missouri until the spring of 1837, when he performed a mission through several States, preaching by the way until he arrived in Kirtland. It was a time of great apostasy in the Church. "Warren Parrish, his brother-in-law and fond associate, apostatized and labored diligently to draw away Elder Patten from the Church. Those things troubled Bro. Patten very much and caused him great sorrow. He soon afterwards returned to Missouri, where he (Feb. 10, 1838), together with Thos. B. Marsh, was appointed to take the presidency in Far West until Pres. Joseph Smith arrived. Elder Patten wrote an epistle and delivered what proved to be his last testimony to the world and Church, which was published in the "Elders' Journal," No. 3. He continued to labor in the Church in Missouri through the summer of 1838, and when the persecution and mobbing commenced, he was foremost in defending the Saints. News came to Far West Oct. 24, 1838. that Rev. Samuel Bogart, with a mob of seventy-five men, were committing depredations on Log creek, destroying property and taking prisoners. Elder Patten with about seventy-five others were sent out to meet the mobbers, with whom they had an encounter early the next morning (Oct. 25th), when Bro. Patten was mortally wounded, receiving a large ball in the bowels. When the battle was over, the brethren started towards Far West with their dead and wounded. After traveling a few miles in a wagon the sufferings of Apostle Patten became so great that he begged to be left. He and Bro. Seeley, another of the wounded, were then placed upon litters and carried by the brethren. When they arrived near Log creek, they were met by Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Heber C. Kimball and others. At this place Bro. Patten became so ill that he could not stand to be borne any further. He was therefore conveyed into the house of Bro. Stephen Winchester, about three miles from Far West. During his removal his sufferings were so excruciating, that he frequently asked the brethren to lay him down that he might die. He lived about an hour after his arrival at Winchester's house and was perfectly sensible and collected until he breathed his last at ten o'clock at night. Although he had medical assistance, his wound was such that there was no hope entertained of his recovery; of this he was fully aware. "In this situation," writes Heber C. Kimball, "when the shades of time were lowering, and eternity with all its realities were opening to his view, he bore a strong testimony to the truth of the work of the Lord, and the religion he had espoused. The principles of the gospel, which were so precious to him before, were honorably maintained in nature's final hour, and afforded him that support and consolation at the time of his departure, which deprived death of its sting and horror. Speaking of those who had apostatized, he exclaimed, 'O, that they were in my situation; for I feel I have kept the faith, I have finished my course: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give to me." Speaking to his beloved wife, who was present and who attended him in his dying moments, he said, 'Whatever you do else, do not deny the faith!' " The brethren, who felt very much attached to their beloved brother, beseeched the Lord to spare his life, and endeavored to exercise faith for his recovery. Being aware of this he expressed a desire that they should let him go, as he wished to be with Christ, which was far better. A few minutes before he died, he prayed as follows: "Father, I ask thee in the name of Jesus Christ that thou wouldst release my spirit and receive it unto thyself." He then said to those who surrounded his dying bed. "Brethren, you have held me by your faith, but do give me up and let me go. I beseech you." The brethren then committed him to God, and he soon breathed his last without a groan. Elder Patten was buried at Far West Saturday Oct. 27, 1838. In pointing to the lifeless body the Prophet Joseph said. "There lies a man who has done just as he said he would: he has laid down his life for his friends." "Brother David W. Patten," writes Joseph Smith, "was a very worthy man, beloved by all good men who knew him. He .... died as he had lived, a man of God, and strong in the faith of a glorious resurrection, in a world where mobs will have no power or place." (For further details see Life of David W. Patten, by Lycurgus A. Wilson; "Millennial Star," Vol. 26. p. 406; "Historical Record," Vol. 5. p. 54.)
Burrows, Josiah. "David W. Patten." Contributor. February 1885. pg. 172-178.
DAVID W. PATTEN.
David W. Patten, the first martyred Apostle of this dispensation, was born in the State of New York about the year 1800. But little is known of his early life, except what is contained in his journal, which is very brief. He says: "In the early part of my life, I was often called upon to repent of my sins, and the Spirit of the Lord did often reprove me. In the twenty-first year of my life, the Lord visited me by His Holy Spirit, and called upon me again to repent. I rejected the call at first, but, upon mature reflection, considered it was reasonable the Lord should require obedience, and I turned to the Lord and found His favor. I lived in the enjoyment of His Spirit for three years, during which time, by dreams and visions, many things were made known to me which were to come; and from the teachings I received of the Holy Spirit, I was looking for the Church of Christ to arise in its purity, according to the promise of Christ, and that I should live to see it. From this happy state I fell away, and lived in a measure, in darkness, until the year 1830, when my mind became again aroused by the Spirit of God to a sense of my situation, and I began to pray mightily to God that He would pardon my sins and grant me His Holy Spirit."
About this time Brother Patten heard of the Book of Mormon, and the same summer saw a copy of it, but had no opportunity to read it further than the preface and testimony of the witnesses; but a fear came upon him, for he felt that he dare not say anything against it, and from that time he began to cry to God for a saving faith. In May, 1832, he received a letter from his brother in Indiana, informing him of the existence of the Church which had then been organized; also told him that he had joined the same, and received the gift of the Holy Ghost at the hands of the Elders. These tidings caused Brother Patten to rejoice, and he resolved to go at once to Indiana and see for himself. He soon became satisfied that the work was true, and was baptized on the 15th of June, 1832, in Greene County, Indiana, by his brother, John Patten, and was ordained an Elder on the 17th by Elisha H. Groves.
He was appointed, shortly after his ordination, to preach in the Territory of Michigan, in company with a Brother Wood, and was instrumental in preaching the Gospel to a great many, in healing the sick, and baptizing sixteen persons near the Manuel River. After preaching a short time (on October 16th), he started to return home to Kirtland, preaching by the way, and on the 18th took steamer from Detroit to Fairport. During this journey he got into conversation (upon religion) with a number of persons. Among them was a sectarian priest, who tempted God and asked for a sign, and pretended that he would believe if a suitable one could be obtained, and because he could not have a sign he mocked and scoffed at all that was said, but would not attempt an argument to maintain his position. Elder Patten was then attacked by one of the numerous skeptical individuals on board, who declared that he was not under any obligation to believe any thing he could not see.
Elder Patten asked him if he considered himself bound by that rule; he answered with an air of triumph, "Yes." He was then asked if he had a backbone; if he knew it, and when he had seen it; for according to his own words, if he hadn't seen it, he was not under any obligation to believe he had one. At this the company shouted and laughed, and the skeptic sneaked away. Elder Patten arrived at Kirtland in October, and remained two or three weeks, assisting the brethren to harvest their corn and dig potatoes. Nov. 9th, 1832, he started, in company with Brothers John Murdock and Reynolds Cahoon, to perform a mission in the East; and on November 29th held a council with Brothers John F. Boynton and Zebedee Coltrin, relative to the mission. They retired to a grove to inquire of the Lord, and agreed that Brother Coltrin should be the person through whom the Lord should make His will known unto them; and the answer was that they should pursue their journey eastward, not in haste nor by flight. When they arrived at the Springfield branch of the Saints, they met Brothers Hyrum and William Smith and held a meeting together, at the close of which six persons were baptized by Brother Hyrum, and two more on the following day. Elder Patten continued his labors and administered much unto the sick, and in one instance healed instantly a woman who had been afflicted for nearly twenty years. He arrived home in Kirtland, February 25, 1833.
On March 25th, the Elders were sent to preach the Gospel and counsel the Saints to gather to Kirtland. Elders Patten and Cahoon were sent East, and on reaching Avon held a meeting at the house of Father Bosley; and while Elder Patten was speaking he was interrupted by a person who had made himself very obnoxious by disturbing the meetings. Brother Patten at once commanded him to be quiet or he would put him out. The individual replied that he could not do it. Elder Patten, feeling mightily roused by the Spirit, replied, "In the name of the Lord I will do it," whereupon he walked up to him, and seizing him by the neck with one hand, and by the seat of the pants with the other, he carried him to the door and threw him about ten feet on to a pile of wood, which quieted him for the time being. From this circumstance the saying went out that David Patten had cast out one devil, soul and body.
On May 20th, 1833, Brigham Young arrived at Theresa, Indiana River Falls, where Elder Patten had been visiting his relatives; and after preaching several discourses, baptized Elder Patten's mother and sister Mary, his brothers Archibald and Ira, and also Warren Parish. He continued his labors in Jefferson County, and in the town of Orleans raised a branch of the Church numbering eighteen members; also at Henderson he baptized eight persons, from among a noble people whom he found willing to receive the truth. He continued his labors through the months of May, June, July and August, during which time, by the blessings of God, he raised up other branches of the Church, in all about eighty members. He then returned to Kirtland, in company with his brother Ira, and found the Saints all well. Some of the brethren were working on the Temple, which was then being erected; and for a month Elder Patten remained and worked upon that edifice. He then went to his former place of residence in Michigan, and concluded to remove his effects to Florence, Ohio, where he remained about seven weeks, five of which he suffered from a severe illness, when he commended himself into the hands of the Lord, and was relieved of his illness. He then started again into the world to proclaim the Gospel.
He had been traveling about two weeks, when the Lord made it known unto him, that he desired him to return to Kirtland, and to assist the brethren there. He accordingly obeyed the word of the Lord, and was sent in company with Wm. D. Pratt to bear dispatches to the brethren in Missouri. He started December 28th, 1833, and arrived in Clay County, March 4th, 1834, having suffered much from cold and fatigue.
He remained in Missouri until the arrival of "Zion's Camp," from Ohio; when the people of Clay County besought the brethren in the name of the Lord not to go into Jackson County, and they would use their influence to give them their rights; according to the laws of the land. Now, the laws of the land were good, and gave every man a right to worship the Lord according to the dictates of his own conscience; but the magistrates, officers, and people were wicked, and trampled the law under their feet, and persecuted and murdered the Saints with impunity.
About this time when thrilling incidents were of daily occurrence, a violent persecutor one day stepped up to Elder Patten and accosted him with: "you d----- Mormon," (at the same time drawing his bowie knife) "I will cut your d throat." Elder Patten, simply looked him full in the face, placed his right hand on his left breast, and advised him to do nothing rashly, whereupon the mobber, became suddenly alarmed, as he was under the impression that Brother Patten was armed, and implored him "For God's sake," not to shoot, and turned and fled.
On September 12th, 1834, Elder Patten started on another mission with Brother Warren Parrish, going by the way of La Grande and St. Louis, and from thence by steamboat to the mouth of the Ohio, where they landed on October 2d, and proceeded to Paris^ in Tennessee where they remained about three months. They preached the Gospel in that vicinity, and baptized some twenty per sons, and were also called upon to administer to the sick and the afflicted upon several occasions. One instance, worthy of mention, was that of the wife of Mr. Johnson F. Lane, who had been sick for eight years, and for the last year had been unable to walk. The Elders laid their hands upon her, and Elder Patten rebuked the disorder, and commanded it to depart; and then took her by the hand, and commanded her to arise in the name of Jesus Christ and be made whole; and also to obey the ordinance of baptism. She arose, was made whole, and went straightway and was baptized the same hour.
He returned from Tennessee to Kirtland in the spring of 1835, and received his blessings in the Temple. After his endowment, he started again on a mission to the Southern States, in company with his wife, and met with Elder Wilford Woodruff in Tennessee, on April 15th, 1836. Elders Patten and Woodruff, in prosecuting their labors as ministers of the Gospel, were on May 17th called to lay hands on a lady named Margaret Tittle, who lay at the point of death, and who was instantly healed by the power of God; and Elder Patten preached to her the principles of faith, repentance and baptism ; which she covenanted to obey. But after she was healed, she refused to obey the latter. Brother Patten talked to her, and told her that she was acting a dangerous part in disobeying the commandments of the Lord—:md predicted inasmuch as she did not repent she would be again afflicted. They left her and pursued their journey, but on their return visited her again, and found her very low with the same fever. She begged the Elders to again lay hands on her and said she would obey the Gospel. They did so, and she was healed for the second time, whereupon she went and was baptized by Brother Woodruff. On Sunday Brother Patten preached three times at the house of Father Fry, in Benton County, Tennessee; many hardened their hearts and a Mr. Rose rejected his testimony and asked him to raise the dead. Brother Patten rebuked him for his wickedness, when he and others came and threatened to mob the Elders. At the close of the meeting, Brother Patten who had nothing but a walking stick, stepped to the door yard, and told the mob to shoot if they wished, but they fled and left him.
On May 27th, Elder Warren Parrish arrived from Kirtland, and joined Elders Patten and Woodruff, and they together held a conference in Benton County, on the 28th, at which six branches were represented, containing one hundred and sixteen members. On June 9th they preached at Damons Creek, Kentucky, and Brother Patten rebuked strongly some wicked men who had gathered together as a mob. At the close of the meeting, he went to the water and baptized two; one was Father Henry Thomas, eighty years of age. He was a revolutionary soldier, and had served under General George Washington.
Brother Woodruff continued his labors in Kentucky, while Brothers Patten and Parrish went to Tennessee, and on arriving at Brother Seth Utley's in Benton County, they were taken by a mob under pretext of law. On June 19th, the mob consisting of about forty men, among whom were a Colonel and Major, a Methodist priest, and other officers; all armed with deadly weapons, under the command of Sheriff Robert C. Petty, surrounded the house, and informed the brethren that they had warrants for the arrest of Elders Patten, Parrish and Woodruff, sworn to by the Methodist priest named Matthew Williams, and charging the Elders with preaching "false and pretended prophecy;" Brother Woodruff being in Kentucky, Brother Patten and Parrish, were arrested and placed under two thousand dollar bonds. Early on the 22d they had their trial. The mob gathered to the number of one hundred, all fully armed, they took from Brother Patten his walking stick and penknife; they went through with a mock trial, but would not let the defendants produce any witnesses, and without suffering them to say a word in their defence, the Judge pronounced them guilty of the charges preferred. Brother Patten being filled with the Holy Ghost rose to his feet, and by the power of God bound them fast to their seats until he addressed them. He rebuked them sharply for their wicked and unjust proceedings. Brother Parrish afterwards speaking of the scene said: "my hair stood up straight on my head for I expected to be killed." When he concluded, the Judge addressed him saying: "You must be armed with concealed weapons, or you would not treat an armed court as you have this." Elder Patten replied: "I am armed with weapons you know not of, and my weapons are the Holy Priesthood and the power of God. God is my friend, and he permits you to exercise all the power you have, and he bestows on me all the power I have?" The effect of this speech caused the Judge to take a lenient view of the case, and he concluded to allow the Elders their liberty, upon paying the costs of the court and leaving the county within ten days. The sheriff urged the brethren to accede to this, as it would be the means of avoiding the violence of the mob. Upon consenting, the Saints in the vicinity paid the costs, and the brethren then went to Brother Utley's house. The Elders had not been gone but a short time when the mob began to quarrel among themselves, for having let their prisoners go, and at once started in pursuit. The Elders hearing of this, saddled their mules, and traveled by a circuitous route through the woods, to the house of Brother Albert Petty; arriving in the evening they put up their animals and retired to rest. They had not slept long before the angel of the Lord appeared unto them and told them that the mob were again in pursuit; and that they would soon be at the house, and that they must arise and leave the place. They arose and left for Henry County, in the night, and had not gone long, when the mob arrived, surrounded the house and demanded the Elders. On being informed that they were not there, they proceeded to search the house, and remained till daybreak, when they followed the tracks of the Elders into the next county, and then gave up the chase.
On August 20th, Elder Patten preached at the house of Randolph Alexander, and after the meeting baptized him and his wife. About this time Elder T. B. Marsh arrived in Tennessee, on his mission to collect means, and attended a conference with the brethren laboring in Tennessee and Kentucky, which was held at Damon's Creek, Callaway County, on September 2d, 1836, at which seven branches were represented, numbering one hundred and thirty-three members. September 19th, Elders T. B. Marsh, E. H. Groves and D. W. Patten and wife left the Saints in Kentucky and Tennessee, and started for Far West, Missouri, where they arrived in peace and safety.
Elder Patten remained in Missouri until the spring of 1837, when he performed another mission through the States, preaching by the way until he arrived at Kirtland. He attended conference at Kirtland, September 3d, 1837. It was a time of great apostasy in the Church. Warren Parrish, his brother-in-law, apostatized, and used his influence to draw Elder Patten away from the Church, which caused him much sorrow.
February 10th, 1838, Elders T. B. Marsh and D. W. Patten were appointed to take the Presidency in Far West until President Joseph Smith arrived. Brother Patten wrote an epistle and delivered his last testimony to the world and Church, which was published in No. 3 of the Elders' Journal. He continued to labor in Missouri during the summer of 1835, and when the persecution and mobbing commenced he was foremost in defending the Saints.
In October, 1835, news came to Far West, that the Rev. Samuel Bogard and a mob of seventy-five men were committing depredations on Log Creek, destroying property and taking prisoners. Whereupon Judge Higbee issued an order to raise a force to disperse the mob. A call was sounded, and Brothers Patten and C. C. Rich and about forty of the brethren volunteered; but Brother Rich, being convinced that a battle was inevitable, proposed to go and raise more men and meet Brother Patten's force about six miles from Far West. This being done the entire force met, numbering about seventy-five men, and was divided into three companies, with Brothers Patten, Rich and James Durfee as commanders. They then rode about four miles to a point near Crooked River, when they dismounted and left their animals in charge of a few of the brethren. Apprehending that the mob were encamped at Field's house, Captain Patten took his men and went round to the right of the field, Durfee through the field and C. C. Rich to the left. Captain Patten made a short speech, exhorted the brethren to trust in the Lord for victory, then ordered a march to the ford along the road. When near the top of the hill, words, "Who comes there," were heard, and at the same instant the report of a gun; whereupon Captain Patten ordered a charge, and rushed down the hill; arriving at the foot, the three companies formed in line, Captain Patten's on the right, C. C. Rich's next and James Durfee's on the left. The mob formed under the banks of the creek, below their tents, and fired upon them all their guns. At this Captain Patten gave the order to return the fire, which was obeyed immediately, after which a calm succeeded for a moment.
Elder Rich then commenced calling the watch-word, "God and Liberty," in which all the company joined. Captain Patten then ordered them to charge; the enemy fired a few shots and fled. Two men lingered behind; Brother Patten pursued one, and Brother Rich the other; the man that Brother Patten pursued wheeled about and shot him, he being a conspicuous mark, by wearing a white blanket coat.
Brother Gideon Carter was instantly killed during the engagement, having been shot in the head, and Brothers O'Banion, Hodges and Hendricks were all mortally wounded. The last two named brethren recovered, Brother O'Banion, however, died shortly after Brother Patten, from the effect of his injuries. The mob left all their animals and camp equipage, and dispersed in nearly all directions, and were so completely routed that almost every one of them reported that Bogard's whole company were destroyed, and he alone was left to tell the tale.
The wounded brethren were then placed in a wagon; and they started for Far West, but after traveling a few miles Brother Patten's sufferings were so great that he wished to be left. He ' and another brother were then placed on a litter and carried by the brethren. When they arrived near Log Creek, they were met by President Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Heber C. Kimball and others. At this place Brother Patten, who had received his death wound, became so feeble that he was not able to be borne any farther, so they rested for a short time. He was shortly after conveyed to the house of Brother Stephen Winchester, about four miles distant; but during his removal his sufferings were so excruciating that he frequently desired them to lay him down that he might die. He lived about an hour after his arrival, and was perfectly sensible and collected to the last. Although he had medical assistance, yet his wound was such, that there was no hope entertained for his recovery, and of this he seemed to be aware. In this condition he bore a strong testimony to the truth of the work of the Lord, and the religion he espoused; and speaking of those who had fallen from their steadfastness, he exclaimed: "O that they were in my situation! for I feel I have kept the faith. I have finished my course, henceforth there is laid up for me a crown which the Lord, the righteous Judge shall give to me." Speaking to his beloved wife, who was present and who attended him in his dying moments, he said: "Whatever you do else, O do not deny the faith!" He all the while expressed a great desire to depart. Brother Kimball spoke to him and said: Brother David, when you get home I want you to remember me." He exclaimed: "I will." At this time his sight was gone. The brethren present, being much attached to Brother Patten, endeavored to exercise faith for his recovery, and sought the Lord to spare his life. Of this he was perfectly aware, and expressed a desire, that they should let him go, as his desire was to be with Christ which was far better. A few minutes before he died he prayed as follows: "Father, I ask Thee, in the name of Jesus Christ, that Thou woulds't release my spirit and receive it unto Thyself;" and then said to those who surrounded his dying bed, "Brethren you have held me by your faith, but do give me up and let me go I beseech you!" They then committed him to God, and he soon breathed his last, falling asleep without a groan.
His death occurred at 10 p.m., October 25, 1838. Thus it will be seen that he was connected with the Church only six years, and during that time performed six or seven missions, and was foremost in the labors for the protection and welfare of the Saints; he was a man of great faith, and performed many miracles in the name of the Lord; he had many visions and dreams, and was very valiant in the testimony of Jesus and the work of God. This was an end to one who was an honor to the Church and a blessing to the Saints; and whose faith, virtue and diligence in the cause of truth will be long remembered by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance, and his memory will be held in remembrance by the Church of Christ from generation to generation.
Josiah Burrows.
DAVID W. PATTEN.
David W. Patten, the first martyred Apostle of this dispensation, was born in the State of New York about the year 1800. But little is known of his early life, except what is contained in his journal, which is very brief. He says: "In the early part of my life, I was often called upon to repent of my sins, and the Spirit of the Lord did often reprove me. In the twenty-first year of my life, the Lord visited me by His Holy Spirit, and called upon me again to repent. I rejected the call at first, but, upon mature reflection, considered it was reasonable the Lord should require obedience, and I turned to the Lord and found His favor. I lived in the enjoyment of His Spirit for three years, during which time, by dreams and visions, many things were made known to me which were to come; and from the teachings I received of the Holy Spirit, I was looking for the Church of Christ to arise in its purity, according to the promise of Christ, and that I should live to see it. From this happy state I fell away, and lived in a measure, in darkness, until the year 1830, when my mind became again aroused by the Spirit of God to a sense of my situation, and I began to pray mightily to God that He would pardon my sins and grant me His Holy Spirit."
About this time Brother Patten heard of the Book of Mormon, and the same summer saw a copy of it, but had no opportunity to read it further than the preface and testimony of the witnesses; but a fear came upon him, for he felt that he dare not say anything against it, and from that time he began to cry to God for a saving faith. In May, 1832, he received a letter from his brother in Indiana, informing him of the existence of the Church which had then been organized; also told him that he had joined the same, and received the gift of the Holy Ghost at the hands of the Elders. These tidings caused Brother Patten to rejoice, and he resolved to go at once to Indiana and see for himself. He soon became satisfied that the work was true, and was baptized on the 15th of June, 1832, in Greene County, Indiana, by his brother, John Patten, and was ordained an Elder on the 17th by Elisha H. Groves.
He was appointed, shortly after his ordination, to preach in the Territory of Michigan, in company with a Brother Wood, and was instrumental in preaching the Gospel to a great many, in healing the sick, and baptizing sixteen persons near the Manuel River. After preaching a short time (on October 16th), he started to return home to Kirtland, preaching by the way, and on the 18th took steamer from Detroit to Fairport. During this journey he got into conversation (upon religion) with a number of persons. Among them was a sectarian priest, who tempted God and asked for a sign, and pretended that he would believe if a suitable one could be obtained, and because he could not have a sign he mocked and scoffed at all that was said, but would not attempt an argument to maintain his position. Elder Patten was then attacked by one of the numerous skeptical individuals on board, who declared that he was not under any obligation to believe any thing he could not see.
Elder Patten asked him if he considered himself bound by that rule; he answered with an air of triumph, "Yes." He was then asked if he had a backbone; if he knew it, and when he had seen it; for according to his own words, if he hadn't seen it, he was not under any obligation to believe he had one. At this the company shouted and laughed, and the skeptic sneaked away. Elder Patten arrived at Kirtland in October, and remained two or three weeks, assisting the brethren to harvest their corn and dig potatoes. Nov. 9th, 1832, he started, in company with Brothers John Murdock and Reynolds Cahoon, to perform a mission in the East; and on November 29th held a council with Brothers John F. Boynton and Zebedee Coltrin, relative to the mission. They retired to a grove to inquire of the Lord, and agreed that Brother Coltrin should be the person through whom the Lord should make His will known unto them; and the answer was that they should pursue their journey eastward, not in haste nor by flight. When they arrived at the Springfield branch of the Saints, they met Brothers Hyrum and William Smith and held a meeting together, at the close of which six persons were baptized by Brother Hyrum, and two more on the following day. Elder Patten continued his labors and administered much unto the sick, and in one instance healed instantly a woman who had been afflicted for nearly twenty years. He arrived home in Kirtland, February 25, 1833.
On March 25th, the Elders were sent to preach the Gospel and counsel the Saints to gather to Kirtland. Elders Patten and Cahoon were sent East, and on reaching Avon held a meeting at the house of Father Bosley; and while Elder Patten was speaking he was interrupted by a person who had made himself very obnoxious by disturbing the meetings. Brother Patten at once commanded him to be quiet or he would put him out. The individual replied that he could not do it. Elder Patten, feeling mightily roused by the Spirit, replied, "In the name of the Lord I will do it," whereupon he walked up to him, and seizing him by the neck with one hand, and by the seat of the pants with the other, he carried him to the door and threw him about ten feet on to a pile of wood, which quieted him for the time being. From this circumstance the saying went out that David Patten had cast out one devil, soul and body.
On May 20th, 1833, Brigham Young arrived at Theresa, Indiana River Falls, where Elder Patten had been visiting his relatives; and after preaching several discourses, baptized Elder Patten's mother and sister Mary, his brothers Archibald and Ira, and also Warren Parish. He continued his labors in Jefferson County, and in the town of Orleans raised a branch of the Church numbering eighteen members; also at Henderson he baptized eight persons, from among a noble people whom he found willing to receive the truth. He continued his labors through the months of May, June, July and August, during which time, by the blessings of God, he raised up other branches of the Church, in all about eighty members. He then returned to Kirtland, in company with his brother Ira, and found the Saints all well. Some of the brethren were working on the Temple, which was then being erected; and for a month Elder Patten remained and worked upon that edifice. He then went to his former place of residence in Michigan, and concluded to remove his effects to Florence, Ohio, where he remained about seven weeks, five of which he suffered from a severe illness, when he commended himself into the hands of the Lord, and was relieved of his illness. He then started again into the world to proclaim the Gospel.
He had been traveling about two weeks, when the Lord made it known unto him, that he desired him to return to Kirtland, and to assist the brethren there. He accordingly obeyed the word of the Lord, and was sent in company with Wm. D. Pratt to bear dispatches to the brethren in Missouri. He started December 28th, 1833, and arrived in Clay County, March 4th, 1834, having suffered much from cold and fatigue.
He remained in Missouri until the arrival of "Zion's Camp," from Ohio; when the people of Clay County besought the brethren in the name of the Lord not to go into Jackson County, and they would use their influence to give them their rights; according to the laws of the land. Now, the laws of the land were good, and gave every man a right to worship the Lord according to the dictates of his own conscience; but the magistrates, officers, and people were wicked, and trampled the law under their feet, and persecuted and murdered the Saints with impunity.
About this time when thrilling incidents were of daily occurrence, a violent persecutor one day stepped up to Elder Patten and accosted him with: "you d----- Mormon," (at the same time drawing his bowie knife) "I will cut your d throat." Elder Patten, simply looked him full in the face, placed his right hand on his left breast, and advised him to do nothing rashly, whereupon the mobber, became suddenly alarmed, as he was under the impression that Brother Patten was armed, and implored him "For God's sake," not to shoot, and turned and fled.
On September 12th, 1834, Elder Patten started on another mission with Brother Warren Parrish, going by the way of La Grande and St. Louis, and from thence by steamboat to the mouth of the Ohio, where they landed on October 2d, and proceeded to Paris^ in Tennessee where they remained about three months. They preached the Gospel in that vicinity, and baptized some twenty per sons, and were also called upon to administer to the sick and the afflicted upon several occasions. One instance, worthy of mention, was that of the wife of Mr. Johnson F. Lane, who had been sick for eight years, and for the last year had been unable to walk. The Elders laid their hands upon her, and Elder Patten rebuked the disorder, and commanded it to depart; and then took her by the hand, and commanded her to arise in the name of Jesus Christ and be made whole; and also to obey the ordinance of baptism. She arose, was made whole, and went straightway and was baptized the same hour.
He returned from Tennessee to Kirtland in the spring of 1835, and received his blessings in the Temple. After his endowment, he started again on a mission to the Southern States, in company with his wife, and met with Elder Wilford Woodruff in Tennessee, on April 15th, 1836. Elders Patten and Woodruff, in prosecuting their labors as ministers of the Gospel, were on May 17th called to lay hands on a lady named Margaret Tittle, who lay at the point of death, and who was instantly healed by the power of God; and Elder Patten preached to her the principles of faith, repentance and baptism ; which she covenanted to obey. But after she was healed, she refused to obey the latter. Brother Patten talked to her, and told her that she was acting a dangerous part in disobeying the commandments of the Lord—:md predicted inasmuch as she did not repent she would be again afflicted. They left her and pursued their journey, but on their return visited her again, and found her very low with the same fever. She begged the Elders to again lay hands on her and said she would obey the Gospel. They did so, and she was healed for the second time, whereupon she went and was baptized by Brother Woodruff. On Sunday Brother Patten preached three times at the house of Father Fry, in Benton County, Tennessee; many hardened their hearts and a Mr. Rose rejected his testimony and asked him to raise the dead. Brother Patten rebuked him for his wickedness, when he and others came and threatened to mob the Elders. At the close of the meeting, Brother Patten who had nothing but a walking stick, stepped to the door yard, and told the mob to shoot if they wished, but they fled and left him.
On May 27th, Elder Warren Parrish arrived from Kirtland, and joined Elders Patten and Woodruff, and they together held a conference in Benton County, on the 28th, at which six branches were represented, containing one hundred and sixteen members. On June 9th they preached at Damons Creek, Kentucky, and Brother Patten rebuked strongly some wicked men who had gathered together as a mob. At the close of the meeting, he went to the water and baptized two; one was Father Henry Thomas, eighty years of age. He was a revolutionary soldier, and had served under General George Washington.
Brother Woodruff continued his labors in Kentucky, while Brothers Patten and Parrish went to Tennessee, and on arriving at Brother Seth Utley's in Benton County, they were taken by a mob under pretext of law. On June 19th, the mob consisting of about forty men, among whom were a Colonel and Major, a Methodist priest, and other officers; all armed with deadly weapons, under the command of Sheriff Robert C. Petty, surrounded the house, and informed the brethren that they had warrants for the arrest of Elders Patten, Parrish and Woodruff, sworn to by the Methodist priest named Matthew Williams, and charging the Elders with preaching "false and pretended prophecy;" Brother Woodruff being in Kentucky, Brother Patten and Parrish, were arrested and placed under two thousand dollar bonds. Early on the 22d they had their trial. The mob gathered to the number of one hundred, all fully armed, they took from Brother Patten his walking stick and penknife; they went through with a mock trial, but would not let the defendants produce any witnesses, and without suffering them to say a word in their defence, the Judge pronounced them guilty of the charges preferred. Brother Patten being filled with the Holy Ghost rose to his feet, and by the power of God bound them fast to their seats until he addressed them. He rebuked them sharply for their wicked and unjust proceedings. Brother Parrish afterwards speaking of the scene said: "my hair stood up straight on my head for I expected to be killed." When he concluded, the Judge addressed him saying: "You must be armed with concealed weapons, or you would not treat an armed court as you have this." Elder Patten replied: "I am armed with weapons you know not of, and my weapons are the Holy Priesthood and the power of God. God is my friend, and he permits you to exercise all the power you have, and he bestows on me all the power I have?" The effect of this speech caused the Judge to take a lenient view of the case, and he concluded to allow the Elders their liberty, upon paying the costs of the court and leaving the county within ten days. The sheriff urged the brethren to accede to this, as it would be the means of avoiding the violence of the mob. Upon consenting, the Saints in the vicinity paid the costs, and the brethren then went to Brother Utley's house. The Elders had not been gone but a short time when the mob began to quarrel among themselves, for having let their prisoners go, and at once started in pursuit. The Elders hearing of this, saddled their mules, and traveled by a circuitous route through the woods, to the house of Brother Albert Petty; arriving in the evening they put up their animals and retired to rest. They had not slept long before the angel of the Lord appeared unto them and told them that the mob were again in pursuit; and that they would soon be at the house, and that they must arise and leave the place. They arose and left for Henry County, in the night, and had not gone long, when the mob arrived, surrounded the house and demanded the Elders. On being informed that they were not there, they proceeded to search the house, and remained till daybreak, when they followed the tracks of the Elders into the next county, and then gave up the chase.
On August 20th, Elder Patten preached at the house of Randolph Alexander, and after the meeting baptized him and his wife. About this time Elder T. B. Marsh arrived in Tennessee, on his mission to collect means, and attended a conference with the brethren laboring in Tennessee and Kentucky, which was held at Damon's Creek, Callaway County, on September 2d, 1836, at which seven branches were represented, numbering one hundred and thirty-three members. September 19th, Elders T. B. Marsh, E. H. Groves and D. W. Patten and wife left the Saints in Kentucky and Tennessee, and started for Far West, Missouri, where they arrived in peace and safety.
Elder Patten remained in Missouri until the spring of 1837, when he performed another mission through the States, preaching by the way until he arrived at Kirtland. He attended conference at Kirtland, September 3d, 1837. It was a time of great apostasy in the Church. Warren Parrish, his brother-in-law, apostatized, and used his influence to draw Elder Patten away from the Church, which caused him much sorrow.
February 10th, 1838, Elders T. B. Marsh and D. W. Patten were appointed to take the Presidency in Far West until President Joseph Smith arrived. Brother Patten wrote an epistle and delivered his last testimony to the world and Church, which was published in No. 3 of the Elders' Journal. He continued to labor in Missouri during the summer of 1835, and when the persecution and mobbing commenced he was foremost in defending the Saints.
In October, 1835, news came to Far West, that the Rev. Samuel Bogard and a mob of seventy-five men were committing depredations on Log Creek, destroying property and taking prisoners. Whereupon Judge Higbee issued an order to raise a force to disperse the mob. A call was sounded, and Brothers Patten and C. C. Rich and about forty of the brethren volunteered; but Brother Rich, being convinced that a battle was inevitable, proposed to go and raise more men and meet Brother Patten's force about six miles from Far West. This being done the entire force met, numbering about seventy-five men, and was divided into three companies, with Brothers Patten, Rich and James Durfee as commanders. They then rode about four miles to a point near Crooked River, when they dismounted and left their animals in charge of a few of the brethren. Apprehending that the mob were encamped at Field's house, Captain Patten took his men and went round to the right of the field, Durfee through the field and C. C. Rich to the left. Captain Patten made a short speech, exhorted the brethren to trust in the Lord for victory, then ordered a march to the ford along the road. When near the top of the hill, words, "Who comes there," were heard, and at the same instant the report of a gun; whereupon Captain Patten ordered a charge, and rushed down the hill; arriving at the foot, the three companies formed in line, Captain Patten's on the right, C. C. Rich's next and James Durfee's on the left. The mob formed under the banks of the creek, below their tents, and fired upon them all their guns. At this Captain Patten gave the order to return the fire, which was obeyed immediately, after which a calm succeeded for a moment.
Elder Rich then commenced calling the watch-word, "God and Liberty," in which all the company joined. Captain Patten then ordered them to charge; the enemy fired a few shots and fled. Two men lingered behind; Brother Patten pursued one, and Brother Rich the other; the man that Brother Patten pursued wheeled about and shot him, he being a conspicuous mark, by wearing a white blanket coat.
Brother Gideon Carter was instantly killed during the engagement, having been shot in the head, and Brothers O'Banion, Hodges and Hendricks were all mortally wounded. The last two named brethren recovered, Brother O'Banion, however, died shortly after Brother Patten, from the effect of his injuries. The mob left all their animals and camp equipage, and dispersed in nearly all directions, and were so completely routed that almost every one of them reported that Bogard's whole company were destroyed, and he alone was left to tell the tale.
The wounded brethren were then placed in a wagon; and they started for Far West, but after traveling a few miles Brother Patten's sufferings were so great that he wished to be left. He ' and another brother were then placed on a litter and carried by the brethren. When they arrived near Log Creek, they were met by President Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Heber C. Kimball and others. At this place Brother Patten, who had received his death wound, became so feeble that he was not able to be borne any farther, so they rested for a short time. He was shortly after conveyed to the house of Brother Stephen Winchester, about four miles distant; but during his removal his sufferings were so excruciating that he frequently desired them to lay him down that he might die. He lived about an hour after his arrival, and was perfectly sensible and collected to the last. Although he had medical assistance, yet his wound was such, that there was no hope entertained for his recovery, and of this he seemed to be aware. In this condition he bore a strong testimony to the truth of the work of the Lord, and the religion he espoused; and speaking of those who had fallen from their steadfastness, he exclaimed: "O that they were in my situation! for I feel I have kept the faith. I have finished my course, henceforth there is laid up for me a crown which the Lord, the righteous Judge shall give to me." Speaking to his beloved wife, who was present and who attended him in his dying moments, he said: "Whatever you do else, O do not deny the faith!" He all the while expressed a great desire to depart. Brother Kimball spoke to him and said: Brother David, when you get home I want you to remember me." He exclaimed: "I will." At this time his sight was gone. The brethren present, being much attached to Brother Patten, endeavored to exercise faith for his recovery, and sought the Lord to spare his life. Of this he was perfectly aware, and expressed a desire, that they should let him go, as his desire was to be with Christ which was far better. A few minutes before he died he prayed as follows: "Father, I ask Thee, in the name of Jesus Christ, that Thou woulds't release my spirit and receive it unto Thyself;" and then said to those who surrounded his dying bed, "Brethren you have held me by your faith, but do give me up and let me go I beseech you!" They then committed him to God, and he soon breathed his last, falling asleep without a groan.
His death occurred at 10 p.m., October 25, 1838. Thus it will be seen that he was connected with the Church only six years, and during that time performed six or seven missions, and was foremost in the labors for the protection and welfare of the Saints; he was a man of great faith, and performed many miracles in the name of the Lord; he had many visions and dreams, and was very valiant in the testimony of Jesus and the work of God. This was an end to one who was an honor to the Church and a blessing to the Saints; and whose faith, virtue and diligence in the cause of truth will be long remembered by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance, and his memory will be held in remembrance by the Church of Christ from generation to generation.
Josiah Burrows.
Wilson, Lycurgus A. "Life of David W. Patten. Chapter I." Juvenile Instructor. 1 September 1896. pg. 524-527.
LIFE OF DAVID W. PATTEN.
CHAPTER I.
“God gave me all the power I have"—David W. Patten.
Great men are the Lord's object lessons to the world. They hold out to mankind the measure of truth committed to their generation. As example is greater than precept, so a life may state a truth more forcibly than words.
When He answered the question as to the first great commandment, the Savior did more than satisfy the idle curiosity of the listening crowd, he indicated one of the underlying purposes of this life and stated the principle by which civilization will be determined.
Measured by the love he bore his Maker and his fellow-men, few greater men have ever lived than David Wyman Patten. With all the intensity of his nature, he served the Lord, and with the same undivided purpose he was devoted to the welfare of humanity. Having in mind that divine precept, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend," the Prophet Joseph Smith said over the remains of this great Apostle, "There lies a man who has done just as he said he would — he has laid down his life for his friends"
Of David's early life little is known. While he was quite young, his parents, Benenio Patten and Abigail Cole Patten, removed from the State of Vermont, where he was born about the year 1800, to the town of Theresa, at Indian River Falls, in the western part of the State of New York.
Leaving home while yet a boy. he made his way to the southeastern part of Michigan, and made himself a home in the woods a short distance above the little town of Dundee, in Monroe County, where he married Miss Phoebe Ann Babcock, in 1828. Here, too, though telling his fellow-religionists that there was no true religion on the earth, he allied himself with the Methodists.
Being from youth of a religious turn of mind, he had received a particular manifestation of the Holy Ghost when he was twenty-one years of age. Being admonished to humble himself before the Lord and repent of his sins, he enjoyed for the next three years a close communion with the Lord, through visions and dreams of the night. In one of these it was made known to him that the Church of Christ would be established in his day, and he looked forward to such an event with joyous anticipation.
When about the age of twenty-four years, as he tells us in his meager journal, he became, through the cares of the world, neglectful in conduct, and remained so to some extent until he was thirty years old, when, b}' sincere repentance, he again received a testimony that his sins were forgiven. Under these conditions and at about this time he saw for the first time a copy of the Book of Mormon, but only long enough to read the inspired preface and the testimony of the eleven witnesses. From this time he prayed continually for faith and a more perfect knowledge. It was while living in anticipation of just such an event, therefore, that he received, in the latter part of May, 1833, a letter from his elder brother, John Patten, of Fairplay, Indiana, informing him of the restoration of the Gospel.
The message fairly caused his heart to leap for joy. He was conscious of the light which was about to break upon him. He knew by intuition that his life's darkness was over, and that thenceforward he should walk in the light of truth eternal. He arose in the meeting that day— for it was on a Sunday he received the word—and told the assembly he had at last got word of the Church of Christ.
Impatient to be off, he mounted his old grey mare the next morning and started alone through the woods on a journey of three hundred miles. That part of the country in those days was little more than a wilderness. The roads by which the settlers had come from their eastern homes ran, in the main, east and west, so that David's way to the south led him over hills, through valleys and across rivers by paths almost unknown to the white man: but nature was in her glory, the birds made melody the day through, and, more than all else, his own heart, swelling with gratitude, kept time to the music of the spheres, for God had again spoken from' the heavens, the questionings of his soul since boyhood had been answered, and those paths, rough though they were, led to the realization of his highest hopes this side of eternity. That otherwise lonely journey was filled with peace and happiness unspeakable.
Arrived at the home of his brother, at Fairplay, he found him, before an infidel, now a devoted Christian and substantially as the history of the rise of the Church was related to him we shall repeat it here:
"In a little town six hundred miles to the east, in the State of New York, a young man named Joseph Smith, while praying in the woods twelve years ago, received a visit from God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. Three years later an angel, calling himself Moroni, appeared to this youth and explained that he was a resurrected being who had formerly lived on this continent in the flesh. Telling the boy Joseph of a sacred record hidden in a hill nearby, the angel met him on the hillside where the precious charge lay concealed in a stone box, and after repeated admonitions during the four subsequent years, delivered to him some gold plates and an instrument called a Urim and Thummim, with which to translate the inspired hieroglyphics.
"After much delay and a great deal of persecution, the youth succeeded in reproducing from the gold plates the record known as the Book of Mormon, now published to the world these three years.
"Two years and two months ago, having received authority under the hands of John the Baptist, as also from Peter, James and John, the ancient apostles, this modern Prophet, in accordance with directions from the Lord, organized the true Church of Christ, at Fayette, Seneca County, in the State of New York.
"The next fall after the Church was set up, three missionaries came west with the intention of introducing the work among the Indians, who are descended from an ancient people of whom the Book of Mormon gives the history, and on their way came among an earnest body of worshippers at Kirtland, Ohio. These read the book, believed the testimony, and received baptism to the number of several hundred souls.
"Receiving a visit from a number of these converts, the Prophet himself has removed with his family to Kirtland, where he now lives with a number of his followers.
"It has, moreover, been revealed to the Prophet that the ancient site of the Garden of Eden is on this continent, and that the building of the New Jerusalem is to commence at that sacred spot. Accordingly, the converts to the new faith are gathering from all directions into Independence, Missouri, where about four hundred of them are now settled. "
Interesting as this narrative is to us, though we have heard it for the hundredth time, how much more interesting must it have been to David W. Patten, for it was all new to him. Drinking it in with his whole soul, he received the truth with joy, and was led into the waters of baptism on the 15th of day June, 1832.
With the most of men there is lingering in the very heart of their faith a grain of doubt. Even the missionary, no doubt, feels easier in placing himself in the hands of the Lord, when he knows that if no place is furnished him to sleep, he can with the dollar in his pocket provide for himself. And so it is with each of us at times. It seems as though we cannot free ourselves from the millstone of doubt, and take the Lord at His word when He says He will provide for those who trust Him. This was not the case, however, with David W. Patten. He stood six feet and one inch in height, and weighed over two hundred pounds; but there seems to have been no room in his whole generous composition for a particle of doubt. He took the Lord at His word and devoted his whole life to His service; and whether face to face with Cain, or baring his breast to an infuriated mob, a doubt that the Lord was with him seems thenceforth never to have entered his mind.
Two days after his baptism David was ordained an Elder under the hands of Elisha H. Groves, and with Joseph Wood, another recent convert, as a companion, was given a mission to the Territory of Michigan.
LIFE OF DAVID W. PATTEN.
CHAPTER I.
“God gave me all the power I have"—David W. Patten.
Great men are the Lord's object lessons to the world. They hold out to mankind the measure of truth committed to their generation. As example is greater than precept, so a life may state a truth more forcibly than words.
When He answered the question as to the first great commandment, the Savior did more than satisfy the idle curiosity of the listening crowd, he indicated one of the underlying purposes of this life and stated the principle by which civilization will be determined.
Measured by the love he bore his Maker and his fellow-men, few greater men have ever lived than David Wyman Patten. With all the intensity of his nature, he served the Lord, and with the same undivided purpose he was devoted to the welfare of humanity. Having in mind that divine precept, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend," the Prophet Joseph Smith said over the remains of this great Apostle, "There lies a man who has done just as he said he would — he has laid down his life for his friends"
Of David's early life little is known. While he was quite young, his parents, Benenio Patten and Abigail Cole Patten, removed from the State of Vermont, where he was born about the year 1800, to the town of Theresa, at Indian River Falls, in the western part of the State of New York.
Leaving home while yet a boy. he made his way to the southeastern part of Michigan, and made himself a home in the woods a short distance above the little town of Dundee, in Monroe County, where he married Miss Phoebe Ann Babcock, in 1828. Here, too, though telling his fellow-religionists that there was no true religion on the earth, he allied himself with the Methodists.
Being from youth of a religious turn of mind, he had received a particular manifestation of the Holy Ghost when he was twenty-one years of age. Being admonished to humble himself before the Lord and repent of his sins, he enjoyed for the next three years a close communion with the Lord, through visions and dreams of the night. In one of these it was made known to him that the Church of Christ would be established in his day, and he looked forward to such an event with joyous anticipation.
When about the age of twenty-four years, as he tells us in his meager journal, he became, through the cares of the world, neglectful in conduct, and remained so to some extent until he was thirty years old, when, b}' sincere repentance, he again received a testimony that his sins were forgiven. Under these conditions and at about this time he saw for the first time a copy of the Book of Mormon, but only long enough to read the inspired preface and the testimony of the eleven witnesses. From this time he prayed continually for faith and a more perfect knowledge. It was while living in anticipation of just such an event, therefore, that he received, in the latter part of May, 1833, a letter from his elder brother, John Patten, of Fairplay, Indiana, informing him of the restoration of the Gospel.
The message fairly caused his heart to leap for joy. He was conscious of the light which was about to break upon him. He knew by intuition that his life's darkness was over, and that thenceforward he should walk in the light of truth eternal. He arose in the meeting that day— for it was on a Sunday he received the word—and told the assembly he had at last got word of the Church of Christ.
Impatient to be off, he mounted his old grey mare the next morning and started alone through the woods on a journey of three hundred miles. That part of the country in those days was little more than a wilderness. The roads by which the settlers had come from their eastern homes ran, in the main, east and west, so that David's way to the south led him over hills, through valleys and across rivers by paths almost unknown to the white man: but nature was in her glory, the birds made melody the day through, and, more than all else, his own heart, swelling with gratitude, kept time to the music of the spheres, for God had again spoken from' the heavens, the questionings of his soul since boyhood had been answered, and those paths, rough though they were, led to the realization of his highest hopes this side of eternity. That otherwise lonely journey was filled with peace and happiness unspeakable.
Arrived at the home of his brother, at Fairplay, he found him, before an infidel, now a devoted Christian and substantially as the history of the rise of the Church was related to him we shall repeat it here:
"In a little town six hundred miles to the east, in the State of New York, a young man named Joseph Smith, while praying in the woods twelve years ago, received a visit from God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. Three years later an angel, calling himself Moroni, appeared to this youth and explained that he was a resurrected being who had formerly lived on this continent in the flesh. Telling the boy Joseph of a sacred record hidden in a hill nearby, the angel met him on the hillside where the precious charge lay concealed in a stone box, and after repeated admonitions during the four subsequent years, delivered to him some gold plates and an instrument called a Urim and Thummim, with which to translate the inspired hieroglyphics.
"After much delay and a great deal of persecution, the youth succeeded in reproducing from the gold plates the record known as the Book of Mormon, now published to the world these three years.
"Two years and two months ago, having received authority under the hands of John the Baptist, as also from Peter, James and John, the ancient apostles, this modern Prophet, in accordance with directions from the Lord, organized the true Church of Christ, at Fayette, Seneca County, in the State of New York.
"The next fall after the Church was set up, three missionaries came west with the intention of introducing the work among the Indians, who are descended from an ancient people of whom the Book of Mormon gives the history, and on their way came among an earnest body of worshippers at Kirtland, Ohio. These read the book, believed the testimony, and received baptism to the number of several hundred souls.
"Receiving a visit from a number of these converts, the Prophet himself has removed with his family to Kirtland, where he now lives with a number of his followers.
"It has, moreover, been revealed to the Prophet that the ancient site of the Garden of Eden is on this continent, and that the building of the New Jerusalem is to commence at that sacred spot. Accordingly, the converts to the new faith are gathering from all directions into Independence, Missouri, where about four hundred of them are now settled. "
Interesting as this narrative is to us, though we have heard it for the hundredth time, how much more interesting must it have been to David W. Patten, for it was all new to him. Drinking it in with his whole soul, he received the truth with joy, and was led into the waters of baptism on the 15th of day June, 1832.
With the most of men there is lingering in the very heart of their faith a grain of doubt. Even the missionary, no doubt, feels easier in placing himself in the hands of the Lord, when he knows that if no place is furnished him to sleep, he can with the dollar in his pocket provide for himself. And so it is with each of us at times. It seems as though we cannot free ourselves from the millstone of doubt, and take the Lord at His word when He says He will provide for those who trust Him. This was not the case, however, with David W. Patten. He stood six feet and one inch in height, and weighed over two hundred pounds; but there seems to have been no room in his whole generous composition for a particle of doubt. He took the Lord at His word and devoted his whole life to His service; and whether face to face with Cain, or baring his breast to an infuriated mob, a doubt that the Lord was with him seems thenceforth never to have entered his mind.
Two days after his baptism David was ordained an Elder under the hands of Elisha H. Groves, and with Joseph Wood, another recent convert, as a companion, was given a mission to the Territory of Michigan.
Wilson, Lycurgus A. "Life of David W. Patten. Chapter II." Juvenile Instructor. 15 September 1896. pg. 549-551.
LIFE OF DAVID W. PATTEN.
CHAPTER II.
Those who have had a like experience, will know with what joy the new convert returned to his friends in the wilderness. All business was laid aside. With his companion, David traveled through all the country round about preaching the Gospel and healing the sick.
Immediately upon taking up his labors in Michigan, in calling at the house of a stranger to ask for dinner, David found in the family a very sick child, and while discussing the restoration of the Gospel with the parents, was asked to administer to the child. Finding the mother had faith, he did so, and it was at once healed.
In administering the healing ordinance David had a method of procedure peculiarly his own. On reaching the bedside, he would first teach the principles of the Gospel and bear his testimony to their truth, when he usually made a promise that the invalid should be healed if he would agree to accept baptism. President Abraham O. Smoot, of Utah Stake, once said he never knew an instance in which David's petition for the sick was not answered, and this is also the testimony of President Wilford Woodruff.
At the close of one of his meetings in Michigan, where he had no doubt spoken of the gift of healing, two children sick of fever and ague were brought to the meeting-house to be healed. David had started off, but was called back and upon learning from the parents of their faith, acceded to their request, and the children were healed instantly.
Until the latter part of September David and his companion labored in Southeastern Michigan, baptizing sixteen persons in a branch of the Maumee River during that time. Late in the summer they took up a journey to Kirtland, preaching by the way.
Perhaps the first person they met at Kirtland was Elder Joseph C. Kingsbury, (or they inquired of him at Newel K. Whitney's store the way to the home of the Prophet Joseph. It was early in October; the Prophet was on a mission east, and while waiting his return, David spent the next two or three weeks on the Prophet's farm, helping to dig potatoes and harvest corn.
Soon after the return of the Prophet Joseph Smith, David W. Patten was sent into Pennsylvania on his second mission, traveling sometimes with John Murdock as a companion, and at other times with Reynolds Cahoon.
The Prophet, in sending out these early missionaries, had no particular field of labor in mind for any of them. They were sent to warn all men, but their message was specially to the honest in heart, and these they had no way of finding except by the inspiration of the Lord. Just at this time a large number of Elders had been sent east from Kirtland in response to the revelation of September 22, 1832, Section 84, Doctrine and Covenants. On the 29th of November, in Eastern Ohio, David fell in with John F. Boynton and Zebedee Coltrin, who like himself were uncertain as to their course, and the three thereupon held a council of inquiry. Agreeing that Zebedee Coltrin should be mouth, the three went into a wood nearby and knelt in prayer. They were directed to go eastward, preaching as they went. This they did, and David adds, "the Spirit of God leading us." Several persons were baptized on their way.
At Springfield, Pa., David met Hyrum Smith and his brother William, and joined them in holding services. After meeting, six persons were baptized. David's gift of healing the sick was in constant demand. People came to him from all the country round, and it was a daily occurrence for the sick to be healed under his administrations. One woman, who had been an invalid for twenty years, was healed instantly.
After four months' labor in and about Pennsylvania, David returned to Kirtland, arriving there February 25, 1833.
David was a man of great physical strength. While on his third mission, which was undertaken after a month's rest at Kirtland, he and Reynolds Cahoon had an appointment to preach at the house of Father Bosley, at Avon, Ohio.
Several meetings had been held here before by other Elders, and among the assembled neighbors, was a man known as the "County Bull}, " who was the source of a great deal of annoyance to the speakers.
Sitting by the door in the hallway, this man would, every little while, contradict the speaker, or call out some irreverent suggestion, or ask for a sign. He boisterously refused to be quiet, and on the evening of David's meeting at the house, was particularly noisy, asking David, among other things, to cast the devil out. Whether it was from sense of humor at the fellow's unlucky remark, or because he was so tired of the disturbance, we cannot say, but David finally determined to silence his persecutor.
Walking to the hallway, he quietly picked the man up bodily, carried him to the outside door, and with a swing sent the fellow about ten feet onto the wood pile. There was no more disturbance that night, and the saying was the current mirth provoker of the neighborhood for weeks afterward, that "Patten cast out one devil, soul and body."
While on this mission, David assisted in converting a part of his own family. On the 20th of May, 1833, at Theresa, Indian River Falls, his brothers, Archibald and Ira, his sister Polly, his mother, and two of his brothers-in-law, Warren Parrish and Mr. Cheeseman, were led into the waters of baptism by Elder Brigham Young, who was another of the large number of missionaries sent out from Kirtland in March, 1833. David's father had died in August the previous year.
For nearly a year now David had been almost continuously in the field, preaching the Gospel and healing the sick, his power with the Lord in no wise diminishing. No credit was ever taken to himself, however, in the miracles performed, for he writes oi this time:
"The Lord did work with me wonderfully, in signs and wonders following them that believed in the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, insomuch that the deaf were made to hear, the blind to see, and the lame were made whole. Fevers, palsies, crooked and withered limbs, and in fact all manner of diseases common to the country, were healed by the power of God, that was manifested through his servants."
Among those visited by him was a blind woman, the wife of Ezra Strong. It was nearly noon when David reached the house. After the usual testimony and questions respecting her faith in the Gospel, David rubbed and anointed her eyes, when immediately she was restored to sight; and so thoroughly was she healed that she prepared dinner for the household.
During this summer, under great hardship and suffering, eighty members were added to the Church under David's administration. Eighteen of these were at Orleans, Jefferson County, New York. At Henderson where eight converts were baptized, great power was manifested at the confirmation, when the members spoke in tongues and prophesied.
With his brother, Ira, David returned in the early autumn of 1833 to Kirtland, where he worked on the temple for a month. Before winter set in that year, David had removed his wife and their effects from Michigan to Florence, Ohio, where he remained till the latter part of November. Having been sickly five weeks of the seven he spent at home that tall, David commended himself into the hands of the Lord and went into the neighboring country to preach. But there was a field more in need of his labors than this, for he had not been from home more than two weeks when the word of the Lord came to him as follows:
"Depart from your field of labor, and go unto Kirtland, for behold, I will send thee up to the land of Zion. for behold, thou shalt serve thy brethren there."
Lycurgus A. Wilson.
LIFE OF DAVID W. PATTEN.
CHAPTER II.
Those who have had a like experience, will know with what joy the new convert returned to his friends in the wilderness. All business was laid aside. With his companion, David traveled through all the country round about preaching the Gospel and healing the sick.
Immediately upon taking up his labors in Michigan, in calling at the house of a stranger to ask for dinner, David found in the family a very sick child, and while discussing the restoration of the Gospel with the parents, was asked to administer to the child. Finding the mother had faith, he did so, and it was at once healed.
In administering the healing ordinance David had a method of procedure peculiarly his own. On reaching the bedside, he would first teach the principles of the Gospel and bear his testimony to their truth, when he usually made a promise that the invalid should be healed if he would agree to accept baptism. President Abraham O. Smoot, of Utah Stake, once said he never knew an instance in which David's petition for the sick was not answered, and this is also the testimony of President Wilford Woodruff.
At the close of one of his meetings in Michigan, where he had no doubt spoken of the gift of healing, two children sick of fever and ague were brought to the meeting-house to be healed. David had started off, but was called back and upon learning from the parents of their faith, acceded to their request, and the children were healed instantly.
Until the latter part of September David and his companion labored in Southeastern Michigan, baptizing sixteen persons in a branch of the Maumee River during that time. Late in the summer they took up a journey to Kirtland, preaching by the way.
Perhaps the first person they met at Kirtland was Elder Joseph C. Kingsbury, (or they inquired of him at Newel K. Whitney's store the way to the home of the Prophet Joseph. It was early in October; the Prophet was on a mission east, and while waiting his return, David spent the next two or three weeks on the Prophet's farm, helping to dig potatoes and harvest corn.
Soon after the return of the Prophet Joseph Smith, David W. Patten was sent into Pennsylvania on his second mission, traveling sometimes with John Murdock as a companion, and at other times with Reynolds Cahoon.
The Prophet, in sending out these early missionaries, had no particular field of labor in mind for any of them. They were sent to warn all men, but their message was specially to the honest in heart, and these they had no way of finding except by the inspiration of the Lord. Just at this time a large number of Elders had been sent east from Kirtland in response to the revelation of September 22, 1832, Section 84, Doctrine and Covenants. On the 29th of November, in Eastern Ohio, David fell in with John F. Boynton and Zebedee Coltrin, who like himself were uncertain as to their course, and the three thereupon held a council of inquiry. Agreeing that Zebedee Coltrin should be mouth, the three went into a wood nearby and knelt in prayer. They were directed to go eastward, preaching as they went. This they did, and David adds, "the Spirit of God leading us." Several persons were baptized on their way.
At Springfield, Pa., David met Hyrum Smith and his brother William, and joined them in holding services. After meeting, six persons were baptized. David's gift of healing the sick was in constant demand. People came to him from all the country round, and it was a daily occurrence for the sick to be healed under his administrations. One woman, who had been an invalid for twenty years, was healed instantly.
After four months' labor in and about Pennsylvania, David returned to Kirtland, arriving there February 25, 1833.
David was a man of great physical strength. While on his third mission, which was undertaken after a month's rest at Kirtland, he and Reynolds Cahoon had an appointment to preach at the house of Father Bosley, at Avon, Ohio.
Several meetings had been held here before by other Elders, and among the assembled neighbors, was a man known as the "County Bull}, " who was the source of a great deal of annoyance to the speakers.
Sitting by the door in the hallway, this man would, every little while, contradict the speaker, or call out some irreverent suggestion, or ask for a sign. He boisterously refused to be quiet, and on the evening of David's meeting at the house, was particularly noisy, asking David, among other things, to cast the devil out. Whether it was from sense of humor at the fellow's unlucky remark, or because he was so tired of the disturbance, we cannot say, but David finally determined to silence his persecutor.
Walking to the hallway, he quietly picked the man up bodily, carried him to the outside door, and with a swing sent the fellow about ten feet onto the wood pile. There was no more disturbance that night, and the saying was the current mirth provoker of the neighborhood for weeks afterward, that "Patten cast out one devil, soul and body."
While on this mission, David assisted in converting a part of his own family. On the 20th of May, 1833, at Theresa, Indian River Falls, his brothers, Archibald and Ira, his sister Polly, his mother, and two of his brothers-in-law, Warren Parrish and Mr. Cheeseman, were led into the waters of baptism by Elder Brigham Young, who was another of the large number of missionaries sent out from Kirtland in March, 1833. David's father had died in August the previous year.
For nearly a year now David had been almost continuously in the field, preaching the Gospel and healing the sick, his power with the Lord in no wise diminishing. No credit was ever taken to himself, however, in the miracles performed, for he writes oi this time:
"The Lord did work with me wonderfully, in signs and wonders following them that believed in the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, insomuch that the deaf were made to hear, the blind to see, and the lame were made whole. Fevers, palsies, crooked and withered limbs, and in fact all manner of diseases common to the country, were healed by the power of God, that was manifested through his servants."
Among those visited by him was a blind woman, the wife of Ezra Strong. It was nearly noon when David reached the house. After the usual testimony and questions respecting her faith in the Gospel, David rubbed and anointed her eyes, when immediately she was restored to sight; and so thoroughly was she healed that she prepared dinner for the household.
During this summer, under great hardship and suffering, eighty members were added to the Church under David's administration. Eighteen of these were at Orleans, Jefferson County, New York. At Henderson where eight converts were baptized, great power was manifested at the confirmation, when the members spoke in tongues and prophesied.
With his brother, Ira, David returned in the early autumn of 1833 to Kirtland, where he worked on the temple for a month. Before winter set in that year, David had removed his wife and their effects from Michigan to Florence, Ohio, where he remained till the latter part of November. Having been sickly five weeks of the seven he spent at home that tall, David commended himself into the hands of the Lord and went into the neighboring country to preach. But there was a field more in need of his labors than this, for he had not been from home more than two weeks when the word of the Lord came to him as follows:
"Depart from your field of labor, and go unto Kirtland, for behold, I will send thee up to the land of Zion. for behold, thou shalt serve thy brethren there."
Lycurgus A. Wilson.
Wilson, Lycurgus A. "Life of David W. Patten. Chapter III." Juvenile Instructor. 1 October 1896. pg. 582-584.
LIFE OF DAVID W. PATTEN.
CHAP. III.
(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 551.)
Greatly were his brethren in Zion in need of whatever services David could render them. About the time of his arrival at Kirtland after receiving the word of the Lord, a letter was received from Elder W. W. Phelps, dated Clay County, Missouri, in which among other things he says:
"The situation of the Saints, as scattered, is dubious and affords a gloomy prospect. No regular order can be enforced, nor any usual discipline kept up; among the world, yea, among the most wicked part of it, some commit one sin and some another (I speak of the rebellious, for there are Saints that are as immovable as the everlasting hills.) and what can be done? We are in Clay, Ray, Lafayette, Jackson, Van Buren, etc., and cannot hear from each other oftener than we do from you.
"I know it was right that we should be driven out of the land of Zion, that the rebellious might be sent away. But, brethren, if the Lord will, I should like to know what the honest in heart shall do."
On December 16, 1833, the Lord gave, in answer to this inquiry, the revelation, Section 101, in the Doctrine and Covenants. With a copy of this revelation and other papers bearing comfort to the distressed people, David accompanied William D. Pratt to Missouri, making the greater part of the journey on foot.
Under date of December 19th occurs the following entry in the diary of the Prophet Joseph Smith:
"William Pratt and David Patten took their journey to the land of Zion, for the purpose of bearing dispatches to the brethren in that place from Kirtland. O, may God grant it a blessing for Zion, as a kind angel from heaven. Amen."
To face that journey of six hundred miles in the dead of winter on foot and in poverty, took no common courage. Men who weighed their own comfort against the welfare of their fellowmen, would have seriously considered the alternative. But not so with these.
Since the summer of 1831, when the Saints first settled in Jackson County, Missouri, converts had been gathering from all parts of the country to the center Stake of Zion. Much progress had been made by them in providing themselves with the comforts of life, when, in the fall of 1833, an armed mob recruited from the surrounding region arose against the Saints and drove them, about twelve hundred souls in all, from their homes, and now they were as we have seen scattered and in distress.
After much suffering on this perilous journey, David reached Clay County, where his brother John had located, on March 24, 1834. He found the Saints in a truly pitiable condition. Driven from their homes in and about Independence before the crops of the previous year could be utilized, their fields laid waste, their houses and in many instances all their belongings burned by the mob, many of the people hardly knew how they had been preserved through the winter. The Lord only will ever know.
David's whole soul went out to the sufferers. His time was spent night and day in ministering to their necessities. That attribute of the Lord, which we are sent here particularly to cultivate, of love for all things, was most fully exercised in David during this period of his development. Even the most despised of the animal kingdom came within the reach of his sympathy, for while traveling among the people he interposed whenever opportunity offered to prevent the destruction even of the rattlesnakes with which the country was infested. Explaining on one such occasion that we need not look for animals to become harmless so long as men cherish enmity, he drove the intruder with a brush of leaves into retirement.
Not even the men who had brought upon his brethren and sisters the suffering he so untiringly sought to relieve, could call from David any heated demonstration of bitterness. While he stood read}' to go with the Saints back to their homes, and advocated such a course, he was yet unwilling to entertain for their enemies a feeling of vengeance.
In June, 1834, when Zion's camp had arrived, David met in council with a number of his brethren and the leaders of the mob. At the close of the conference, on account of some remark of his, one of the mobocrats drew a bowie knife on David swearing:
"You d—d Mormon, I'll cut your d—d throat."
"My friend, do nothing rash."
"For God's sake don't shoot."
David's composure and gentle reply threw the man into a state of alarm for his own safety. It was beyond him to conceive of such unruffled demeanor unless his antagonist relied for his security on concealed weapons. But David was wholly unarmed, except with the affection which knows no fear. There are other instances in his career when David's fearlessness led his enemies to believe he was armed. These, however, will be noted as we proceed.
The Prophet Joseph left Missouri for Kirtland early in July; and in September David took a steamer at the small town of La Grange on the Mississippi river, and, in company with Warren Parrish, started on a mission to the Southern States. At Paris, Henry County, Tennessee, where they arrived in October, the Elders remained preaching about three months. During this time twenty converts were made and many sick were healed.
Of the many cases of healing performed under David's administrations, one of the most wonderful perhaps was that of the wife of Johnston F. Lane. She had been sick for eight years, and for a year past had been unable to walk. Hearing of the Elders she begged her husband to send for them. David answered the summons at once. As was his custom, he first explained the Gospel and upon receiving from the lady an assurance of faith in the Lord, he laid his hands on her, saying:
"In the name of Jesus Christ, I rebuke the disorder and command it to depart."
As he said this she was instantly made whole, and at his command and in accordance with her promise, she went into the water and was baptized within the hour. Among the promises made her at her confirmation, was one that she should bear a son in less than a year, though she had been married twelve years and was childless. The prophecy was fulfilled, and, out of gratitude to the servant of the Lord under whose hands the mother had been so marvelously healed, the child was named David Patten Lane. The mother bore several children afterward.
Lycurgus A. Wilson.
LIFE OF DAVID W. PATTEN.
CHAP. III.
(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 551.)
Greatly were his brethren in Zion in need of whatever services David could render them. About the time of his arrival at Kirtland after receiving the word of the Lord, a letter was received from Elder W. W. Phelps, dated Clay County, Missouri, in which among other things he says:
"The situation of the Saints, as scattered, is dubious and affords a gloomy prospect. No regular order can be enforced, nor any usual discipline kept up; among the world, yea, among the most wicked part of it, some commit one sin and some another (I speak of the rebellious, for there are Saints that are as immovable as the everlasting hills.) and what can be done? We are in Clay, Ray, Lafayette, Jackson, Van Buren, etc., and cannot hear from each other oftener than we do from you.
"I know it was right that we should be driven out of the land of Zion, that the rebellious might be sent away. But, brethren, if the Lord will, I should like to know what the honest in heart shall do."
On December 16, 1833, the Lord gave, in answer to this inquiry, the revelation, Section 101, in the Doctrine and Covenants. With a copy of this revelation and other papers bearing comfort to the distressed people, David accompanied William D. Pratt to Missouri, making the greater part of the journey on foot.
Under date of December 19th occurs the following entry in the diary of the Prophet Joseph Smith:
"William Pratt and David Patten took their journey to the land of Zion, for the purpose of bearing dispatches to the brethren in that place from Kirtland. O, may God grant it a blessing for Zion, as a kind angel from heaven. Amen."
To face that journey of six hundred miles in the dead of winter on foot and in poverty, took no common courage. Men who weighed their own comfort against the welfare of their fellowmen, would have seriously considered the alternative. But not so with these.
Since the summer of 1831, when the Saints first settled in Jackson County, Missouri, converts had been gathering from all parts of the country to the center Stake of Zion. Much progress had been made by them in providing themselves with the comforts of life, when, in the fall of 1833, an armed mob recruited from the surrounding region arose against the Saints and drove them, about twelve hundred souls in all, from their homes, and now they were as we have seen scattered and in distress.
After much suffering on this perilous journey, David reached Clay County, where his brother John had located, on March 24, 1834. He found the Saints in a truly pitiable condition. Driven from their homes in and about Independence before the crops of the previous year could be utilized, their fields laid waste, their houses and in many instances all their belongings burned by the mob, many of the people hardly knew how they had been preserved through the winter. The Lord only will ever know.
David's whole soul went out to the sufferers. His time was spent night and day in ministering to their necessities. That attribute of the Lord, which we are sent here particularly to cultivate, of love for all things, was most fully exercised in David during this period of his development. Even the most despised of the animal kingdom came within the reach of his sympathy, for while traveling among the people he interposed whenever opportunity offered to prevent the destruction even of the rattlesnakes with which the country was infested. Explaining on one such occasion that we need not look for animals to become harmless so long as men cherish enmity, he drove the intruder with a brush of leaves into retirement.
Not even the men who had brought upon his brethren and sisters the suffering he so untiringly sought to relieve, could call from David any heated demonstration of bitterness. While he stood read}' to go with the Saints back to their homes, and advocated such a course, he was yet unwilling to entertain for their enemies a feeling of vengeance.
In June, 1834, when Zion's camp had arrived, David met in council with a number of his brethren and the leaders of the mob. At the close of the conference, on account of some remark of his, one of the mobocrats drew a bowie knife on David swearing:
"You d—d Mormon, I'll cut your d—d throat."
"My friend, do nothing rash."
"For God's sake don't shoot."
David's composure and gentle reply threw the man into a state of alarm for his own safety. It was beyond him to conceive of such unruffled demeanor unless his antagonist relied for his security on concealed weapons. But David was wholly unarmed, except with the affection which knows no fear. There are other instances in his career when David's fearlessness led his enemies to believe he was armed. These, however, will be noted as we proceed.
The Prophet Joseph left Missouri for Kirtland early in July; and in September David took a steamer at the small town of La Grange on the Mississippi river, and, in company with Warren Parrish, started on a mission to the Southern States. At Paris, Henry County, Tennessee, where they arrived in October, the Elders remained preaching about three months. During this time twenty converts were made and many sick were healed.
Of the many cases of healing performed under David's administrations, one of the most wonderful perhaps was that of the wife of Johnston F. Lane. She had been sick for eight years, and for a year past had been unable to walk. Hearing of the Elders she begged her husband to send for them. David answered the summons at once. As was his custom, he first explained the Gospel and upon receiving from the lady an assurance of faith in the Lord, he laid his hands on her, saying:
"In the name of Jesus Christ, I rebuke the disorder and command it to depart."
As he said this she was instantly made whole, and at his command and in accordance with her promise, she went into the water and was baptized within the hour. Among the promises made her at her confirmation, was one that she should bear a son in less than a year, though she had been married twelve years and was childless. The prophecy was fulfilled, and, out of gratitude to the servant of the Lord under whose hands the mother had been so marvelously healed, the child was named David Patten Lane. The mother bore several children afterward.
Lycurgus A. Wilson.
Wilson, Lycurgus A. "Life of David W. Patten. Chapter IV." Juvenile Instructor. 15 October 1896. pg. 606-608.
LIFE OF DAVID W. PATTEN.
CHAP. IV.
(Continued FROM PAGE 548.)
From Paris, Tennessee, David made his way to Kirtland, where events very nearly concerning him were soon to take place.
Even before the organization of the Church, two of the witnesses to the Book of Mormon, were directed to search out the Twelve Apostles, and as a mark by which these men were to be known the Lord particularizes:
"And the Twelve are they who shall desire to take upon them my name with full purpose of heart."
In his diary under date of 1835, the Prophet Joseph writes:
"On the Sabbath previous to the 14th of February, brothers Joseph and Brigham Young came to my house after meeting and sang for me; the Spirit of the Lord was poured out upon us, and I told them I wanted those brethren together who went up to Zion in the camp the previous summer, for I had a blessing for them."
Of the minutes of that meeting on February ]4th, a brief extract will be interesting:
"President Joseph Smith, Jr., after making many remarks on the subject of choosing the Twelve, wanted an expression from the brethren if they would be satisfied to have the Spirit of the Lord dictate in the choice of the Elders to be Apostles; whereupon all the Elders present expressed their anxious desire to have it so.
"A hymn was then sung, "Hark, listen to the Trumpeters." President Hyrum prayed and meeting was dismissed for one hour.
"Assembled pursuant to adjournment, and commenced with prayer.
"President Joseph Smith, Jr., said that the first business of the meeting was for the three witnesses of the Book of Mormon to pray, each one, and then proceed to choose twelve men from the Church as Apostles, to go to all nations, kindreds, tongues and people.
"The three witnesses, viz., Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin Harris, united in prayer.
"These three witnesses were then blessed by the laying on of the hands of the Presidency. "The witnesses then, according to a former commandment, proceeded to make a choice of the Twelve. Their names are as follows:
Lyman E. Johnson,
Brigham Young,
Heber C. Kimball,
Orson Hyde,
David W. Patten,
Luke Johnson,
Wm. E. McLellin,
John F. Boynton,
Orson Pratt,
William Smith,
Thos. B. Marsh,
Parley P. Pratt."
Under the hands of the witnesses, the Twelve were next ordained. David's ordination occurred on Sunday, February 15, 1835, in language of which the following quotation from the minutes is probably only a synopsis:
"O God, give this. Thy servant, a knowledge of Thy will; may he be like one of old, who bore testimony of Jesus; may he be a new man from this day forth. He shall be equal with his brethren, the Twelve, and have the qualifications of the Prophets before him; may his body be strong and never weary; may he walk and not faint. May he have power over all diseases, and faith according to his desires; may the heavens be opened upon him speedily, that he may bear testimony from knowledge; that he may go to the nations and isles afar off. May he have a knowledge of the things of the kingdom from the beginning, and be able to tear down priestcraft like a lion; may he have power to smite his enemies before him with utter destruction; may he continue till the Lord comes. O Father, we seal these blessings upon him. Even so. Amen."
The period intervening till the 4th of May, when their first mission was entered upon, was a veritable Pentecost to the newly chosen Twelve. Through the Prophet Joseph and his counsellors the Lord truly poured out upon them the choicest blessings of heaven. On March 28th, in answer to their petition for "a revelation of His mind and will concerning our duty the coming season, even a great revelation that will enlarge our hearts, comfort us in adversity, and brighten our hopes amidst the power of darkness," the Lord, through the Prophet, answered every desire of their hearts with the revelation Section 107, in the Doctrine and Covenants.
Just before starting on their first mission as a quorum unto the eastern states, to set the branches of the Church in order, the Twelve were instructed to take their places in council, according to age, the oldest to be seated at the head. In pursuance thereof, the Twelve were arranged with Thomas B. Marsh, David W. Patten and Brigham Young in the order named; and this fact gives us the most definite information we now have as to the date of David's birth. Thomas B. Marsh, being the oldest of the Twelve, was born November 1, 1799, and Brigham Young on June 1, 1801, and some where between these dates was the birthday of David.
The 4th of May saw the departure of the Twelve from Kirtland. The next five months were spent by David in traveling with his quorum through New York, Canada, Vermont and Maine, holding meetings and setting branches in order; when a return was made to Kirtland in September, 1835.
The indelibility of the impressions made by David upon those with whom he associated was something remarkable. Though it is nearly sixty years since his death, the Saints who knew him in life still recall with pleasure the inspiration of his presence. In the course of a ride of twenty-five miles with him on horseback about the time of David's return from his mission with the Twelve, Lorenzo Snow first received a testimony of the truth of the Gospel. Sister Eliza R. Snow in the biography of her brother best describes the occurrence:
"On his way to Obeilin, my brother accidentally fell in company with David W. Patten, an incident to which he frequently refers as one of those seemingly trivial occurrences in human life which leave an indelible trace. This gentleman was an early champion of the fulness of the gospel as taught by Jesus and His Apostles in the meridian of time, and revealed in our own day through the Prophet Joseph Smith, to which cause Elder Patten fell a martyr on the 24th of October, 1838, in Missouri, during the terrible scenes of persecution through which the Latter-day Saints passed in that state. He possessed a mind of deep thought and rich intelligence. In conversation with him, my brother was much impressed with ths depth and beauty of the philosophical reasoning with which this inspired Elder seemed perfectly familiar as he descanted on the condition of the human family in connection with the sayings of the ancient Prophets, as recorded in the Scriptures—the dealings with, and the purposes of God in relation to His children on the earth. From that time a new field, with a new train of reflections, was open to my brother's mind, the impress of which has never been erased."
Lycurgus A. Wilson.
LIFE OF DAVID W. PATTEN.
CHAP. IV.
(Continued FROM PAGE 548.)
From Paris, Tennessee, David made his way to Kirtland, where events very nearly concerning him were soon to take place.
Even before the organization of the Church, two of the witnesses to the Book of Mormon, were directed to search out the Twelve Apostles, and as a mark by which these men were to be known the Lord particularizes:
"And the Twelve are they who shall desire to take upon them my name with full purpose of heart."
In his diary under date of 1835, the Prophet Joseph writes:
"On the Sabbath previous to the 14th of February, brothers Joseph and Brigham Young came to my house after meeting and sang for me; the Spirit of the Lord was poured out upon us, and I told them I wanted those brethren together who went up to Zion in the camp the previous summer, for I had a blessing for them."
Of the minutes of that meeting on February ]4th, a brief extract will be interesting:
"President Joseph Smith, Jr., after making many remarks on the subject of choosing the Twelve, wanted an expression from the brethren if they would be satisfied to have the Spirit of the Lord dictate in the choice of the Elders to be Apostles; whereupon all the Elders present expressed their anxious desire to have it so.
"A hymn was then sung, "Hark, listen to the Trumpeters." President Hyrum prayed and meeting was dismissed for one hour.
"Assembled pursuant to adjournment, and commenced with prayer.
"President Joseph Smith, Jr., said that the first business of the meeting was for the three witnesses of the Book of Mormon to pray, each one, and then proceed to choose twelve men from the Church as Apostles, to go to all nations, kindreds, tongues and people.
"The three witnesses, viz., Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin Harris, united in prayer.
"These three witnesses were then blessed by the laying on of the hands of the Presidency. "The witnesses then, according to a former commandment, proceeded to make a choice of the Twelve. Their names are as follows:
Lyman E. Johnson,
Brigham Young,
Heber C. Kimball,
Orson Hyde,
David W. Patten,
Luke Johnson,
Wm. E. McLellin,
John F. Boynton,
Orson Pratt,
William Smith,
Thos. B. Marsh,
Parley P. Pratt."
Under the hands of the witnesses, the Twelve were next ordained. David's ordination occurred on Sunday, February 15, 1835, in language of which the following quotation from the minutes is probably only a synopsis:
"O God, give this. Thy servant, a knowledge of Thy will; may he be like one of old, who bore testimony of Jesus; may he be a new man from this day forth. He shall be equal with his brethren, the Twelve, and have the qualifications of the Prophets before him; may his body be strong and never weary; may he walk and not faint. May he have power over all diseases, and faith according to his desires; may the heavens be opened upon him speedily, that he may bear testimony from knowledge; that he may go to the nations and isles afar off. May he have a knowledge of the things of the kingdom from the beginning, and be able to tear down priestcraft like a lion; may he have power to smite his enemies before him with utter destruction; may he continue till the Lord comes. O Father, we seal these blessings upon him. Even so. Amen."
The period intervening till the 4th of May, when their first mission was entered upon, was a veritable Pentecost to the newly chosen Twelve. Through the Prophet Joseph and his counsellors the Lord truly poured out upon them the choicest blessings of heaven. On March 28th, in answer to their petition for "a revelation of His mind and will concerning our duty the coming season, even a great revelation that will enlarge our hearts, comfort us in adversity, and brighten our hopes amidst the power of darkness," the Lord, through the Prophet, answered every desire of their hearts with the revelation Section 107, in the Doctrine and Covenants.
Just before starting on their first mission as a quorum unto the eastern states, to set the branches of the Church in order, the Twelve were instructed to take their places in council, according to age, the oldest to be seated at the head. In pursuance thereof, the Twelve were arranged with Thomas B. Marsh, David W. Patten and Brigham Young in the order named; and this fact gives us the most definite information we now have as to the date of David's birth. Thomas B. Marsh, being the oldest of the Twelve, was born November 1, 1799, and Brigham Young on June 1, 1801, and some where between these dates was the birthday of David.
The 4th of May saw the departure of the Twelve from Kirtland. The next five months were spent by David in traveling with his quorum through New York, Canada, Vermont and Maine, holding meetings and setting branches in order; when a return was made to Kirtland in September, 1835.
The indelibility of the impressions made by David upon those with whom he associated was something remarkable. Though it is nearly sixty years since his death, the Saints who knew him in life still recall with pleasure the inspiration of his presence. In the course of a ride of twenty-five miles with him on horseback about the time of David's return from his mission with the Twelve, Lorenzo Snow first received a testimony of the truth of the Gospel. Sister Eliza R. Snow in the biography of her brother best describes the occurrence:
"On his way to Obeilin, my brother accidentally fell in company with David W. Patten, an incident to which he frequently refers as one of those seemingly trivial occurrences in human life which leave an indelible trace. This gentleman was an early champion of the fulness of the gospel as taught by Jesus and His Apostles in the meridian of time, and revealed in our own day through the Prophet Joseph Smith, to which cause Elder Patten fell a martyr on the 24th of October, 1838, in Missouri, during the terrible scenes of persecution through which the Latter-day Saints passed in that state. He possessed a mind of deep thought and rich intelligence. In conversation with him, my brother was much impressed with ths depth and beauty of the philosophical reasoning with which this inspired Elder seemed perfectly familiar as he descanted on the condition of the human family in connection with the sayings of the ancient Prophets, as recorded in the Scriptures—the dealings with, and the purposes of God in relation to His children on the earth. From that time a new field, with a new train of reflections, was open to my brother's mind, the impress of which has never been erased."
Lycurgus A. Wilson.
Wilson, Lycurgus A. "Life of David W. Patten. Chapter V." Juvenile Instructor. 1 November 1896. pg. 633-635.
LIFE OF DAVID W. PATTEN.
CHAP. V.
(Continued FROM PAGE 608.)
Without doubt the most enjoyable period of David's life, was that spent at home with his wife, and in council with his Quorum, in Kirtland, during the next eight months. Mingling with his brethren in the most intimate relationship, in the school for the study of languages, in the school of the Prophets, each preparing himself, in mutual bearing and forbearance one with another, to receive his endowments at the dedication of the Temple, David won from all their lasting love and respect.
At the dedication of the Kirtland Temple on March 27, 1S36. after giving the interpretation of a discourse in tongues delivered by President Brigham Young, David himself spoke in tongues.
Receiving his blessings and endowments in the Temple directly- after its dedication. David took his wife and started on another mission into Tennessee, where he met for the first time Wilford Woodruff and Abraham O. Smoot.
Of this time President Woodruff writes:
"Brother Smoot traveled with me constantly till the 21st of April, when we had the privilege of meeting with Elder David W. Patten, who had come direct from Kirtland, and who had been ordained one of the Twelve Apostles.
“It was a happy meeting. He gave us an account of the endowments at Kirtland, the glorious blessings received, the ministration of angels, the organization of the Twelve Apostles and Seventies, and informed me that I was appointed a member of the second quorum of Seventies. All of this was glorious news to me, and caused my heart to rejoice.
"On the 27th of May we were joined by Elder Warren Parrish, direct from Kirtland. We had a happy time together. "On the 28th, we held a conference at Brother Seth Utley's, where were represented all the branches of the Church in the South.
"I was ordained on the 31st of May a member of the second quorum of Seventies under the hands of David W. Patten and Warren Parish.
"At the close of the conference we separated for a short time. Elders Patten and Parish labored in Tennessee, Brother Smoot and myself in Kentucky. On the 9th of June we all met at Damon Creek branch, where Brother Patten baptized two. One was Father Henry Thomas, who had been a revolutionary soldier under General Washington, and father of Daniel and Henry Thomas.
"A warrant was issued, on the oath of a priest, against D. W. Patten, W. Parish and myself. We were accused in the warrant of the great "crime" of testifying that Christ would come in this generation, and that we promised the Holy Ghost to those whom we baptized. Brothers Patten and Parrish were taken on the 19th of June. I being in another County, escaped being arrested. The brethren were put under two thousand dollars bonds to appear at court. Albert Petty and Seth Utley were their bondsmen.
"They were tried on the 22nd of June.
"They plead their own cause. Although men came forward and testified they did receive the Holy Ghost after they were baptized, the brethren were condemned; but were finally released by paying the expenses of the mob court.
"There was one peculiar circumstance connected with this trial by a mob court, which was armed to the teeth. When the trial was through with, the people were not willing to permit more than one to speak. Warren Parrish had said but few words, and they were not willing to let David Patten speak. But he, feeling the injustice of the court, and being filled with the power of God, arose to his feet and delivered a speech of about twenty minutes, holding them spell-bound while he told them of their wickedness and the abominations that they were guilty of, also of the curse of God that awaited them, if they did not repent, for taking up two harmless, inoffensive men for preaching the gospel of Christ.
"When he had got through his speech the judge said, 'You must be armed with secret weapons, or you would not talk in this fearless manner to an armed court.'
"Brother Patten replied: 'I have weapons that you know not of, and they are given me of God, for He gives me all the power I have.'
"The judge seemed willing to get rid of them almost upon any terms, and offered to dismiss them if their friends would pay the costs, which the brethren present freely offered to do.
"When the two were released, they mounted their horses and rode a mile to Seth Utley's; but, as soon as they had left, the court became ashamed that they had been let go so easily and the whole mob mounted their horses to follow them to Utley's.
One of the Saints, seeing the state of affairs, went on before the mob to notify the brethren, so that they had time to ride into the woods nearby.
"They traveled along about three miles to Brother Albert Petty's, and went to bed. The night was dark, and they fell asleep.
"But Brother Patten was warned in a dream to get up and flee, as the mob would soon be there. They both arose, saddled their animals, and rode into the adjoining County.
"The house they had just left was soon surrounded by the mob, but the brethren had escaped through the mercy of God."
In that expression, referring to the Lord, "He gives me all the power I have," Apostle David W. Patten gave at once the secret and the watchword of his wonderful career.
Another incident showing David's utter fearlessness, occurred about this time. While preaching at the house of Father Fry, in Benton County, Tennessee, David was interrupted by a Mr. Rose who asked him to raise the dead. David administered to the man a stinging rebuke for his wickedness, when Mr. Rose in great anger left the house. After meeting, however, he returned, bringing with him a crowd of armed men, who stood in sullen array about the dooryard.
Probably for the reason that he did not wish the family to be disturbed by them, David went out, cane in hand, to learn their intentions. He was greeted with the brandishing of weapons and dire threats of vengeance; but with the utmost coolness he bared his breast to the mob, and told them to shoot. The same fear seemed to fall upon them that possessed the mobocrat in Missouri, for they fled the premises as if in fear of their lives.
David had now arrived at the state of advancement, noticeable alike in the life of the Savior, and in the closing years of the Prophet Joseph where one sees, in the light of eternal truth, the utter shallowness and worthlessness of worldly pride and pretense, and, cognizant of the fact that no amount of tolerance will cure the evil, is moved to awaken humility with sharp rebuke.
That evening, President Woodruff relates, he and David went to a stream of clear water below the house, and washed their hands and feet as the Lord directs, and bore testimony against those wicked men.
Lycurgus A. Wilson.
LIFE OF DAVID W. PATTEN.
CHAP. V.
(Continued FROM PAGE 608.)
Without doubt the most enjoyable period of David's life, was that spent at home with his wife, and in council with his Quorum, in Kirtland, during the next eight months. Mingling with his brethren in the most intimate relationship, in the school for the study of languages, in the school of the Prophets, each preparing himself, in mutual bearing and forbearance one with another, to receive his endowments at the dedication of the Temple, David won from all their lasting love and respect.
At the dedication of the Kirtland Temple on March 27, 1S36. after giving the interpretation of a discourse in tongues delivered by President Brigham Young, David himself spoke in tongues.
Receiving his blessings and endowments in the Temple directly- after its dedication. David took his wife and started on another mission into Tennessee, where he met for the first time Wilford Woodruff and Abraham O. Smoot.
Of this time President Woodruff writes:
"Brother Smoot traveled with me constantly till the 21st of April, when we had the privilege of meeting with Elder David W. Patten, who had come direct from Kirtland, and who had been ordained one of the Twelve Apostles.
“It was a happy meeting. He gave us an account of the endowments at Kirtland, the glorious blessings received, the ministration of angels, the organization of the Twelve Apostles and Seventies, and informed me that I was appointed a member of the second quorum of Seventies. All of this was glorious news to me, and caused my heart to rejoice.
"On the 27th of May we were joined by Elder Warren Parrish, direct from Kirtland. We had a happy time together. "On the 28th, we held a conference at Brother Seth Utley's, where were represented all the branches of the Church in the South.
"I was ordained on the 31st of May a member of the second quorum of Seventies under the hands of David W. Patten and Warren Parish.
"At the close of the conference we separated for a short time. Elders Patten and Parish labored in Tennessee, Brother Smoot and myself in Kentucky. On the 9th of June we all met at Damon Creek branch, where Brother Patten baptized two. One was Father Henry Thomas, who had been a revolutionary soldier under General Washington, and father of Daniel and Henry Thomas.
"A warrant was issued, on the oath of a priest, against D. W. Patten, W. Parish and myself. We were accused in the warrant of the great "crime" of testifying that Christ would come in this generation, and that we promised the Holy Ghost to those whom we baptized. Brothers Patten and Parrish were taken on the 19th of June. I being in another County, escaped being arrested. The brethren were put under two thousand dollars bonds to appear at court. Albert Petty and Seth Utley were their bondsmen.
"They were tried on the 22nd of June.
"They plead their own cause. Although men came forward and testified they did receive the Holy Ghost after they were baptized, the brethren were condemned; but were finally released by paying the expenses of the mob court.
"There was one peculiar circumstance connected with this trial by a mob court, which was armed to the teeth. When the trial was through with, the people were not willing to permit more than one to speak. Warren Parrish had said but few words, and they were not willing to let David Patten speak. But he, feeling the injustice of the court, and being filled with the power of God, arose to his feet and delivered a speech of about twenty minutes, holding them spell-bound while he told them of their wickedness and the abominations that they were guilty of, also of the curse of God that awaited them, if they did not repent, for taking up two harmless, inoffensive men for preaching the gospel of Christ.
"When he had got through his speech the judge said, 'You must be armed with secret weapons, or you would not talk in this fearless manner to an armed court.'
"Brother Patten replied: 'I have weapons that you know not of, and they are given me of God, for He gives me all the power I have.'
"The judge seemed willing to get rid of them almost upon any terms, and offered to dismiss them if their friends would pay the costs, which the brethren present freely offered to do.
"When the two were released, they mounted their horses and rode a mile to Seth Utley's; but, as soon as they had left, the court became ashamed that they had been let go so easily and the whole mob mounted their horses to follow them to Utley's.
One of the Saints, seeing the state of affairs, went on before the mob to notify the brethren, so that they had time to ride into the woods nearby.
"They traveled along about three miles to Brother Albert Petty's, and went to bed. The night was dark, and they fell asleep.
"But Brother Patten was warned in a dream to get up and flee, as the mob would soon be there. They both arose, saddled their animals, and rode into the adjoining County.
"The house they had just left was soon surrounded by the mob, but the brethren had escaped through the mercy of God."
In that expression, referring to the Lord, "He gives me all the power I have," Apostle David W. Patten gave at once the secret and the watchword of his wonderful career.
Another incident showing David's utter fearlessness, occurred about this time. While preaching at the house of Father Fry, in Benton County, Tennessee, David was interrupted by a Mr. Rose who asked him to raise the dead. David administered to the man a stinging rebuke for his wickedness, when Mr. Rose in great anger left the house. After meeting, however, he returned, bringing with him a crowd of armed men, who stood in sullen array about the dooryard.
Probably for the reason that he did not wish the family to be disturbed by them, David went out, cane in hand, to learn their intentions. He was greeted with the brandishing of weapons and dire threats of vengeance; but with the utmost coolness he bared his breast to the mob, and told them to shoot. The same fear seemed to fall upon them that possessed the mobocrat in Missouri, for they fled the premises as if in fear of their lives.
David had now arrived at the state of advancement, noticeable alike in the life of the Savior, and in the closing years of the Prophet Joseph where one sees, in the light of eternal truth, the utter shallowness and worthlessness of worldly pride and pretense, and, cognizant of the fact that no amount of tolerance will cure the evil, is moved to awaken humility with sharp rebuke.
That evening, President Woodruff relates, he and David went to a stream of clear water below the house, and washed their hands and feet as the Lord directs, and bore testimony against those wicked men.
Lycurgus A. Wilson.
Wilson, Lycurgus A. "Life of David W. Patten. Chapter VI." Juvenile Instructor. 15 November 1896. pg. 663-665.
LIFE OF DAVID W. PATTEN.
CHAP. VI.
(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 635.)
Probably the description of David's personal appearance with which the most of those who knew him in life agree, is that given by President Abraham O. Smoot, who says he was about six feet one inch in height, stoutly built, though not fleshy, and of a dark complexion, with piercing black eyes. As to disposition. President Smoot describes him as jovial, qualifying his expression, however, with the closing remark:
"His jokes, though, were pretty solid."
At one time while traveling with David, Abraham O. Smoot, then little more than a boy, became so sick he could sit on his horse no longer. Stopping at the house of an atheist, Brother Smoot was put to bed, and David assisted their hostess to prepare the sick man some warm drinks.
His companion receiving no relief, David obtained permission to "attend prayers, and kneeling down by the bedside he laid his hands upon the sick man's head and asked the Lord to heal him.
"Every bit of pain left me," said Brother Smoot, in relating the incident, "'in the twinkling of an eye."
It was just following this remark that President Smoot said:
"I don't recollect that he ever failed in his importuning to heal the sick."
Once, when David and Wilford Woodruff were traveling together, they were called to the bedside of a sick woman, Margaret Tittle, who lay at the point of death. Preaching the gospel to her, David received a promise that if healed she would be baptized. After being administered to by the servants of the Lord, she was restored to perfect health instantly, when she refused baptism.
They told her she was acting a dangerous part and would again be attacked if she did not repent. Returning that way in a few days, they found her very low again, when she again promised, but this time with more sincerity, for after being healed the second time, she was led into the water and baptized, by Wilford Woodruff.
On August 20th, David preached at the house of Randolph Alexander, and after meeting baptized him and his wife.
The spirit of mobocracy seems always to have aroused in David all the resentment of which he was capable. At one time while holding a meeting in Paris, Tennessee, as related by President Woodruff, a mob gathered in the place of meeting with threats of violence. Instead, however, of being intimidated by their presence, David denounced their undertaking in the most unmeasured terms, and in the spirit of prophecy, though the fulfillment in the Civil War was then twenty-five years away, predicted:
"Before you die some of you will see the streets of Paris run with the blood of its own citizens."
Early in September, the seven branches of the Church in Kentucky and Tennessee, representing one hundred and thirty-three members, assembled in conference on Damon's Creek, Calloway County, Kentucky, Thomas B. Marsh, as President of the Twelve Apostles, presiding. On the third day of the conference, David preached on repentance and baptism, and at the close of the meeting, five persons came forward and asked to be baptized.
Directly after conference, David with his wife took leave of the Saints and his fellow laborers, and returned in safety with Thomas B. Marsh and companion, Elisha H. Groves, to Missouri.
In leaving the field of his labors of the past six months, in company with Elisha H. Groves, who had first conferred upon him authority to enter the missionary field, it was but natural that David should retrospectively contemplate the work to which his life had been so wholly given over since that lonely ride through the woods from Michigan to Indiana. His first disappointing missionary labors among his friends and acquaintances in Michigan, when he expected all of them to rejoice with him in the great light newly burst upon the world; the first visit to the Prophet Joseph, followed by the two successive missions in the East; his winter's journey with William D. Pratt; his labors in Missouri and in the South; his ordination to the Apostleship with the wonderful feast of blessings and endowments that followed; the return to the South, just terminated—all these reflections crowded upon him with all their accompanying memories of toil and privation, with all the accompanying memories of the powers and blessings the Lord had bestowed upon him; and there was no room in his soul for anything but gratitude. Not only so, but there was a more settled resolution to persevere to the end; and it was probably on this journey back to Missouri that in David's mind the nature of that end was predetermined.
Upon his return to Missouri, after an absence of two years, David found not a few marks of progress in the condition of the Saints. A new town had been laid out called Far West, into which the people were gathering from every quarter. Efforts were being made to purchase all the land in the newly created County of Caldwell, and it was to gather means for this purpose that President Thomas B. Marsh had made his recent visit into Kentucky.
Locating on a single lot in the northwest part of town given him by the Saints, David soon had a plain log house erected, and from that time he devoted himself entirely to the welfare of the Church. His zeal in spreading the truth abroad, was not surpassed by that manifested in its defense at home.
Early in the spring of 1837, David preferred charges before the High Council in Zion against Lyman Wight for teaching false doctrine. At the trial in Far West on April 24th the charges were sustained, the proper acknowledgments soon after accepted by the Saints and harmony restored. The incident illustrates the disinterestedness and manliness of David's character, for his action in this matter seems only to have drawn closer the ties of confidence and friendship existing between himself and his commanding officer in the militia, Colonel Lyman Wight.
In June, in company with Thomas B. Marsh and William D. Pratt, David, responding to a call for a meeting of the Twelve, took a mission through the intervening States to Kirtland, where they arrived in the midst of the great apostasy. Here was need of all the courage he could command, for it was a time to test the integrity of the strongest.
Deception and fraud and darkness had overcome his close friend and brother in-law, Warren Parrish, who tried by every means in his power to turn David himself against the Prophet, and the downfall of his brethren at that time was one of the greatest sorrows of David's life. Not long after the conference at Kirtland in September, 1837, David returned to Far West.
The spirit of the apostasy soon spreading into Missouri, it was found necessary to displace the three Presidents, David Whitmer, John Whitmer and W. W. Phelps. In consequence Thomas B. Marsh and David W. Patten were, on February 10th, sustained as temporary Presidents of the Church in Missouri, pending the arrival of the Prophet Joseph Smith from Kirtland. At the coming of the Prophet, March 14th, 1838, a conference -was called, at which three weeks later, Thomas B. Marsh was chosen President in Missouri, and David W. Patten and Brigham Young his assistants.
Shortly after, on April 17, 1838, the following revelation was received through the Prophet Joseph Smith:
1. Verily thus saith the Lord, it is wisdom in my servant David W. Patten, that he settle up all his business as soon as he possibly can, and make a disposition of his merchandise, that he may perform a mission unto me next spring, in company with others, even Twelve, including himself, to testify of my name, and bear glad tidings unto all the world.
2. For verily thus saith the Lord, that inasmuch as there are those among you who deny my name, others shall be planted in their stead, and receive their bishopric. Amen. (See. 114 Doc. and Cov. )
It was probably this revelation that occasioned a conversation between the Prophet and David, reported by Wilford Woodruff.
David made known to the Prophet that he had asked the Lord to let him die the death of a martyr, at which the Prophet, greatly moved, expressed extreme sorrow, "for," said he to David, "when a man of your faith asks the Lord for anything, he generally gets it."
Lycurgus A. Wilson.
LIFE OF DAVID W. PATTEN.
CHAP. VI.
(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 635.)
Probably the description of David's personal appearance with which the most of those who knew him in life agree, is that given by President Abraham O. Smoot, who says he was about six feet one inch in height, stoutly built, though not fleshy, and of a dark complexion, with piercing black eyes. As to disposition. President Smoot describes him as jovial, qualifying his expression, however, with the closing remark:
"His jokes, though, were pretty solid."
At one time while traveling with David, Abraham O. Smoot, then little more than a boy, became so sick he could sit on his horse no longer. Stopping at the house of an atheist, Brother Smoot was put to bed, and David assisted their hostess to prepare the sick man some warm drinks.
His companion receiving no relief, David obtained permission to "attend prayers, and kneeling down by the bedside he laid his hands upon the sick man's head and asked the Lord to heal him.
"Every bit of pain left me," said Brother Smoot, in relating the incident, "'in the twinkling of an eye."
It was just following this remark that President Smoot said:
"I don't recollect that he ever failed in his importuning to heal the sick."
Once, when David and Wilford Woodruff were traveling together, they were called to the bedside of a sick woman, Margaret Tittle, who lay at the point of death. Preaching the gospel to her, David received a promise that if healed she would be baptized. After being administered to by the servants of the Lord, she was restored to perfect health instantly, when she refused baptism.
They told her she was acting a dangerous part and would again be attacked if she did not repent. Returning that way in a few days, they found her very low again, when she again promised, but this time with more sincerity, for after being healed the second time, she was led into the water and baptized, by Wilford Woodruff.
On August 20th, David preached at the house of Randolph Alexander, and after meeting baptized him and his wife.
The spirit of mobocracy seems always to have aroused in David all the resentment of which he was capable. At one time while holding a meeting in Paris, Tennessee, as related by President Woodruff, a mob gathered in the place of meeting with threats of violence. Instead, however, of being intimidated by their presence, David denounced their undertaking in the most unmeasured terms, and in the spirit of prophecy, though the fulfillment in the Civil War was then twenty-five years away, predicted:
"Before you die some of you will see the streets of Paris run with the blood of its own citizens."
Early in September, the seven branches of the Church in Kentucky and Tennessee, representing one hundred and thirty-three members, assembled in conference on Damon's Creek, Calloway County, Kentucky, Thomas B. Marsh, as President of the Twelve Apostles, presiding. On the third day of the conference, David preached on repentance and baptism, and at the close of the meeting, five persons came forward and asked to be baptized.
Directly after conference, David with his wife took leave of the Saints and his fellow laborers, and returned in safety with Thomas B. Marsh and companion, Elisha H. Groves, to Missouri.
In leaving the field of his labors of the past six months, in company with Elisha H. Groves, who had first conferred upon him authority to enter the missionary field, it was but natural that David should retrospectively contemplate the work to which his life had been so wholly given over since that lonely ride through the woods from Michigan to Indiana. His first disappointing missionary labors among his friends and acquaintances in Michigan, when he expected all of them to rejoice with him in the great light newly burst upon the world; the first visit to the Prophet Joseph, followed by the two successive missions in the East; his winter's journey with William D. Pratt; his labors in Missouri and in the South; his ordination to the Apostleship with the wonderful feast of blessings and endowments that followed; the return to the South, just terminated—all these reflections crowded upon him with all their accompanying memories of toil and privation, with all the accompanying memories of the powers and blessings the Lord had bestowed upon him; and there was no room in his soul for anything but gratitude. Not only so, but there was a more settled resolution to persevere to the end; and it was probably on this journey back to Missouri that in David's mind the nature of that end was predetermined.
Upon his return to Missouri, after an absence of two years, David found not a few marks of progress in the condition of the Saints. A new town had been laid out called Far West, into which the people were gathering from every quarter. Efforts were being made to purchase all the land in the newly created County of Caldwell, and it was to gather means for this purpose that President Thomas B. Marsh had made his recent visit into Kentucky.
Locating on a single lot in the northwest part of town given him by the Saints, David soon had a plain log house erected, and from that time he devoted himself entirely to the welfare of the Church. His zeal in spreading the truth abroad, was not surpassed by that manifested in its defense at home.
Early in the spring of 1837, David preferred charges before the High Council in Zion against Lyman Wight for teaching false doctrine. At the trial in Far West on April 24th the charges were sustained, the proper acknowledgments soon after accepted by the Saints and harmony restored. The incident illustrates the disinterestedness and manliness of David's character, for his action in this matter seems only to have drawn closer the ties of confidence and friendship existing between himself and his commanding officer in the militia, Colonel Lyman Wight.
In June, in company with Thomas B. Marsh and William D. Pratt, David, responding to a call for a meeting of the Twelve, took a mission through the intervening States to Kirtland, where they arrived in the midst of the great apostasy. Here was need of all the courage he could command, for it was a time to test the integrity of the strongest.
Deception and fraud and darkness had overcome his close friend and brother in-law, Warren Parrish, who tried by every means in his power to turn David himself against the Prophet, and the downfall of his brethren at that time was one of the greatest sorrows of David's life. Not long after the conference at Kirtland in September, 1837, David returned to Far West.
The spirit of the apostasy soon spreading into Missouri, it was found necessary to displace the three Presidents, David Whitmer, John Whitmer and W. W. Phelps. In consequence Thomas B. Marsh and David W. Patten were, on February 10th, sustained as temporary Presidents of the Church in Missouri, pending the arrival of the Prophet Joseph Smith from Kirtland. At the coming of the Prophet, March 14th, 1838, a conference -was called, at which three weeks later, Thomas B. Marsh was chosen President in Missouri, and David W. Patten and Brigham Young his assistants.
Shortly after, on April 17, 1838, the following revelation was received through the Prophet Joseph Smith:
1. Verily thus saith the Lord, it is wisdom in my servant David W. Patten, that he settle up all his business as soon as he possibly can, and make a disposition of his merchandise, that he may perform a mission unto me next spring, in company with others, even Twelve, including himself, to testify of my name, and bear glad tidings unto all the world.
2. For verily thus saith the Lord, that inasmuch as there are those among you who deny my name, others shall be planted in their stead, and receive their bishopric. Amen. (See. 114 Doc. and Cov. )
It was probably this revelation that occasioned a conversation between the Prophet and David, reported by Wilford Woodruff.
David made known to the Prophet that he had asked the Lord to let him die the death of a martyr, at which the Prophet, greatly moved, expressed extreme sorrow, "for," said he to David, "when a man of your faith asks the Lord for anything, he generally gets it."
Lycurgus A. Wilson.
Wilson, Lycurgus A. "Life of David W. Patten. Chapter VII." Juvenile Instructor. 1 December 1896. pg. 703-705.
LIFE OF DAVID W. PATTEN.
CHAP. VII.
(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 665.)
In May, David left Far West with the Prophet Joseph and party to lay off a Stake of Zion to the north of them. It was on this trip that Adam's altar was discovered, at Adam-ondi-Ahman.
In his official capacity, David issued an epistle to the Saints through the Elders' Journal, under date of July, 1838, into which there is breathed a spirit of concern for the welfare of the people of God, equaled only by that of integrity in defense of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
The summer of 1838, found the Saints gathered into Far West, and located in the surrounding settlements, to the number of not less than twelve thousand souls. The old spirit of mobocracy began to show itself again. An occasion was afforded for an outbreak by the August election at Gallatin in Caldwell County, where the Saints were unlawfully prevented from voting. From that time forward until their banishment from the State the following winter, the Saints in the outlying settlements and on their farms, were kept in constant fear. Bands of lawless men roamed the country over, destroying crops, burning houses, ravishing women, and driving the objects of their hatred into Far West, their only place of safety.
Wherever assistance or defense was needed, Apostle David W. Patten was to the rescue among the foremost, and his bravery soon won for him the title of "Captain Fear Not." In his presence the oppressed found a champion, and at his approach the wicked were filled with terror.
About the middle of October David was placed in command of nearly sixty men, and ordered to disperse a mob in the vicinity of Gallatin. Of this expedition it is recorded:
"When Patten' s company came in sight of Gallatin, he. found a body of the mob, about one hundred strong, who were amusing themselves by mocking, and in various ways tantalizing a number of the Saints whom they had captured. Seeing the approach of Patten's men, and knowing the determination of the leader, the mob broke and ran in the greatest confusion, leaving their prisoners behind them. "
Probably the last manifestation of David's power with the Lord, at any rate the last of which any account is given, occurred about this time.
With others he had gone to the relief of an isolated family in the line of the mob's course, and had found the mother with several children homeless and destitute. Painfully the party were making their way on foot to Far West across the prairie, when from the fright she had received, the mother, in a delicate condition before, was threatened with severe sickness. To add to the distressing situation, a heavy storm seemed impending and the rain commenced to descend.
Always full of sympathy for the sorrowing, David at once called the party to a momentary halt, and, stepping aside into the tall grass, he commanded the storm to cease until the woman should be conveyed to a place of shelter.
Immediately, it is related, the rain was stayed, the sky began to clear, and the party went forward to their destination without further hindrance or discomfort.
Of the terrible conditions now confronting the Church, Bishop Orson F. Whitney writes:
"The fall and winter of 1838, was one of the darkest periods of Church history. Mobocracy on one hand, and apostasy on the other, dealt the cause of God cruel blows, such as no human work could hope to withstand. The tempest of persecution, briefly lulled, burst forth with tenfold fury; no longer a city or county—a whole state rose in arms against God's people, bent upon their destruction. 'The dogs of war' were loosed upon the helpless Saints, and murder and rapine held high carnival amid the smoking ruins of peaceful homes and ravaged fields.
"Then fell the mask from the face of hypocrisy. Treason betrayed itself. Apostles, Presidents, and Elders fell from the faith and joined hands with the robbers and murderers of their brethren. Satan laughed! The very mouth of hell seemed opening to engulf the Kingdom which He who cannot lie has sworn shall stand forever. "
We quote President George Q. Cannon:
"Unable to bear the pressure and to face the terrors of the times, Thomas B. Marsh had apostatized and had joined with McLellin and other evil men to act the part of Judas against the Prophet. The faith of others also failed, and, thinking by apostasy to save themselves from the destruction which seemed impending, they came out against Joseph and the Church and went over to their enemies. "
Such was the condition of the Church, when Apostle David W. Patten, then the senior member and President of his Quorum, performed the last heroic act of his eventful life.
On the 24th of October, a messenger came into Far West bringing news of a band of invaders under command of Rev. Samuel Bogart, who had boasted' that, if he had good luck in meeting Neil Gillum, another mobocratic leader, he would give Far West thunder and lightning before noon next day. Joseph Holbrook and David Judah were at once dispatched to watch the movements of the despoilers. Near midnight these brethren returned, and reported that the mob after plundering the house of Father Pinkham, west of the city, had made prisoners of Nathan Pinkham, William Seely and Addison Green, whom they had declared their intentions to kill that night.
"On hearing the report," the Prophet Joseph Smith records, "Judge Higbee, the first Judge of the county, ordered Lieutenant Colonel Hinkle, the highest officer in command in Far West, to send out a company to disperse the mob and retake their prisoners whom it was reported, they intended to murder that night.
"The trumpet sounded, and the brethren were assembled on the Public Square about midnight, when the facts were stated, and about seventy-five volunteered to obey the Judge's order, under command of David W. Patten,. who immediately commenced their march on horseback, hoping to surprise and scatter the camp, retake the prisoners, and prevent the attack threatened upon Far West, without the loss of blood."
Apostle Parley P. Pratt, who was among the volunteers, thus graphically describes that midnight march:
"The company was soon underway, having to ride through extensive prairies, a distance of some twelve miles. The night was dark, the distant plains far and wide were illuminated by blazing fires, immense columns of smoke were seen rising in awful majesty, as if the world was on fire. This scene of grandeur can only be comprehended by those acquainted with scenes of prairie burning; as the fire sweeps over millions of acres of dry grass in the fall season, and leaves a smooth surface divested of all vegetation.
"A thousand meteors blazing in the distance like the camp fires of some war host, threw a fitful gleam of light upon the distant sky, which many might have mistaken for the Annua Borealis. This scene, added to the silence of the midnight, the rumbling sound of the tramping steeds, over the hard and dried surface of the plain, the clanking of swords in their scabbards, the occasional gleam of bright armor in the flickering firelight, the gloom of surrounding darkness, and the unknown destiny of the expedition, or even of the people who sent it forth —all combined to impress the mind with deep and solemn thought, and to throw a romantic vision over the imagination, which is not often experienced, except in the poets dream, or in the wild imagery of sleeping fancy.
"In this solemn procession we moved on for some two hours, when it was supposed we were in the neighborhood of danger.
"Dismounting here, the company tied their horses to the field fence of Randolph McDonald, and, leaving a few men to guard the horses, proceeded on foot across the country by three different routes to the 'Field house,' where it was thought the mob were encamped. David, with a third of the party, took the way around the field to the right,' sending Apostle Charles C. Rich, in charge of another company, to the left; while a third, under James Durfee, went directly across. All were to meet at the house of Mr. Field and take the enemy by surprise. When the forces reached the point of meeting, however, no foe was in sight.
Lycurgus A. Wilson.
LIFE OF DAVID W. PATTEN.
CHAP. VII.
(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 665.)
In May, David left Far West with the Prophet Joseph and party to lay off a Stake of Zion to the north of them. It was on this trip that Adam's altar was discovered, at Adam-ondi-Ahman.
In his official capacity, David issued an epistle to the Saints through the Elders' Journal, under date of July, 1838, into which there is breathed a spirit of concern for the welfare of the people of God, equaled only by that of integrity in defense of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
The summer of 1838, found the Saints gathered into Far West, and located in the surrounding settlements, to the number of not less than twelve thousand souls. The old spirit of mobocracy began to show itself again. An occasion was afforded for an outbreak by the August election at Gallatin in Caldwell County, where the Saints were unlawfully prevented from voting. From that time forward until their banishment from the State the following winter, the Saints in the outlying settlements and on their farms, were kept in constant fear. Bands of lawless men roamed the country over, destroying crops, burning houses, ravishing women, and driving the objects of their hatred into Far West, their only place of safety.
Wherever assistance or defense was needed, Apostle David W. Patten was to the rescue among the foremost, and his bravery soon won for him the title of "Captain Fear Not." In his presence the oppressed found a champion, and at his approach the wicked were filled with terror.
About the middle of October David was placed in command of nearly sixty men, and ordered to disperse a mob in the vicinity of Gallatin. Of this expedition it is recorded:
"When Patten' s company came in sight of Gallatin, he. found a body of the mob, about one hundred strong, who were amusing themselves by mocking, and in various ways tantalizing a number of the Saints whom they had captured. Seeing the approach of Patten's men, and knowing the determination of the leader, the mob broke and ran in the greatest confusion, leaving their prisoners behind them. "
Probably the last manifestation of David's power with the Lord, at any rate the last of which any account is given, occurred about this time.
With others he had gone to the relief of an isolated family in the line of the mob's course, and had found the mother with several children homeless and destitute. Painfully the party were making their way on foot to Far West across the prairie, when from the fright she had received, the mother, in a delicate condition before, was threatened with severe sickness. To add to the distressing situation, a heavy storm seemed impending and the rain commenced to descend.
Always full of sympathy for the sorrowing, David at once called the party to a momentary halt, and, stepping aside into the tall grass, he commanded the storm to cease until the woman should be conveyed to a place of shelter.
Immediately, it is related, the rain was stayed, the sky began to clear, and the party went forward to their destination without further hindrance or discomfort.
Of the terrible conditions now confronting the Church, Bishop Orson F. Whitney writes:
"The fall and winter of 1838, was one of the darkest periods of Church history. Mobocracy on one hand, and apostasy on the other, dealt the cause of God cruel blows, such as no human work could hope to withstand. The tempest of persecution, briefly lulled, burst forth with tenfold fury; no longer a city or county—a whole state rose in arms against God's people, bent upon their destruction. 'The dogs of war' were loosed upon the helpless Saints, and murder and rapine held high carnival amid the smoking ruins of peaceful homes and ravaged fields.
"Then fell the mask from the face of hypocrisy. Treason betrayed itself. Apostles, Presidents, and Elders fell from the faith and joined hands with the robbers and murderers of their brethren. Satan laughed! The very mouth of hell seemed opening to engulf the Kingdom which He who cannot lie has sworn shall stand forever. "
We quote President George Q. Cannon:
"Unable to bear the pressure and to face the terrors of the times, Thomas B. Marsh had apostatized and had joined with McLellin and other evil men to act the part of Judas against the Prophet. The faith of others also failed, and, thinking by apostasy to save themselves from the destruction which seemed impending, they came out against Joseph and the Church and went over to their enemies. "
Such was the condition of the Church, when Apostle David W. Patten, then the senior member and President of his Quorum, performed the last heroic act of his eventful life.
On the 24th of October, a messenger came into Far West bringing news of a band of invaders under command of Rev. Samuel Bogart, who had boasted' that, if he had good luck in meeting Neil Gillum, another mobocratic leader, he would give Far West thunder and lightning before noon next day. Joseph Holbrook and David Judah were at once dispatched to watch the movements of the despoilers. Near midnight these brethren returned, and reported that the mob after plundering the house of Father Pinkham, west of the city, had made prisoners of Nathan Pinkham, William Seely and Addison Green, whom they had declared their intentions to kill that night.
"On hearing the report," the Prophet Joseph Smith records, "Judge Higbee, the first Judge of the county, ordered Lieutenant Colonel Hinkle, the highest officer in command in Far West, to send out a company to disperse the mob and retake their prisoners whom it was reported, they intended to murder that night.
"The trumpet sounded, and the brethren were assembled on the Public Square about midnight, when the facts were stated, and about seventy-five volunteered to obey the Judge's order, under command of David W. Patten,. who immediately commenced their march on horseback, hoping to surprise and scatter the camp, retake the prisoners, and prevent the attack threatened upon Far West, without the loss of blood."
Apostle Parley P. Pratt, who was among the volunteers, thus graphically describes that midnight march:
"The company was soon underway, having to ride through extensive prairies, a distance of some twelve miles. The night was dark, the distant plains far and wide were illuminated by blazing fires, immense columns of smoke were seen rising in awful majesty, as if the world was on fire. This scene of grandeur can only be comprehended by those acquainted with scenes of prairie burning; as the fire sweeps over millions of acres of dry grass in the fall season, and leaves a smooth surface divested of all vegetation.
"A thousand meteors blazing in the distance like the camp fires of some war host, threw a fitful gleam of light upon the distant sky, which many might have mistaken for the Annua Borealis. This scene, added to the silence of the midnight, the rumbling sound of the tramping steeds, over the hard and dried surface of the plain, the clanking of swords in their scabbards, the occasional gleam of bright armor in the flickering firelight, the gloom of surrounding darkness, and the unknown destiny of the expedition, or even of the people who sent it forth —all combined to impress the mind with deep and solemn thought, and to throw a romantic vision over the imagination, which is not often experienced, except in the poets dream, or in the wild imagery of sleeping fancy.
"In this solemn procession we moved on for some two hours, when it was supposed we were in the neighborhood of danger.
"Dismounting here, the company tied their horses to the field fence of Randolph McDonald, and, leaving a few men to guard the horses, proceeded on foot across the country by three different routes to the 'Field house,' where it was thought the mob were encamped. David, with a third of the party, took the way around the field to the right,' sending Apostle Charles C. Rich, in charge of another company, to the left; while a third, under James Durfee, went directly across. All were to meet at the house of Mr. Field and take the enemy by surprise. When the forces reached the point of meeting, however, no foe was in sight.
Lycurgus A. Wilson.
Wilson, Lycurgus A. "Life of David W. Patten. Chapter VIII." Juvenile Instructor. 15 December 1896. pg. 741-743.
LIFE OF DAVID W. PATTEN.
(CONCLUDED FROM PAGE 705.)
It was now concluded that the mob must have ramped at the ford below on Crooked River, and after a short exhortation from Captain Patten to trust in the Lord for victory, a march was ordered along the road to that point. As the party neared the river in the early morning just at day-break, a voice was heard calling, "Who comes there," and at the same instant a shot was fired when a young man, P. O. Banion, reeled and fell from the ranks, mortally wounded. Captain Patten at once ordered a charge and the company rushed forward only to see the two men, who had been on guard, running into the camp of the enemy on the river bank below. Immediately all was confusion in the camp, but it was still so dark that nothing could be seen with distinctness by the brethren looking to the west, while their forms could be clearly outlined in the eastern light by the mob, who were soon in position behind the river bank below. David had just ranged his company in line, not more than fifty yards from the camp, when a deadly fire was opened upon them from behind the embankment. An answering fire was immediately ordered and with the watch word "God and liberty," on his lips, David, ordering a charge, ran forward.
The mob fled in confusion before the rush that followed and the field was quickly won; but as David led the pursuit down the river bank, a mobber who had taken refuge behind a tree for a momentary pause before taking to the river, turned and shot him in the abdomen.
The mob routed, his brethren gathered about their wounded leader in deepest sorrow, and everything possible was done to minister to his comfort. Word was dispatched to Far West for medical assistance to meet the party, the wagons of the mob were pressed into service, and the victorious but sorrow-stricken company took up their dreary march toward Far West. Seven of the brethren were wounded, and one, Gideon Carter, had been killed outright.
After riding a few miles in a wagon, David's suffering became so intense he was placed on a litter and carried by his brethren.
Without delay, on receiving the mournful intelligence, the Prophet Joseph Smith with his brother Hyrum, Apostles Heber C. Kimball and Amasa Lyman, with others, as also David's grief stricken wife, made all haste to meet the sorrowful cavalcade.
President Heber C. Kimball describes the closing scene:
"Immediately' on receiving the intelligence that Brother Patten was wounded, I hastened to see him and found him in great pain, but still he was glad to see me; he was conveyed about four miles to the house of Brother Stephen Winchester; during his removal his sufferings were so excruciating that he frequently desired us to lay him down that he might die; but being desirous to get him out of the reach of the mob, we prevailed upon him to let us carry him among his friends. We carried him on a kind of bier, fixed up from poles.
"Although he had medical assistance, his wound was such that there was no hope entertained of his recovery, and this he was perfectly aware of. In this situation, while the shades of time were lowering, and eternity with all its realities opening to his view, he bore a strong testimony to the truth of the work of the Lord, and the religion he had espoused. He was perfectly sensible and collected until he breathed his last, which occurred at about ten o'clock in the evening. Stephen Winchester, Brother Patten's wife, Bathsheba W. Bigler, .with several of her father's family were present at David's death.
"The principles of the Gospel which were so precious to him before, afforded him that support and consolation at the time of his departure, which deprived death of its sting and horror. Speaking of those who had fallen from their steadfastness he exclaimed, 'O that they were in my situation! For I feel that I have kept the faith, I have finished my course, henceforth there is laid up for me a crown, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me.' Speaking to his .beloved wife, he said, 'Whatever you do else, O do not deny the faith.' He all the time expressed a great desire to depart. I said to him 'Brother David, when you get home, I want you to remember me.' He replied, 'I will.' At this time his sight was gone. A few minutes before he died, he prayed as follows, 'Father, I ask Thee in the name of Jesus Christ, that Thou wouldst release my spirit, and receive it unto Thyself.' And he then said to those who surrounded his dying bed, 'Brethren, you have held me by your faith, but do give me up, and let me go, I beseech you.' We accordingly committed him to God, and he soon breathed his last, and slept in Jesus without a groan.
"This was the death of one who was an honor to the Church and a blessing to the Saints; and whose faith, virtues and diligence in the cause of truth will be had in remembrance by the Church of Jesus Christ from generation to generation. It was a painful way to be deprived of the labors of this worthy servant of Christ, and it cast a gloom upon the Saints; yet the glorious and sealing testimony which he bore of his acceptance with heaven and the truth of the Gospel was a matter of joy and satisfaction, not only to his immediate friends, but to the Saints at large."
Of the death of his friend, President Wilford Woodruff writes:
"Thus fell the noble David W. Patten as a martyr for the cause of God and he will receive a martyr's crown. He was valiant in the testimony' of Jesus Christ while he lived upon the earth. He was a man of great faith and the power of God was with him. He was brave to a fault, even too brave to be preserved. He apparently had no fear of man about him.
"Many of the sick were healed and devils cast out under his administration. "
In closing his account of the tragedy, the Prophet Joseph says:
"Brother David W. Patten was a very worthy man, beloved by all good men who knew him. He was one of the Twelve Apostles, and died as he lived, a man of God, and strong in the faith of a glorious resurrection, in a world where mobs will have no power or place."
With David's wish, formerly expressed to him, to die as a martyr, no doubt in mind, the Prophet Joseph, at the funeral on October 27, 1838, pointing to his lifeless body, testified:
"There lies a man that has done just as he said he would—he has laid down his life for his friends."
And One mightier has said:
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend."
A fit ending of a glorious career!
The remains were laid to rest with military honors at Far West, and the grave is now unmarked and unknown, but of the noble spirit, the Lord, in a revelation a few years subsequent to his departure, vouchsafed this intelligence:
“David Patten I have taken unto myself; behold, his Priesthood no man taketh from him; but verily I say unto you, another may be appointed unto the same calling."
And again, in speaking of Lyman Wight, who succeeded David in the Apostleship, the Lord says:
"That when he shall finish his work, that I may receive him unto myself, even as I did my servant David Patten, who is with me at this time."
If, then, to repeat, we say great men are the Lord's object lessons to the world by whom He holds out to mankind the truths committed to their generation, what of the life before us?
From the time David heard the Gospel, his earnest nature entered with full purpose of heart upon the work he was sent from the courts on high to perform, his whole soul was given over to faithfully bearing the message of his life:
GOD GIVES us ALL THE POWER WE HAVE, and though in the one desire to give his life as a martyr, it .may be said he fell short of the ideal;
THY WILL NOT MINE BE DONE;
yet, without doubt, in making up the roll of His noble and great ones, time will place next to those of the Prophet and Patriarch martyrs, Joseph and Hyrum Smith, the name of the first Apostolic martyr, David W. Patten.
Lycurgus A. Wilson.
LIFE OF DAVID W. PATTEN.
(CONCLUDED FROM PAGE 705.)
It was now concluded that the mob must have ramped at the ford below on Crooked River, and after a short exhortation from Captain Patten to trust in the Lord for victory, a march was ordered along the road to that point. As the party neared the river in the early morning just at day-break, a voice was heard calling, "Who comes there," and at the same instant a shot was fired when a young man, P. O. Banion, reeled and fell from the ranks, mortally wounded. Captain Patten at once ordered a charge and the company rushed forward only to see the two men, who had been on guard, running into the camp of the enemy on the river bank below. Immediately all was confusion in the camp, but it was still so dark that nothing could be seen with distinctness by the brethren looking to the west, while their forms could be clearly outlined in the eastern light by the mob, who were soon in position behind the river bank below. David had just ranged his company in line, not more than fifty yards from the camp, when a deadly fire was opened upon them from behind the embankment. An answering fire was immediately ordered and with the watch word "God and liberty," on his lips, David, ordering a charge, ran forward.
The mob fled in confusion before the rush that followed and the field was quickly won; but as David led the pursuit down the river bank, a mobber who had taken refuge behind a tree for a momentary pause before taking to the river, turned and shot him in the abdomen.
The mob routed, his brethren gathered about their wounded leader in deepest sorrow, and everything possible was done to minister to his comfort. Word was dispatched to Far West for medical assistance to meet the party, the wagons of the mob were pressed into service, and the victorious but sorrow-stricken company took up their dreary march toward Far West. Seven of the brethren were wounded, and one, Gideon Carter, had been killed outright.
After riding a few miles in a wagon, David's suffering became so intense he was placed on a litter and carried by his brethren.
Without delay, on receiving the mournful intelligence, the Prophet Joseph Smith with his brother Hyrum, Apostles Heber C. Kimball and Amasa Lyman, with others, as also David's grief stricken wife, made all haste to meet the sorrowful cavalcade.
President Heber C. Kimball describes the closing scene:
"Immediately' on receiving the intelligence that Brother Patten was wounded, I hastened to see him and found him in great pain, but still he was glad to see me; he was conveyed about four miles to the house of Brother Stephen Winchester; during his removal his sufferings were so excruciating that he frequently desired us to lay him down that he might die; but being desirous to get him out of the reach of the mob, we prevailed upon him to let us carry him among his friends. We carried him on a kind of bier, fixed up from poles.
"Although he had medical assistance, his wound was such that there was no hope entertained of his recovery, and this he was perfectly aware of. In this situation, while the shades of time were lowering, and eternity with all its realities opening to his view, he bore a strong testimony to the truth of the work of the Lord, and the religion he had espoused. He was perfectly sensible and collected until he breathed his last, which occurred at about ten o'clock in the evening. Stephen Winchester, Brother Patten's wife, Bathsheba W. Bigler, .with several of her father's family were present at David's death.
"The principles of the Gospel which were so precious to him before, afforded him that support and consolation at the time of his departure, which deprived death of its sting and horror. Speaking of those who had fallen from their steadfastness he exclaimed, 'O that they were in my situation! For I feel that I have kept the faith, I have finished my course, henceforth there is laid up for me a crown, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me.' Speaking to his .beloved wife, he said, 'Whatever you do else, O do not deny the faith.' He all the time expressed a great desire to depart. I said to him 'Brother David, when you get home, I want you to remember me.' He replied, 'I will.' At this time his sight was gone. A few minutes before he died, he prayed as follows, 'Father, I ask Thee in the name of Jesus Christ, that Thou wouldst release my spirit, and receive it unto Thyself.' And he then said to those who surrounded his dying bed, 'Brethren, you have held me by your faith, but do give me up, and let me go, I beseech you.' We accordingly committed him to God, and he soon breathed his last, and slept in Jesus without a groan.
"This was the death of one who was an honor to the Church and a blessing to the Saints; and whose faith, virtues and diligence in the cause of truth will be had in remembrance by the Church of Jesus Christ from generation to generation. It was a painful way to be deprived of the labors of this worthy servant of Christ, and it cast a gloom upon the Saints; yet the glorious and sealing testimony which he bore of his acceptance with heaven and the truth of the Gospel was a matter of joy and satisfaction, not only to his immediate friends, but to the Saints at large."
Of the death of his friend, President Wilford Woodruff writes:
"Thus fell the noble David W. Patten as a martyr for the cause of God and he will receive a martyr's crown. He was valiant in the testimony' of Jesus Christ while he lived upon the earth. He was a man of great faith and the power of God was with him. He was brave to a fault, even too brave to be preserved. He apparently had no fear of man about him.
"Many of the sick were healed and devils cast out under his administration. "
In closing his account of the tragedy, the Prophet Joseph says:
"Brother David W. Patten was a very worthy man, beloved by all good men who knew him. He was one of the Twelve Apostles, and died as he lived, a man of God, and strong in the faith of a glorious resurrection, in a world where mobs will have no power or place."
With David's wish, formerly expressed to him, to die as a martyr, no doubt in mind, the Prophet Joseph, at the funeral on October 27, 1838, pointing to his lifeless body, testified:
"There lies a man that has done just as he said he would—he has laid down his life for his friends."
And One mightier has said:
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend."
A fit ending of a glorious career!
The remains were laid to rest with military honors at Far West, and the grave is now unmarked and unknown, but of the noble spirit, the Lord, in a revelation a few years subsequent to his departure, vouchsafed this intelligence:
“David Patten I have taken unto myself; behold, his Priesthood no man taketh from him; but verily I say unto you, another may be appointed unto the same calling."
And again, in speaking of Lyman Wight, who succeeded David in the Apostleship, the Lord says:
"That when he shall finish his work, that I may receive him unto myself, even as I did my servant David Patten, who is with me at this time."
If, then, to repeat, we say great men are the Lord's object lessons to the world by whom He holds out to mankind the truths committed to their generation, what of the life before us?
From the time David heard the Gospel, his earnest nature entered with full purpose of heart upon the work he was sent from the courts on high to perform, his whole soul was given over to faithfully bearing the message of his life:
GOD GIVES us ALL THE POWER WE HAVE, and though in the one desire to give his life as a martyr, it .may be said he fell short of the ideal;
THY WILL NOT MINE BE DONE;
yet, without doubt, in making up the roll of His noble and great ones, time will place next to those of the Prophet and Patriarch martyrs, Joseph and Hyrum Smith, the name of the first Apostolic martyr, David W. Patten.
Lycurgus A. Wilson.
"Story of David W. Patten." Young Woman's Journal. September 1915. pg. 591-592.
Story of David W. Patten.
‘‘The Lord did work with me wonderfully, in signs and wonders following them that believed in the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, insomuch that the deaf were made to hear, the blind to see, and the lame were made whole. Fevers, palsies, crooked and withered limbs, and in fact all manner of diseases common to the country, were healed by the power of God. that was manifested through His servants.”
Among those visited by him was a blind woman, the wife of Ezra Strong. It was nearly noon when David reached the house. After the usual testimony and questions respecting her faith in the Gospel. David rubbed and anointed her eyes, when immediately she was restored to sight: and so thoroughly was she healed that she prepared dinner for the household.
While a conference was being held at Bethel. Maine, a young woman, Mary Stearns, who had been troubled for five years with an extremely aggravated case of heart disease, sent for the Elders, and upon investigation asked for baptism. David was mouth in the confirmation as well as in administering to her afterwards for her health, and made her the promise that she should be entirely restored to perfect health and soundness. She afterwards became the wife of Apostle Parley P. Pratt, and endured all the hardships through which the Saints passed; but from that time till the day of her death in 1891, at the age of 82 years she never complained of heart trouble.[1]
[1] “Life of David W. Patten, p. 17.
Story of David W. Patten.
‘‘The Lord did work with me wonderfully, in signs and wonders following them that believed in the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, insomuch that the deaf were made to hear, the blind to see, and the lame were made whole. Fevers, palsies, crooked and withered limbs, and in fact all manner of diseases common to the country, were healed by the power of God. that was manifested through His servants.”
Among those visited by him was a blind woman, the wife of Ezra Strong. It was nearly noon when David reached the house. After the usual testimony and questions respecting her faith in the Gospel. David rubbed and anointed her eyes, when immediately she was restored to sight: and so thoroughly was she healed that she prepared dinner for the household.
While a conference was being held at Bethel. Maine, a young woman, Mary Stearns, who had been troubled for five years with an extremely aggravated case of heart disease, sent for the Elders, and upon investigation asked for baptism. David was mouth in the confirmation as well as in administering to her afterwards for her health, and made her the promise that she should be entirely restored to perfect health and soundness. She afterwards became the wife of Apostle Parley P. Pratt, and endured all the hardships through which the Saints passed; but from that time till the day of her death in 1891, at the age of 82 years she never complained of heart trouble.[1]
[1] “Life of David W. Patten, p. 17.