Description
Nature’s Final Hour: The Martyrdom of David W. Patten
Late October 1838, Far West, Missouri. Word reached the Saints in Far West that a mob was “committing depredations” and “taking prisoners.” About 10:00 PM a militia force of about 75 men was put together and began the search for their kidnapped brethren. After some time they came to Crooked River, where they tied their horses and approached the ford of the River. Charles C. Rich relates,
“When near the top of the hill, the words, ‘Who comes there,’ were heard, and at the same instant the report of a gun; young P. [Patrick] O’Banion reeled out of the ranks and fell mortally wounded; whereupon Captain Patten ordered a charge, and rushed down the hill; when within about fifty yards of the clump, we formed a line. Captain Patten’s company at the right, my company next, which brought me in the road, brother Patten’s company was partly shielded by a club of trees, and brother Durfee’s by a thicket of hazel brush. The mob formed under the bank of the creek, below their tents, and fired upon us all their guns, brother James Hendricks fell wounded near me on my left, and brother Hodges fell wounded on my right. Captain Patten ordered the company to fire, which was obeyed immediately, after which a calm succeeded for a moment. I commenced calling our watch-word, ‘God and liberty.’ in which all the companies joined. Captain Patten ordered us to charge–the enemy fired a few shots and fled, two lingered behind, Brother Patten pursued one, and I the other; the man that he pursued wheeled and shot him. Brother Patten wore a white blanket coat which made him a conspicuous mark.”
The mob fled and the Saints rescued their kidnapped brethren. With their wounded, they started for Far West. Elder Rich continues:
“After travelling a few miles, Brother Patten’s sufferings became so great he wished to be left; he and Brother Seeley were then placed upon litters and carried by the brethren. When we arrived near Log Creek, we met President Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, H. C. Kimball and others. At this place Brother [David] Patten became so ill, he was not able to be borne any further, we rested a short time.”
Heber C. Kimball continues the narrative:
“Although he had medical assistance, yet his wound was such, that there was no hope entertained of his recovery; this he was perfectly aware of. In this situation, while the shades of time were lowering, and eternity with all its realities was 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 fallen from their steadfastness, he [David Patten] 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. I 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. We felt so very much attached to our beloved brother, that we beseeched the Lord to spare his life and endeavored to exercise faith for his recovery. Of this he was perfectly aware, and expressed a desire, that we 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 wouldst 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.’ We committed him to God, and he soon breathed his last, and slept in Jesus without a groan. This was the end 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 long remembered by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance, and his memory will be had in remembrance by the Church of Christ from generation to generation.”
Sources: https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org/history/david-wyman-patten/
The Millennial Star, Vol. 26, June 25 to July 16, 1864, pp. 406-408:422-424:439-441:454-455.
