1 Life of David W. Patten The First Apostolic Martyr By: Lycurgus A. Wilson Copyrighted 1900 1904.
The Deseret News, Salt Lake City, Utah. Page: 45-47 It was probably not long after his arrival in Tennessee in the spring of 1836, that David had one of the most remarkable experiences of his life. He was making his home with Levi Taylor, the step-father of Abraham O. Smoot, at the time and had been to Paris, some sixteen miles away, holding a meeting. Riding home in the evening, just where his road lay through a dense growth of brush, called in those parts a barren, he suddenly became aware that a person on foot by his side was keeping pace with the mule on which he rode. But the subjoined letter, dated at Provo, Utah, will explain the matter: President Joseph F. Smith, Salt Lake City: Dear Brother:- In relation to the subject of the visit of Cain to Brother David W. Patten in the State of Tennessee, about which you wrote to me, I will say that according to the best of my recollection it was in the month of September, 1835. It was in the evening, just twilight, when Brother Patten rode up to my fathers house, alighted from his mule and came into the house. The family immediately observed that his countenance was quite changed. My mother having first noticed his changed appearance said: Brother Patten, are you sick? He replied that he was not, but had just met with a very remarkable personage who had represented himself as being Cain, who murdered his brother, Abel. He went on to tell the circumstances as near as I can recall in the following language: As I was riding along the road on my mule I suddenly noticed a very strange personage walking beside me. He walked along beside me for about two miles. His head was about even with my shoulders as I sat in my saddle. He wore no clothing, but was covered with hair. His skin was very dark. I asked him where he dwelt, and he replied that he had no home, that he was a wanderer in the earth and traveled to and fro. He said he was a very miserable creature that he had earnestly sought death during his sojourn upon the earth, but that he could not die, and his mission was to destroy the souls of men. About the time he expressed himself thus, I rebuked him in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by virtue of the Holy Priesthood, and commanded him to go to hence, and he immediately departed out of my sight. When he left me I found myself near your home. There was much conversation about the circumstances between Brother Patten and my family which I dont recall, but the above is in substance his statement to us at the time. The date is, to the best of my recollection, and I think it is correct, but it may possible have been in the spring of 1836, but I felt quite positive that the former date is right. Hoping the above will be satisfactory to you and answer your purpose, I am with the kindest regards, as ever, Your friend and Brother. A. O. Smoot.
Who was Elder David W. Patten?
2 David Wyman Patten (sometimes referred to as David Warren Patten) (November 14, 1799 October 25, 1838) was an early leader in the Latter Day Saint movement and an original member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He was killed at the Battle of Crooked River and is one of the most celebrated martyrs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). David W. Patten
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles February 15, 1835 October 25, 1838 Called by Three Witnesses LDS Church Apostle February 15, 1835 October 25, 1838 Called by Three Witnesses Initial organization of Quorum Reason of the Twelve Reorganization at end No apostles immediately of term ordained Personal details David Wyman Patten November 14, 1799 Vermont October 25, 1838 (aged 38) Ray County, Missouri
Born Died
Patten became one of the original apostles of the Church of the Latter Day Saints on February 15, 1835, receiving his ordination from Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin Harris, jointly known as the Three Witnesses. He served as an apostle from 1835 until his death in 1838. In addition, fellow Apostle Brigham Young also served as an assistant to Marsh. Latter Day Saints in Missouri began to refer to Patten by the nickname "Captain Fear-Not." Doctrine and Covenants Section 114, delivered April 17, 1838, is directed to Patten, in which he is called to serve another mission About David W. Patten's death, Joseph Smith said "There lies a man who has done just as he said he would - he has laid down his life for his friends. Patten was buried in an unmarked grave on October 27, 1838 in Far West, Missouri
