David W. Patten: Apostle and Martyr

David W. Patten was one of the most influential and dearly-loved leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in its formative years of 1832 -1838. His spirituality and personality propelled him to leadership positions, and he participated in many major events, including:
• Marching in Zion’s Camp
• Being called as one of the Twelve Apostles
• Speaking in tongues during the dedication of the Kirtland Temple
• Valiantly standing by Joseph Smith during the dark days of apostasy in 1837-38.

On October 25, 1838, he commanded the Mormon Militia against anti-Mormon forces at the Battle of Crooked River. Patten was mortally wounded during the battle, but his legacy of faith lives on.