David W. Patten: Apostle and Martyr

This touching biography shares the life of David W. Patten, the first apostle to be martyred in the Last Days, and gives a glimpse into the early LDS Church. Readers will love and appreciate David W. Patten's fierce loyalty to the Prophet Joseph Smith and to the gospel. Linda Shelley Whiting has masterfully collaborated many sources to write this powerful book on an amazing man. 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. Patten joined the Church in 1832 and was immediately sent on a mission. He soon performed his first priesthood healing, and word quickly spread about his ability to heal the sick. People approached him daily to be healed. Over the next six years he served eight missions, where he blessed thousands of people and baptized hundreds into the Church. 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. Patten was the Captain of the Cavalry of the Mormon Militia at Far West. He led his men in assisting families driven from their homes during the Missouri persecutions, earning the nickname of Captain Fearnot among his people. 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 in Jesus Christ lives on.