“May he have power to smite his enemies before him with utter destruction.” — Joseph Smith¹

David Patten was born on November 14, 1799, in Vermont. He was baptized in 1832, and served numerous missions, including to Michigan Territory, the eastern states, and the southern states. Ordained as an apostle in 1835, Patten played a pivotal role in defending the Saints during the Missouri conflicts. He led a rescue mission at Crooked River on October 25, 1838, where he was mortally wounded.² His rifle is now displayed in the Church History Museum in Salt Lake City, Utah.³

1. Joseph Smith, Blessing to David Patten

2. “Patten, David,” josephsmithpapers.org; Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 24, 274, 283; Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 29, 343-345

3. “David W. Patten’s Rifle, Watch, and Powder Horn,” history.churchofjesuschrist.org