Battle of Crooked River
25 October 1838
Compilation of Sources by Ron Romig and Mel Tungate, 11-6-2003
Heber C. Kimball narrated the scene at Winchester's, “The principles of the Gospel which were so precious to him [Patten] 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."
Kimball continues, "[Patten] speaking to his beloved wife [Phoebe Ann] 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." [Extract from the Journal of Heber C. Kimball, Times and Seasons, 2, No 16, 443].
Bathsheba W. Bigler Smith, wrote, "Three nights after we had arrived at the farm which my brother had bought, and which was four miles south of the city of Far West, word came that a mob was gathering on Crooked River, and a call was made for men to go out in command of Captain David W. Patten, for the purpose of trying to stop the depredations of the men, who were whipping and otherwise maltreating our brethren, and who were destroying and burning property. Captain Patten's company went, and a battle ensued. Some of the Latter-day Saints were killed, and several were wounded. I saw Brother James Hendrix, one of the wounded, as he was being carried home; he was entirely helpless and nearly speechless. Soon afterwards Captain David W. Patten, who was one of the twelve apostles, was brought wounded into the house where we were. I heard him bear testimony to the truth of Mormonism. He exhorted his wife and all present to abide in the faith. His wife asked him if he had anything against any one. He answered, 'No.' Elder Heber C. Kimball asked him if he would remember him when he got home. He said he would. Soon after this he died, without a struggle." [Bathsheba W. Bigler Smith, in Edward W. Tullidge, The Women of Mormondom (New York: n.p., 1877), 150-155].
Kimball recalled, "He [Patten] lived about an hour after his arrival, and was perfectly sensible and collected until he breathed his last, at ten o'clock at night. Although he had medical assistance, his wound was such that there was no hope entertained for his recovery, and this he was perfectly aware of. In this situation, while the shades of time were lowering, and eternity with all its realities opening to his view, he bore a strong testimony to the truth of the work of the Lord, and the religion he had espoused. He was perfectly sensible and collected until he breathed his last, which occurred at about ten o'clock in the evening. Stephen Winchester, Brother Patten's wife, Bathsheba W. Bigler, with several of her father's family were present at David's death." [Orson F. Whitney, Life of Heber C. Kimball, 213-14]. Joseph Holbrook stated that Patten died about four o'clock in the afternoon. [Joseph Holbrook, http://www.farwesthistory.com/plumcre.htm].
After Patten's death, his body was transported to Far West.
Log and Goose Creek Participants in Battle of Crooked River
Amasa Lyman Spy Company
LDS Historic Sites - BCR
C.C. Rich Account of Battle of Crooked River
David Patten in Northwestern Missouri
Where David Patten Died
Far West Burial Ground