A Young Folks' History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsAnderson, Nephi
Religion
A Young Folks' History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Anderson, Nephi
Latter Day Saint churches
Some twenty days after Mr. Black had made such good promises, he and some
others had papers made out for the arrest of Joseph Smith and Lyman Wight
for coming into Daviess co., and doing all kinds of wicked deeds. When the
constable called on Joseph at Far West, Joseph said he was willing to stand
trial, but he wanted it to be in Caldwell, instead of Daviess county, as in
the latter there existed too much excitement and ill-feeling. The officer
did not arrest the Prophet at this time, but the report spread that Joseph
had resisted the officer and would not be arrested. To prove how false this
was, Joseph with his brother Hyrum and some others, went to Daviess county
for trial. At this trial Mr. Black swore to some wicked falsehoods, and
although four witnesses told the truth of the matter, Joseph and Lyman were
bound over, that is, they were to be ready to stand trial when the regular
court should meet.
False reports now flew far and wide again, and the mobs began to gather
from other counties to "help drive the Mormons from the State." Some of the
mob painted and dressed themselves up as Indians. The Saints, especially in
the smaller settlements, were attacked, until they had to flee to Far West
for protection. The Saints now thought it time to protect themselves from
the mobs, so they organized a company of state militia. Lyman Wight was an
officer in this militia and he commanded the men. He succeeded in driving
the mob from Daviess county, but this of course, only made the excitement
the greater.
On the evening of October 24, 1838, news reached Far West that a Methodist
preacher by the name of Bogart was leading a mob to destroy the property of
the Saints on Log Creek. That same evening a company of about seventy-five
men led by Captain David W. Patten mounted their horses and rode to the
scene of trouble. Early the next morning, just as it was getting daylight
the mob was found encamped on Crooked River. The Far West Militia
dismounted and marched on to the enemy. A battle took place. The mob took
refuge behind the river bank, while the brethren charged them sword in
hand. The enemy was soon put to flight across the river. As they were
fleeing, one of the mobbers wheeled around from behind a tree and shot
Captain Patten, who instantly fell. A number of brethren were badly
wounded, and two died the next night. One was Patterson O'Banion, and the
other Captain Patten.
Brother Patten was a member of the first quorum of Twelve Apostles. He had
taken an active part in the affairs of the Church up to the time of his
death, having filled many missions and done many great works in the name of
Jesus Christ. Apostle Patten was one of the first martyrs of the Church. Of
him Joseph the Prophet said at his funeral:
"There lies a man who has done just as he said he would; he has laid down
his life for his friends."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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