Apostle to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Bro. Patten is the first Apostolic martyr of the last dispensation. Mortally wounded in the battle of Crooked River and died a few days afterward. Heber C Kimball wrote, “Elder David W. Patten who fell a sacrifice to the fell spirit of persecution, and a martyr to the cause of truth . . . Immediately on receiving intelligence that Brother Patten was wounded, I hastened to see him. When I arrived he appeared to be in great pain, but was glad to see me. He was conveyed about four miles, to the house of Brother Winchester. . . . He lived about an hour after his arrival, and was perfectly sensible and collected until he breathed his last.--Although he had medical assistance, yet his wound was such, that there was no hope entertained of his recovery; this he was perfectly aware of. . . . Speaking of those who had fallen from their steadfastness, he 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," and etc. . . . 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 then 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 and 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.”
There is an estimated 200 Mormons who died near Far West in their 1830's stay there.