Keywords

church history, 1820–1844, Joseph Smith, apostle

Document Type

Article

Abstract

In 1843 Joseph Smith reflected on his experiences with the original members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in this dispensation, remarking that only Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball had not “lifted their heel” against him. Of the remaining ten members of the Quorum, nine faced documented disciplinary action or openly opposed Joseph, but David W. Patten did not. Patten’s loyalty, martyrdom, and frequent commendations from Joseph, the Lord, and his contemporaries make Patten’s exclusion from Joseph’s 1843praise of Brigham and Heber puzzling. Those who knew Patten spoke at length of his faithfulness and often listed his name alongside Joseph and Hyrum as the great martyrs of the faith. Later historians, however, have spoken less favorably, suggesting that Patten’s rebellion may simply be poorly documented. Contextual clues may also suggest that because Patten died in1838, he simply was not on Joseph’s mind when he made his 1843 remark in 1843.Ultimately, David Patten’s case serves as a caution against hasty characterizations of historical figures.