Life of David W. Patten, the First Apostolic Martyr (Annotated)

Life of David W. Patten, the First Apostolic Martyr is a devotional biography of one of early Mormonism's original Twelve Apostles, tracing Patten's conversion, missionary labors, leadership, and death in Missouri in 1838. Written in a reverent nineteenth-century biographical mode, the book blends documentary history, faith-promoting narrative, and moral portraiture, placing Patten within the turbulent context of Latter-day Saint expansion, persecution, and communal self-definition. Lycurgus A. Wilson wrote as a committed Latter-day Saint historian shaped by a culture that valued pioneer memory, apostolic authority, and the preservation of sacred biography. His purpose was not merely to recount events but to interpret Patten's life as evidence of consecrated discipleship. Drawing upon church records, reminiscences, and inherited community traditions, Wilson presents Patten as a figure whose courage and spiritual gifts illuminate the formative struggles of the Restoration. This volume is recommended for readers interested in early Latter-day Saint history, religious biography, and the ways communities remember their martyrs. Though modern readers may note its devotional tone, the book remains valuable as both historical testimony and an artifact of Mormon memory, offering insight into how sacrifice, authority, and sanctity were narrated for later generations.This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.