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.”

Topics.—­1.  The Saints in Clay county. 2.  Removed to Caldwell county. 3.  The beginning of trouble. 4.  The Crooked River battle. 5.  Apostle David W. Patten.

Questions and Review.—­1.  From Jackson county where did the Saints go? 2.  How did they try to get their homes again? 3.  What did Governor Dunklin do? 4.  What offer did the Jackson people make to the Saints? 5.  Why did not the Saints accept this offer? 6.  What did the Saints offer to do? 7.  Why did the people of Clay county wish the Saints to leave them? 8.  When and where did the Saints then go? 9.  What is the law of tithing? 10.  What was the case of the new trouble between the Saints and the Missourians? 11.  What came of Joseph’s trip to Daviess county? 12.  Describe the Crooked River battle. 13.  Tell about David W. Patten.

CHAPTER XX.

The Haun’s mill massacre.

In this chapter I wish to tell you about one of the saddest events that happened in all that sad time of persecution in Missouri.

It occurred on October 30, 1838, during the time of great excitement, when bands of armed men roamed over the country doing what damage they could to the homes of the Saints.

At a point on Shoal Creek, about sixteen miles from Fat West, a brother by the name of Haun had built a flour mill.  Besides the mill there were a blacksmith shop and half a dozen houses.  About thirty families lived here, some of which had just arrived from the Eastern States and were yet camping in their tents.

This little body of Saints had been threatened by mobs a number of times, but on the 28th, a treaty of peace was made in which each party agreed not to molest the other.  Before this, however, Joseph had advised the Saints at Haun’s Mill to move into Far West, which advice they had not taken.

October 30th was a beautiful autumn day.  The air was warm, and the breeze stirred the fields of wheat and rustled the corn.  The children were playing on the banks of the creek, and their merry laugh was echoed by the birds in the forest close at hand.  All seemed peaceful and lovely.