David Patten Kimball facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Patten Kimball
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| Born | August 23, 1839 |
| Died | November 21, 1883 (aged 44) |
| Spouse(s) | Juliette Merrill Caroline Marian Williams |
| Parent(s) | Heber C. Kimball Vilate Murray |
David Patten Kimball (born August 23, 1839 – died November 21, 1883) was an important early leader in the Mormon Church. He is especially remembered for being one of three young men who helped rescue the Sweetwater handcart pioneers. This rescue happened during a very harsh winter.
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Who Was David Patten Kimball?
Early Life and Family
David Patten Kimball was born on August 23, 1839, in Nauvoo, Illinois. His parents were Heber C. Kimball and Vilate Murray. His father, Heber C. Kimball, was an Apostle in the Church. Around the time David was born, his father left to serve a mission in England.
The Sweetwater Handcart Rescue
In the winter of 1856, David Patten Kimball was a young man. He bravely helped a group of handcart pioneers who were stuck in the snow. These pioneers were stranded near the Sweetwater River. They needed help after a request from Brigham Young, the Church president. David and others risked their lives to bring supplies and help the pioneers. This act of courage saved many lives.
Life in Utah and Arizona
David Patten Kimball served as the president of the Bear Lake Stake in Utah. A "stake" is a large group of Church congregations. Later, in 1877, he moved to Arizona. He worked as a teamster, which meant he drove wagons to transport goods. When he passed away, he was serving as a counselor in the St. Joseph Stake.
A Difficult Journey and a Vision
In November 1881, David was transporting goods between the Maricopa railroad station and Prescott. He got caught in a snowstorm near Prescott and became very sick with pneumonia. On his way back, he got separated from his travel partner and wagon. He became lost in the Salt River valley south of Wickenburg.
David spent four days in the desert without food or water. During this difficult time, he had a special experience. He reported seeing a vision of his deceased father. His father warned him to get his life in order. He also told David he had only two years left to live. David was found by a search party near present-day Surprise.
Later Life and Death
David Patten Kimball died at the age of 44. This happened on November 21, 1883, in St. David, Arizona. His death came about two years after his vision in the desert.
Notable Descendants
- Quentin L. Cook, an Apostle in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is a great-grandson of David Patten Kimball.
