Sweetwater Crossing

Sweetwater Rescue

In answer to the call from President Brigham Young to bring in the members of the handcart companies stranded on the plains, the first rescue teams left the Salt Lake Valley on October 7, 1856. The advance rescue party would not find the Martin handcart company until October 28 at Red Bluffs where a snowstorm stranded them for nine days.

Although this advanced rescue party had insufficient supplies to adequately bring relief to so many in need they brought with them strength, courage, nobility, honor and would perform many heroic acts in order to preserve the lives of the stranded saints. These men would truly become angels sent from heaven which the company had long prayed for.

On November 4, 1856, with snow levels recorded anywhere from twelve to eighteen inches deep and temperatures recorded as low as eleven degrees below zero it was determined to move the company to an area that would provide a more plentiful source of firewood and better protection from the elements. Because of the physical and emotional
condition of the company, this river crossing would prove to be a ®severe operation® and would be the ®worst river crossing of the expedition®. Many, including men, wept at the prospects of crossing the river which was approximately two feet deep, from 90 to 120 feet across and flowing with sharp ice floes. Although many performed heroic acts David P. Kimball, George W. Grant, Stephen W. Taylor, and C. Allen Huntington were recognized for there efforts spending the day in the Sweetwater River assisting others across and into an area which would later be known as Martin's Cove.

Kelly Pugh has always and will always love to draw and paint the world around him as well as the people, and wildlife alive today and in the past.

After graduating from high school and completing a full time mission for his church, he dedicated his time to becoming a full-time artist as his career. Obtaining both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Fine Arts from Southern Utah University enriched his skill and knowledge of the art world.

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Kelly has worked as an art designer painting murals and feux finishes in homes throughout Las Vegas. He was also the head art director of the largest dinosaur museum in the world, the Museum of Ancient Life at Thanksgiving Point near Lehi, Utah.

Kelly's experience as a full-time artist has enabled him to paint in many different kinds of medium, subject matters, and materials. He has published several books and is currently working on a book of the Martin and Willie Handcart companies. He is doing this book along with author Shelli Simmons author of the stories listed on this site.

Kelly currently lives with his wife Sheri and 5 children in Blanding, Utah where he is a part owner of Ridgeway Art Gallery and full-time artist.

Kelly’s work is not only beautiful and detailed, but incredibly realistic. Kelly has often been asked if his work is a photograph or a painting. Kelly enjoys bringing the world home to you and hope you will enjoy his work as much as so many have before.

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