Martin Handcart Company, Mellor Family
Douglas McGarren Flack (1979– )
- Medium
United States
ca. 2009
Oil on linen
"This painting was commissioned for the great-grandson of the Mellor family, who were handcart pioneers. Before crossing the sea to come to America, the mother of the Mellor family lost twin babies. This family of nine still sailed to America soon after their loss. They were able to join the Martin handcart company to come with the Latter-day Saints to Utah. The whole family survived the trek. The three-year-old, who became the great-grandfather of Jeff and Jana Whiting, lost his toes on one foot because of the cold. The ages of family members and the locations of their travels were researched in order to paint this true story."