Nellie Pucell Unthank Monument

Nellie, when nine years of age, left her home in England to come with her parents to Utah. Nellie's parents were among those who died and were laid to rest in snow banks. Survivors of the company were rescued and brought to Salt Lake City. Poor little Nellie, nothing could be done to save her feet. The doctor said her feet must be taken off to save her life. They strapped her to a board and without an anesthetic the surgery was performed. In poverty and pain she reared a family of six children but never asked for favors of pity or charity because of her tragic handicap. According to one friend, "her wrinkled forehead" and "her soft dark eyes" bore witness to the "pain and suffering" she had endured in her life, yet her face bore "no trace of bitterness" at her fate. In "patience and serenity" Nellie touched the lives of all with whom she associated. She died at age 69 in Cedar City. - She Stood Tall On Her Knees by William Palmer

As a fitting tribute to Nellie's memory a life-size bronze likeness by noted Utah sculptor Jerry Anderson was dedicated Saturday August 3, 1991. The Utah Legislature officially set the day aside as a "day of praise" for Nellie Unthank, and a host of dignitaries paid tribute to her tenacity, sacrifice, and noble pioneering spirit. Jerry Snow Millett son of Alma Unthank Millett son of Annie Unthank Millett daughter of Ellen Pucell Unthank.