Francis Martin Pomeroy — Miraculous Crossing of the Colorado River

During the 1877 migration to settle Mesa, Arizona, the pioneer company faced the hazardous task of crossing the Colorado River at Lee's Ferry. Francis Martin Pomeroy, an expert ferryman, took command of the operation. To avoid the cost of using the ferry for the livestock, Pomeroy devised a plan to have the animals swim across. He borrowed a small boat and tied an old horse named George to it, rowing across the river while guiding the stock. Despite the treacherous nature of the river, the entire herd, including calves, successfully crossed without loss, an outcome viewed by the company as a significant deliverance and a cause for great rejoicing.