Luke Syphus
The Sail for Australia
![Picture](/uploads/1/4/3/1/14319154/9032919.jpg?280)
Java sailing ship 1813 to 1940 (Barnett)
Luke Syphus was born, grew up, and got married to Christiana Long in England. They converted to Mormonism and wanted to live with the saints in Utah, but they didn't have enough money to pay for the trip. So they accepted a free ride on a ship called the "Java" to go to Australia in 1852, and then to Utah when they raised enough money. The Syphuses lost a baby boy on board, and shortly afterwards the ship sprung a leak. The captain simply said they should say their prayers, but Luke called to some other men and started bailing water. Because of Luke's act they were able to repair the ship, but the captain was angry Luke disobeyed orders and ordered that he be chained below deck, but the orders weren't carried out.
They stayed in Australia only a few years, raising money to sail to Utah, USA. Gold had recently been discovered in Australia at the time and Luke was able to sell lumber. In 1856, they sailed aboard the Jenny Flora to California, and then Utah. They ship caught fire three times, and it was a hard journey. They finally landed at San Pedro, August 20, 1856. There their son Edward was born, and is to this day the first white baby born in San Pedro as far as is known. They move to a small Mormon village in San Bernardino. Luke buys around 15 acres of land and hires a young Indian to help him clear the land. Luke treats the young Indian with extreme kindness and later this act will save his and others lives.
After the Mountain Meadow Massacre, and because of the persecutions that followed it, the Syphuses traveled to Utah. During this time the southern Nevada Indians were starving, and about this time the Mormons travel through. The Indians surround them and demand food from them, the Indian chief was prepared to kill them all, but the young Indian, whom Luke had hired in San Bernardino, begged the chief to spare their lives and just take their food. They were spared and allowed to continue to Utah.
Luke story is a great example of the American Dream. He spends years working in Australia, sailing on boats, and finally makes it to America.
After the Mountain Meadow Massacre, and because of the persecutions that followed it, the Syphuses traveled to Utah. During this time the southern Nevada Indians were starving, and about this time the Mormons travel through. The Indians surround them and demand food from them, the Indian chief was prepared to kill them all, but the young Indian, whom Luke had hired in San Bernardino, begged the chief to spare their lives and just take their food. They were spared and allowed to continue to Utah.
Luke story is a great example of the American Dream. He spends years working in Australia, sailing on boats, and finally makes it to America.