Steerage to the New World: Third-Class Ocean Passage Contracts & Immigration Records
📌 Explore rare third-class passage contracts and prepaid tickets from 1890–1936 at the GG Archives. Ideal for historians, students, and genealogists tracing immigration journeys across the Atlantic and beyond.
All Third Class Passage Contracts and Tickets available at the GG Archives. These unique contracts represent primary source documents of the voyage of many immigrants. Our collection includes a variety of types and classes and provides an invaluable account of the cost of passage.
🛳️✨ Review & Summary: Third Class Passage Contracts and Tickets
“Steerage Stories: The Real Voices of Immigration and Global Migration” 📜🧳🚢
The Third Class Passage Contracts and Tickets Index Page at the GG Archives is one of the most emotionally resonant and historically rich sections of the site. These documents—spanning over five decades—chronicle the gritty, hopeful, and transformative voyages of millions of immigrants, working-class families, and returning travelers who sailed across oceans in pursuit of survival, opportunity, or reunion.
Far from glamorous, third-class (or steerage) travel was the backbone of global migration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. For teachers, students, genealogists, and historians, this collection is a goldmine of first-person historical evidence.
SS Trave Prepaid Passage Receipt - 1891: A German Immigrant’s Journey to America
A Vital Piece of Immigration History
The SS Trave Prepaid Passage Receipt, dated October 10, 1891, is an exceptional artifact that sheds light on the prepaid ticket system, a crucial element in late 19th-century transatlantic migration. This receipt represents the financial and logistical process of assisted immigration, where family members or sponsors in the United States prepaid for relatives to join them.
This document is a goldmine of information—not just about one passenger, but about the broader migration patterns of German immigrants. It provides an authentic primary source illustrating how 19th-century emigrants navigated the complexities of ocean travel. It offers vital details about passenger names, ticket costs, and travel conditions, helping descendants piece together family stories.
SS Columbia (1903): Irish Immigrants’ Prepaid Passage from Londonderry to America
This prepaid third-class passage certificate, issued on 8 June 1903, documents the emigration of the Langan family—Robert, Margaret, and their infant son, Robert John—from Derry (Londonderry), Ireland, to Rochester, Pennsylvania, via New York aboard the Anchor Line’s SS Columbia.
This certificate illustrates the economic and logistical challenges of transatlantic migration. It provides insight into the immigrant experience, detailing how passage was often prepaid by family members in the U.S. who wanted to reunite with loved ones.
This document links directly to Ellis Island records and provides crucial family details, including original spellings, ages, and places of origin.
The Anchor Line played a major role in Irish, Scottish, and Eastern European migration to America, making this document a valuable artifact in studying immigration trends.
The SS Columbia was a well-known immigrant ship, and this certificate provides a direct connection to one of its transatlantic crossings.
SS Hamburg (1904): Jewish Immigrant Family’s Journey from Russia to America
A Harrowing Voyage for the Breitmann Family
This third-class/steerage passage contract, issued on 6 July 1904, represents the emigration of the Breitmann family—Sloma, Riwa, and their four young children—from Hamburg, Germany, to New York aboard the Hamburg America Line’s SS Hamburg. It provides a rare glimpse into the immigrant experience for a Jewish-Russian family fleeing persecution and seeking a new life in America.
This contract showcases the complexity and risks of immigrant journeys in the early 20th century, as families left behind everything to travel in steerage conditions for a chance at a better life. It identifies six members of the Breitmann family, confirming ages, names, and places of origin, which is vital for tracing Jewish immigration records.
The Hamburg America Line was one of the most prominent transatlantic shipping lines, ferrying millions of Eastern European Jews, Germans, and other immigrants to the U.S. This document highlights the role of German ports in facilitating Jewish migration. The SS Hamburg was a significant immigrant steamship, and this contract provides direct insight into how families booked their journey.
SS Laurentian (1907): An Irish-American’s Transatlantic Voyage – A Rare Passage Contract
This third-class passage contract, dated 20 July 1907, documents Mary McGovern's eastward journey from Boston to Londonderry, Ireland, aboard the SS Laurentian of the Allan Line. This ticket represents an agent’s record of the sale, detailing the cost of passage, agent commissions, and financial transactions between the ticketing agency and the Allan Line. This document reveals the intricate business of ocean travel, providing details not just about passengers, but also ticketing practices, pricing structures, and agent involvement in migration logistics.
SS Garka (1907): A British Colonial Voyage from Cape Town to England – A Rare Passage Contract
This third-class passage contract, dated 16 September 1907, records the travel of F. R. Peverall aboard the SS Garka of the Union-Castle Mail Steamship Company, departing from Cape Town, South Africa, to England. The document provides a detailed look into early 20th-century maritime travel, outlining ticket pricing, terms and conditions, passenger rights, and luggage policies.
RMS Campania (1910): A Third-Class Voyage to America – A Rare Immigrant Ticket Receipt
This Purchaser Receipt, dated 4 June 1910, records the third-class passage of Henry Youds aboard the famous Cunard liner RMS Campania. Departing from Liverpool to New York, this document captures the experience of early 20th-century transatlantic migration, particularly for those in steerage class. This document provides a real-world immigration case study from the early 1900s. It is a key record for family history research that sheds light on transatlantic travel and British migration patterns. Furthermore, it features a legendary ocean liner from the "Golden Age" of steamships.
SS Chicago (1910): A Third-Class Voyage from Europe to America – A Rare Immigration Passage Contract
This Third-Class Passage Contract, dated 12 October 1910, provides a fascinating look at European emigration to the United States aboard the SS Chicago, a steamship operated by the CGT French Line. The passenger, Théodule Vial, a 38-year-old Italian carpenter, embarked on a life-changing voyage, leaving Aoste, Italy, and traveling through Geneva and Le Havre before setting sail for New York.
The SS Chicago was one of many vessels in the fleet of the French Line (Compagnie Générale Transatlantique), which played a significant role in transporting European immigrants to America in the early 20th century. This contract provides a real-world immigration case study demonstrating migration logistics and contracts. It also is a key record for family history research, including exact birthplaces, occupations, and travel routes. It illustrates the process of European emigration and the role of agencies in handling passenger arrangements.
SS Persic (1910): A Third-Class Colonial Voyage from Australia to England – A Rare Passage Contract
This Third-Class Passenger Contract Ticket, dated 21 December 1910, provides a firsthand look at the travel experience aboard the SS Persic of the White Star Line. The passenger, W. G. Stevens, embarked on a journey from Sydney to Melbourne, Australia, as part of the White Star Line’s Colonial Service, which transported passengers and goods between Australia, South Africa, and England. The SS Persic was a key player in White Star Line’s Colonial Service, transporting thousands of migrants and travelers between continents.
A Glimpse into Jewish-Russian Immigration to America in the Early 20th Century
This third-class passage contract for Josef Aronawitz, a 24-year-old Russian Jewish immigrant, provides a compelling insight into the transatlantic migration experience of the early 1900s. His voyage aboard the RMS Zeeland of the Red Star Line, from Antwerp to New York, culminating in his arrival at Ellis Island on August 20, 1912, represents the journey of thousands of Eastern European Jews escaping persecution, poverty, and instability in Tsarist Russia.
For teachers, students, genealogists, and historians, this rare document is invaluable in understanding the process of immigration, the challenges faced by third-class passengers, and the legal and logistical aspects of ocean travel in the early 20th century. From contract terms written in Dutch to details about baggage allowances and railway connections, this passage contract is an essential artifact of the immigrant experience.
SS Laconia Agent’s Record (1912) – Rare Third-Class Passage Ticket & Immigration Document
The Agent’s Record of a Third-Class Outward Steamship Ticket for SS Laconia, dated 10 August 1912, provides a compelling insight into early 20th-century immigration and transatlantic travel. This document, issued for Mrs. Annie Ambler and her 5-year-old daughter Ethel, represents a prepaid third-class voyage from Liverpool to New York on the Cunard Line’s RMS Laconia.
Annie Ambler was a naturalized U.S. citizen – Her return voyage in November 1912 confirms she was likely already settled in the U.S. The document notes that Annie gained U.S. citizenship through her husband. Annie may have returned to visit family or assist other relatives in immigrating.
SS Laconia Agents' Record (1913) – Rare Third-Class Passage Ticket & Irish Migration Document
The Agents' Record of a Third-Class Outward Passenger Ticket for SS Laconia, dated 13 May 1913, is a remarkable historical artifact that offers a direct look into early 20th-century ocean travel. This document, issued for Beatrice Gilligan, a 22-year-old Irishwoman, represents her third-class voyage from Boston to Queenstown (Cobh), Ireland, aboard the Cunard Line’s SS Laconia.
This is a ticket for an Irish traveler returning home. Unlike many immigration records, this documents a passenger traveling from America back to Ireland. It demonstrates the role of steamship travel in the Irish diaspora and Atlantic migration. It also illustrates how third-class passage works, including ticketing procedures, and Offers insight into passenger logistics, ticketing agencies, and the role of ship brokers in transatlantic migration costs. This record is more than just a ticket—it’s a tangible piece of history that tells the story of an Irish traveler’s return to her homeland!
RMS Laconia 1913: Third-Class Prepaid Passage from Liverpool to Boston
This Agent’s Record for a Third-Class prepaid ticket aboard the Cunard Line’s RMS Laconia offers a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century transatlantic migration. Dated 3 June 1913, this ticket was purchased for Mary Ellen McGuire, a 20-year-old Irish immigrant traveling from Liverpool to Boston. The cost of her ticket was $39.00—equivalent to $1,050.00 in today’s dollars—a sum that would have required significant financial planning for a working-class traveler. This ticket represents not just a journey, but a story of opportunity, family connections, and the growing Irish diaspora in America.
This ticket has a special connection to the Gjenvick-Gjønvik Archives, as Ludvig Gjønvik, the founder’s ancestor, traveled aboard the same voyage of the RMS Laconia in third class. Though Mary Ellen and Ludvig likely never met—Ludvig did not speak English at the time—their journeys symbolize the diverse immigrant stories of the early 20th century
🚢 RMS Laconia 1913: A Norwegian Immigrant’s Journey from Trondheim to Boston 🇳🇴➡️🇺🇸
The RMS Laconia Passage Contract from 5 June 1913 is a remarkable artifact documenting the third-class voyage of Norwegian immigrant Ludvig Kristian Gjønvik from Trondhjem (Trondheim), Norway, to Boston, USA. This contract is not just a legal document but a powerful representation of transatlantic migration, the immigrant experience, and the financial commitment required for such a life-changing journey.
What makes this contract even more special is its deep connection to the Gjenvick-Gjønvik Archives. Ludvig Gjønvik, the grandfather of the GG Archives’ founder, was a passenger on this very voyage. His journey, like that of many immigrants, reflects the dreams, challenges, and sacrifices of those seeking a new life in America.
RMS Carmania Passage Contract (1914) – A Swedish Immigrant’s Journey to America 🇸🇪 ➡️ 🇺🇸
The RMS Carmania Passage Contract of April 10, 1914, is a remarkable artifact that captures the experience of Alfred Person, a 19-year-old Swedish immigrant, as he prepared to journey from Gothenburg, Sweden, to Boston, Massachusetts. This document is a priceless resource for genealogists, historians, educators, and students seeking to understand transatlantic migration, early 20th-century steamship travel, and immigrant experiences.
Alfred's voyage represents the millions of Europeans who sought a new life in America, traveling in third class (steerage) conditions aboard the Cunard Line’s RMS Carmania. This passage contract outlines his route, fare, and travel conditions, offering a direct glimpse into the realities of immigrant travel in the years leading up to World War I.
Alfred’s journey—from a small town in Sweden to Boston Harbor—reflects the hopes, challenges, and determination of millions of immigrants. His story is not just about travel—it’s about transformation, resilience, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
SS Patria Passage Contract (1915) – A Transatlantic Journey Amidst World War I
The SS Patria Passage Contract, issued on 2 August 1915, offers a rare insight into transatlantic travel during World War I, specifically focusing on third-class passengers traveling from New York to Naples aboard a Fabre Line steamship. This document captures the logistical, economic, and legal conditions under which passengers traveled, making it a vital primary source for historians, genealogists, and educators studying early 20th-century migration patterns.
Unlike the traditional westward movement of immigrants, this contract highlights a lesser-documented eastbound journey, possibly of European expatriates, returning soldiers, or travelers heading back to war-torn Europe.
SS Euripides 1921 Passage Contract: A Third-Class Journey from Australia to Britain
The SS Euripides Passage Contract, dated 21 May 1921, provides a rare glimpse into post-World War I transoceanic migration from Australia to England. This third-class travel document, issued by the Aberdeen Line, details the journey of Mr. W.G. Stevens and his family, emphasizing the logistical, legal, and economic aspects of ocean travel in the early 1920s.
As a primary source document, it holds significant value for teachers, students, genealogists, and historians, offering insights into ticketing procedures, voyage conditions, and the broader story of British-Australian migration.
The 1921 SS Euripides Passage Contract is more than just a travel document—it is a historical record that provides deep insights into the realities of migration, third-class travel conditions, and post-war global movement. With legal stipulations, rationing tables, and financial details, this artifact is a goldmine for anyone researching maritime history or family genealogy.
The SS Mount Clinton Passage Contract, dated 26 May 1921, offers a fascinating glimpse into the lesser-documented eastbound transatlantic journeys of the early 20th century. Unlike the vast majority of westward voyages, which carried immigrants to America, this contract records a return journey to Europe, specifically Libau (Liepāja, Latvia), via Hamburg. The ticket was issued to Karl Sivert, a third-class passenger, marking an intriguing case of post-World War I migration. The ship was on its maiden voyage, making this contract even more historically significant.
For teachers, students, genealogists, and historians, this primary source document provides valuable insights into migration trends, maritime travel conditions, and ticketing processes during the 1920s. With detailed contractual terms, financial costs, and voyage conditions, it serves as an essential reference for those studying immigration, repatriation, and transatlantic travel networks.
The SS Commonwealth Passage Contract, dated 18 August 1921, provides a remarkable window into the migration experience of British and Australian families during the early 20th century. As part of the Peninsular & Oriental Line’s service to Australia, this Third-Class (Steerage) contract represents the economic realities, legal stipulations, and travel conditions faced by emigrants traveling from London to Melbourne.
This contract is a vital resource for teachers, students, genealogists, and historians, shedding light on British emigration trends, maritime regulations, and the cost of passage in the aftermath of World War I. The Stevens family's voyage aboard the SS Commonwealth was not just a journey—it was a transformative migration story, reflective of the broader movement of families seeking opportunities in Australia.
SS United States Embarkation Coupon (1925): A Scandinavian Immigrant’s Journey Back to Oslo 🇺🇸➡️🇳🇴
The Scandinavian-American Line Third-Class Embarkation Coupon, issued on May 16, 1925, documents the transatlantic journey of Mr. Johannes Hesch from New York to Oslo aboard the SS United States. This ticket represents the return migration of a European immigrant—an often-overlooked aspect of transatlantic travel. While many historical records focus on immigrants coming to America, this document sheds light on those who journeyed back to Europe, either temporarily or permanently.
For teachers, students, genealogists, and historians, this coupon is an important primary source, offering insights into third-class accommodations, ticket pricing, and Scandinavian-American migration patterns. It highlights the Scandinavian-American Line’s role in connecting the United States with Northern Europe, a key route for Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish immigrants.
Der D. New York Beförderungsvertrag vom 16. September 1927 ist ein bemerkenswertes historisches Dokument, das einen detaillierten Einblick in die transatlantische Reise von deutschen Auswanderern in den späten 1920er Jahren gewährt. Dieser 3. Klasse Passagiervertrag, ausgestellt von der Hamburg-Amerika Linie, beleuchtet die rechtlichen Bedingungen, Reisebestimmungen, sowie persönliche Details der Passagierin Emma Muessigbrodt.
Für Historiker, Genealogen, Lehrer und Studenten ist dieses Dokument eine wertvolle Quelle, um die Erfahrungen von Auswanderern, ihre Reisebedingungen und die Bürokratie der damaligen Zeit zu verstehen. Es bietet eine konkrete Verbindung zur Geschichte der Migration und hilft bei der Rekonstruktion familiärer Wanderungsbewegungen.
The SS New York Passage Contract from 16 September 1927 is a historically significant document that provides an in-depth look at third-class transatlantic travel aboard the Hamburg-America Line. This contract, issued to Emma Muessigbrodt, a 37-year-old German woman traveling from Hamburg to New York, outlines the terms, conditions, and logistics of ocean travel in the late 1920s.
Emma’s case reflects the realities of migration for single women during the 1920s, demonstrating how women navigated transatlantic journeys independently.
For historians, genealogists, educators, and students, this document serves as a valuable primary source to understand the migrant experience, economic conditions, and bureaucratic processes involved in immigration during this era.
The SS George Washington Passage Contract from 3 October 1928 offers an invaluable glimpse into transatlantic travel during the interwar period. Issued by United States Lines, this third-class passage contract details the financial, logistical, and legal aspects of passenger transport for German nationals immigrating or traveling to the U.S. during a time of stringent immigration laws.
This document is a valuable resource for teachers, students, genealogists, and historians, as it reveals the immigration policies, travel conditions, and risks associated with ocean voyages in the 1920s.
United States Lines Passage Payment Receipts - 1928: Financing Irish Immigration to America
The United States Lines Passage Payment Receipts from 1928 serve as a powerful reminder of the immigrant experience, particularly for families separated by the Atlantic Ocean. These documents highlight the financial sacrifices made by immigrants already in America who sent money back home to pay for their relatives' ocean passage.
This historical record is invaluable for teachers, students, genealogists, and historians, as it sheds light on early 20th-century immigration patterns, financial arrangements, and transatlantic travel logistics.
The SS Duilio Passage Contract (1931) provides an intriguing glimpse into transatlantic migration during the interwar period, particularly for Italian immigrants traveling to South America. Issued by Navigazione Generale Italiana, this third-class passage ticket details the financial, logistical, and contractual terms of a voyage from Genoa to Buenos Aires, with stops in Villafranca, Barcelona, Rio de Janeiro, Santos, and Montevideo.
This document is especially valuable for genealogists, historians, teachers, and students as it offers evidence of Italian migration to Argentina, one of the largest destinations for Italian immigrants in the early 20th century. It also serves as a key record for family historians seeking to trace ancestors who left Italy for new opportunities abroad.
This Hamburg America Line receipt, dated 22 February 1936, documents a third-class round-trip voyage for Mr. Otto Josh between New York and Bremen—first aboard the SS New York and returning on the famed SS Bremen. Though modest in appearance, this artifact offers a vivid snapshot of transatlantic mobility in the late interwar period, echoing themes of migration, commerce, and personal connection in a fraught historical moment. 🌍📜
🔍 Most Interesting Entries & Why They Stand Out
🇩🇪 SS Trave Prepaid Passage Receipt (1891)
💬 A Window into the Prepaid Immigration System
One of the earliest entries, this contract shows how German immigrants were sponsored by U.S.-based relatives, offering powerful documentation of familial support networks during the peak of Ellis Island-era immigration. Prepaid tickets were often acts of faith—sometimes entire life savings—sent to Europe to reunite families.
🇮🇪 SS Columbia (1903) – The Langan Family's Irish Journey
👶 Whole Family Migration, Infant Included
This record captures the Langan family's emigration from Londonderry, Ireland, to Pennsylvania with their infant son. It speaks volumes about family-based immigration, and offers genealogical gold: names, relationships, origins, and destinations.
✡️ SS Hamburg (1904) – The Breitmann Family’s Escape from Russia
🕊️ Jewish Migration During Persecution
This ticket for a Jewish family of six fleeing Tsarist Russia is a stark reminder of the urgency and courage behind migration decisions. It reveals port cities like Hamburg as lifelines for Eastern European Jews and is especially useful for those researching Holocaust-era family roots.
🌍 SS Mount Clinton (1921) – A Rare Eastbound Voyage to Latvia
🧭 Most Third-Class Travel Was Westward—Not This One
A highly unusual document showing a U.S. resident returning to Europe, possibly for resettlement, business, or family. With its Baltic destination (Libau), maiden voyage context, and detailed ticket terms, this is a must-study case for researchers of reverse migration trends.
🇳🇴 RMS Laconia (1913) – Ludvig Gjønvik’s Journey from Trondheim
📖 The GG Archives’ Founder's Grandfather's Ticket
A special connection to the archives themselves! Ludvig’s third-class passage represents millions of immigrants’ dreams. It's personal, symbolic, and well-documented, making it ideal for classroom storytelling and essays on the human face of migration.
🇮🇹 ➡️ 🇦🇷 SS Duilio (1931) – Italian Migration to Argentina
🌎 Migration Beyond America
Often overlooked, South America was a major destination for European immigrants. This ticket provides excellent context for those studying Italian diaspora patterns, especially in Argentina and Brazil.
🖼️ Noteworthy Visual Highlights 📸
🔹 SS Trave 1891 Receipt – Early prepaid migration in action
🔹 SS Hamburg 1904 Contract – Jewish family migration amid geopolitical upheaval
🔹 SS Mount Clinton 1921 Ticket – Eastbound migration from U.S. to Latvia
🔹 RMS Laconia & Ludvig Gjønvik – Personal story meets global history
These scanned documents, complete with handwriting, stamps, and agent notations, are visual time machines—excellent for showing students what primary sources look like and how they’re interpreted.
📚 Why This Collection Matters – Audience Relevance
👨🏫 Teachers & Students
These documents are a perfect fit for immigration units, family history projects, and studies of Ellis Island, World War migrations, or comparative global migration trends. Students can trace names, map journeys, and even calculate inflation-adjusted costs.
🧬 Genealogists
This section offers direct documentation of ancestors' names, origins, ticket conditions, and routes. These third-class contracts are often the only surviving proof of a family’s emigration story. The inclusion of infant passengers and siblings further enriches family trees.
⚓ Maritime & Social Historians
Here’s your backstage pass to maritime logistics, steerage travel conditions, and ship operations. You'll find first-class insights into class distinctions, port city networks, and how ocean lines shaped immigration flows.
💰 Economic Historians
Ticket prices—some as low as $25 (worth over $1,000 today)—tell a larger story about migration economics, labor supply, and international remittance systems. Prepaid and part-payment systems illustrate transnational financial relationships.
💡 Final Thoughts – The People’s Tickets
These are not the stories of aristocrats or elites. They are the scrapbook of the working class, the poor, and the displaced. Third-class passengers were the backbone of migration movements, and their documents—rarely preserved—are full of clues about ancestry, survival, and determination.
Whether it’s a family of six fleeing pogroms, a young woman returning to Ireland, or a Norwegian teen sailing alone to Boston, each of these tickets is a testimonial of resilience and aspiration.
🧳 Encourage students to use these in essays.
📜 Invite genealogists to dig deeper into names and birthplaces.
📚 Inspire teachers to build lessons around real migration journeys.
Every ticket here was a leap of faith. Every passenger a pioneer. Let their stories sail again. 🌊🕯️✈️
