SS Hamburg (1904): Jewish Immigrant Family’s Journey from Russia to America

📌 Explore a rare 1904 steerage passage contract from Hamburg to New York aboard the SS Hamburg. Follow the Breitmann family’s journey, learn about the challenges of Jewish immigration, and discover historical insights on early transatlantic travel. Essential for historians, genealogists, and educators!

The passenger contract was printed using a script that is unreadable by OCR. Below are images of the front and back side of the contract.

Front Side, SS Hamburg of the Hamburg American Line Steerage Passage Contract For the Breitmann Family, 6 July 1904. On the Right Hand Side, A Strip Containing the Essential Contract Information That Was Most Likely Carried on the Person of Sloma Breitmann during the Voyage as a Receipt for Passage. GGA Image ID # 1f9bfa5f1d

Passage Contract Summary

• Date of Purchase / Voyage: 6 July 1904
• Steamship Line: Hamburg America Line
• Steamship: SS Hamburg
• Route: Hamburg to New York
• Ticket Type: Passage Contract
• Voyage Class: Third Class / Steerage
• Name on Contract: Sloma Breitmann and Family
• Etnicity of Passenger(s): German
• Contract Terms: In German, Not Translated
• Cost of Ticket: 600 DEM / $4,260.00 USD in 2020

This is an original steamship contract, List 16, No. 9/14, Berzeichniß No. 540/54 dated 6 July 1904 Between the Hamburg America Line and The Breitmann Family consisting of two adults and four children of Russian Hebrew descent, for third class passage from Hamburg to New York aboard the SS Hamburg. They arrived in New York on 17 July 1904. The Family members were listed as follows:

• Sloma Breitmann, M Age 40 (Husband) 150 M.
• Riwa Breitmann, F Age 37 (Wife) 150 M.
• Aran Breitmann, M Age 7 (Son) 75 M.
• Henryk Breitmann, M Age 3 1/2 (Son) 75 M.
• Maria Breitmann, F Age 2 1/2 (Daughter) 75 M.
• Samuel Breitmann, M Age 1 1/2 (Son) 75 M.

Total 600 German Marks

Reverse side of the Hamburg-Amerika Contract for Passage from 1904 Containing the Passage Contract Terms. GGA Image ID # 1f9d144e6d

Document Information

• Description: Contract for Third Class / Steerage passage from Hamburg to New York on the SS Hamburg of the Hamburg American Line
• Date of Document: 6 July 1904
• Dimensions: Contract: 10 x 13 inches (25.4 x 33 cm); Receipt Side Strip: 2 x 13 inches (5.0 x 33 cm)

Passenger Arrival Record for Sloma Breitman

• Name: Sloma Breitman
• Arrival Date: 18 July 1904
• Birth Year: about 1864
• Age: 40
• Gender: Male
• Port of Departure: Hamburg
• Port of Arrival: New York, New York
• Ship Name: Hamburg
• Source Citation: Year: 1904; Arrival: New York, New York, USA; Microfilm Serial: T715, 1897-1957; Line: 11; Page Number: 96

Original data:

Passenger Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York, New York, 1820-1897. Microfilm Publication M237, 675 rolls. NAI: 6256867. Records of the U.S. Customs Service, Record Group 36. National Archives at Washington, D.C.

Passenger and Crew Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York, New York, 1897-1957. Microfilm Publication T715, 8892 rolls. NAI: 300346. Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service; National Archives at Washington, D.C.

Supplemental Manifests of Alien Passengers and Crew Members Who Arrived on Vessels at New York, New York, Who Were Inspected for Admission, and Related Index, compiled 1887-1952. Microfilm Publication A3461, 21 rolls. NAI: 3887372. RG 85, Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, 1787-2004; Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service; National Archives, Washington, D.C.

Index to Alien Crewmen Who Were Discharged or Who Deserted at New York, New York, May 1917-Nov. 1957. Microfilm Publication A3417. NAI: 4497925. National Archives at Washington, D.C.

Passenger Lists, 1962-1972, and Crew Lists, 1943-1972, of Vessels Arriving at Oswego, New York. Microfilm Publication A3426. NAI: 4441521. National Archives at Washington, D.C.

Staatsarchive Hamburg Arrival Record for Sloma Breitmann

• Name: Sloma Breitmann
• Departure Date: 7 July 1904
• Estimated Birth Year: about 1864
• Age Year: 40
• Gender: männlich (Male)
• Family:
• Relationship: Vater (Father)
• Residence: Ekaterinoslaw (Dnipro, Ukraine)
• Ethnicity/Nationality: Russland (Russian)
• Occupation: Schlosser, Meister [Schlossermeister] (Master Locksmith)
• Ship Name: Hamburg
• Shipping line: Hamburg-Amerika Linie (Hamburg-Amerikanische Packetfahrt-Actien-Gesellschaft)
• Ship Type: Dampfschiff (Steamship)
• Accommodation: Zwischendeck (Steerage/Between Deck)
• Ship Flag: Deutschland (Germany)
• Port of Departure: Hamburg
• Port of Arrival: Cuxhaven; Dover; Boulogne; New York
• Volume: 373-7 I, VIII A 1 Band 157
• Page: 1311
• Microfilm Roll Number: K_1784
• Source Citation: Staatsarchive Hamburg.  373-7 I, VIII A 1 Band 157, Seite   1311(Mikrofilm Nr.  K_1784.
• Source Information: Staatsarchiv Hamburg, Bestand: 373-7 I, VIII (Auswanderungsamt I). Mikrofilmrollen K 1701 - K 2008, S 17363 - S 17383, 13116 - 13183.

Staatsarchive Hamburg Arrival Record for Riwe Breitmann

• Name: Riwe Breitmann
• Departure Date: 7 Jul 1904
• Estimated Birth Year: abt 1867
• Age Year: 37
• Gender: weiblich (Female)
• Family:
• Relationship: Mutter (Mother)
• Residence: Ekaterinoslaw,
• Ethnicity/Nationality: Russland (Russian)
• Ship Name: Hamburg
• Shipping line: Hamburg-Amerika Linie (Hamburg-Amerikanische Packetfahrt-Actien-Gesellschaft)
• Ship Type: Dampfschiff
• Accommodation: Zwischendeck
• Ship Flag: Deutschland
• Port of Departure: Hamburg
• Port of Arrival: Cuxhaven; Dover; Boulogne; New York
• Volume: 373-7 I, VIII A 1 Band 157
• Page: 1311
• Microfilm Roll Number: K_1784
• Source Citation: Staatsarchive Hamburg.  373-7 I, VIII A 1 Band 157, Seite   1311(Mikrofilm Nr.  K_1784.
• Source Information: Staatsarchiv Hamburg, Bestand: 373-7 I, VIII (Auswanderungsamt I). Mikrofilmrollen K 1701 - K 2008, S 17363 - S 17383, 13116 - 13183.

Passenger Record for Riwa Breitmann

• First Name :   Riwa
• Last Name :   Breitmann
• Nationality :   Russia, Hebrew
• Last Place of Residence :   Ekats...
• Date of Arrival :   July 17th, 1904
• Age at Arrival :   37
• Gender :   Female
• Marital Status :   Married
• Ship of Travel :   Hamburg
• Port of Departure :   Hamburg
• Manifest Line Number :   0010
• PASSENGER ID 102548050295
• FRAME 149
• LINE NUMBER 10
• Source Citation: Year: 1904; Arrival: New York, New York, USA; Microfilm Serial: T715, 1897-1957; Line: 10; Page Number: 96

Original data:

Passenger Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York, New York, 1820-1897. Microfilm Publication M237, 675 rolls. NAI: 6256867. Records of the U.S. Customs Service, Record Group 36. National Archives at Washington, D.C.

Passenger and Crew Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York, New York, 1897-1957. Microfilm Publication T715, 8892 rolls. NAI: 300346. Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service; National Archives at Washington, D.C.

Supplemental Manifests of Alien Passengers and Crew Members Who Arrived on Vessels at New York, New York, Who Were Inspected for Admission, and Related Index, compiled 1887-1952. Microfilm Publication A3461, 21 rolls. NAI: 3887372. RG 85, Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, 1787-2004; Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service; National Archives, Washington, D.C.

Index to Alien Crewmen Who Were Discharged or Who Deserted at New York, New York, May 1917-Nov. 1957. Microfilm Publication A3417. NAI: 4497925. National Archives at Washington, D.C.

Passenger Lists, 1962-1972, and Crew Lists, 1943-1972, of Vessels Arriving at Oswego, New York. Microfilm Publication A3426. NAI: 4441521. National Archives at Washington, D.C.

Staatsarchive Hamburg Arrival Record for Aron Breitmann

• Name: Aron Breitmann
• Departure Date: 7 Jul 1904
• Estimated Birth Year: abt 1897
• Age Year: 7
• Gender: männlich (Male)
• Family:
• Relationship: Sohn (Son)
• Residence: Ekaterinoslaw,
• Ethnicity/Nationality: Russland (Russian)
• Ship Name: Hamburg
• Shipping line: Hamburg-Amerika Linie (Hamburg-Amerikanische Packetfahrt-Actien-Gesellschaft)
• Ship Type: Dampfschiff
• Accommodation: Zwischendeck
• Ship Flag: Deutschland
• Port of Departure: Hamburg
• Port of Arrival: Cuxhaven; Dover; Boulogne; New York
• Volume: 373-7 I, VIII A 1 Band 157
• Page: 1311
• Microfilm Roll Number: K_1784
• Source Citation: Staatsarchive Hamburg.  373-7 I, VIII A 1 Band 157, Seite   1311(Mikrofilm Nr.  K_1784.
• Source Information: Staatsarchiv Hamburg, Bestand: 373-7 I, VIII (Auswanderungsamt I). Mikrofilmrollen K 1701 - K 2008, S 17363 - S 17383, 13116 - 13183.

Passenger Record for Aran Breitmann

• First Name :   Aran
• Last Name :   Breitmann
• Nationality :   Russia, Hebrew
• Last Place of Residence :   Ekats...
• Date of Arrival :   July 17th, 1904
• Age at Arrival :   7
• Gender :   Male
• Marital Status :   Single
• Ship of Travel :   Hamburg
• Port of Departure :   Hamburg
• Manifest Line Number :   0011
• PASSENGER ID 102548050296
• FRAME 149
• LINE NUMBER 11
• Source Citation: Year: 1904; Arrival: New York, New York, USA; Microfilm Serial: T715, 1897-1957; Line: 11; Page Number: 96

Original data:

Passenger Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York, New York, 1820-1897. Microfilm Publication M237, 675 rolls. NAI: 6256867. Records of the U.S. Customs Service, Record Group 36. National Archives at Washington, D.C.

Passenger and Crew Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York, New York, 1897-1957. Microfilm Publication T715, 8892 rolls. NAI: 300346. Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service; National Archives at Washington, D.C.

Supplemental Manifests of Alien Passengers and Crew Members Who Arrived on Vessels at New York, New York, Who Were Inspected for Admission, and Related Index, compiled 1887-1952. Microfilm Publication A3461, 21 rolls. NAI: 3887372. RG 85, Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, 1787-2004; Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service; National Archives, Washington, D.C.

Index to Alien Crewmen Who Were Discharged or Who Deserted at New York, New York, May 1917-Nov. 1957. Microfilm Publication A3417. NAI: 4497925. National Archives at Washington, D.C.

Passenger Lists, 1962-1972, and Crew Lists, 1943-1972, of Vessels Arriving at Oswego, New York. Microfilm Publication A3426. NAI: 4441521. National Archives at Washington, D.C.

Staatsarchive Hamburg Arrival Record for Henryk Breitmann

• Name: Henryk Breitmann
• Departure Date: 7 Jul 1904
• Estimated Birth Year: abt 1901
• Age Year: 3
• Age Month: 6
• Gender: männlich (Male)
• Family:
• Relationship: Sohn (Son)
• Residence: Ekaterinoslaw,
• Ethnicity/Nationality: Russland (Russian)
• Ship Name: Hamburg
• Shipping line: Hamburg-Amerika Linie (Hamburg-Amerikanische Packetfahrt-Actien-Gesellschaft)
• Ship Type: Dampfschiff
• Accommodation: Zwischendeck
• Ship Flag: Deutschland
• Port of Departure: Hamburg
• Port of Arrival: Cuxhaven; Dover; Boulogne; New York
• Volume: 373-7 I, VIII A 1 Band 157
• Page: 1311
• Microfilm Roll Number: K_1784
• Source Citation: Staatsarchive Hamburg.  373-7 I, VIII A 1 Band 157, Seite   1311(Mikrofilm Nr.  K_1784.
• Source Information: Staatsarchiv Hamburg, Bestand: 373-7 I, VIII (Auswanderungsamt I). Mikrofilmrollen K 1701 - K 2008, S 17363 - S 17383, 13116 - 13183.

Passenger Record for Henryk Breitmann

• First Name :   Henryk
• Last Name :   Breitmann
• Nationality :   Russia, Hebrew
• Last Place of Residence :   Ekats...
• Date of Arrival :   July 17th, 1904
• Age at Arrival :   3y 6m
• Gender :   Male
• Marital Status :   Single
• Ship of Travel :   Hamburg
• Port of Departure :   Hamburg
• Manifest Line Number :   0012
• PASSENGER ID 102548050297
• FRAME 149
• LINE NUMBER 12
• Source Citation: Year: 1904; Arrival: New York, New York, USA; Microfilm Serial: T715, 1897-1957; Line: 12; Page Number: 96

Original data:

Passenger Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York, New York, 1820-1897. Microfilm Publication M237, 675 rolls. NAI: 6256867. Records of the U.S. Customs Service, Record Group 36. National Archives at Washington, D.C.

Passenger and Crew Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York, New York, 1897-1957. Microfilm Publication T715, 8892 rolls. NAI: 300346. Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service; National Archives at Washington, D.C.

Supplemental Manifests of Alien Passengers and Crew Members Who Arrived on Vessels at New York, New York, Who Were Inspected for Admission, and Related Index, compiled 1887-1952. Microfilm Publication A3461, 21 rolls. NAI: 3887372. RG 85, Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, 1787-2004; Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service; National Archives, Washington, D.C.

Index to Alien Crewmen Who Were Discharged or Who Deserted at New York, New York, May 1917-Nov. 1957. Microfilm Publication A3417. NAI: 4497925. National Archives at Washington, D.C.

Passenger Lists, 1962-1972, and Crew Lists, 1943-1972, of Vessels Arriving at Oswego, New York. Microfilm Publication A3426. NAI: 4441521. National Archives at Washington, D.C.

Staatsarchive Hamburg Arrival Record for Marie Breitmann

• Name: Marie Breitmann
• Departure Date: 7 Jul 1904
• Estimated Birth Year: abt 1902
• Age Year: 2
• Age Month: 6
• Gender:weiblich (Female)
• Family:
• Relationship: Tochter (Daughter)
• Residence: Ekaterinoslaw
• Ethnicity/Nationality: Russland (Russian)
• Ship Name: Hamburg
• Shipping line: Hamburg-Amerika Linie (Hamburg-Amerikanische Packetfahrt-Actien-Gesellschaft)
• Ship Type: Dampfschiff
• Accommodation: Zwischendeck
• Ship Flag: Deutschland
• Port of Departure: Hamburg
• Port of Arrival: Cuxhaven; Dover; Boulogne; New York
• Volume: 373-7 I, VIII A 1 Band 157
• Page: 1311
• Microfilm Roll Number: K_1784
• Source Citation: Staatsarchive Hamburg.  373-7 I, VIII A 1 Band 157, Seite   1311(Mikrofilm Nr.  K_1784.
• Source Information: Staatsarchiv Hamburg, Bestand: 373-7 I, VIII (Auswanderungsamt I). Mikrofilmrollen K 1701 - K 2008, S 17363 - S 17383, 13116 - 13183.

Passenger Record for Maria Breitmann

• First Name :   Maria
• Last Name :   Breitmann
• Nationality :   Russia, Hebrew
• Last Place of Residence :   Ekats...
• Date of Arrival :   July 17th, 1904
• Age at Arrival :   2y 6m
• Gender :   Female
• Marital Status :   Single
• Ship of Travel :   Hamburg
• Port of Departure :   Hamburg
• Manifest Line Number :   0013
• PASSENGER ID 102548050298
• FRAME 149
• LINE NUMBER 13
• Source Citation: Year: 1904; Arrival: New York, New York, USA; Microfilm Serial: T715, 1897-1957; Line: 13; Page Number: 96

Original data:

Passenger Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York, New York, 1820-1897. Microfilm Publication M237, 675 rolls. NAI: 6256867. Records of the U.S. Customs Service, Record Group 36. National Archives at Washington, D.C.

Passenger and Crew Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York, New York, 1897-1957. Microfilm Publication T715, 8892 rolls. NAI: 300346. Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service; National Archives at Washington, D.C.

Supplemental Manifests of Alien Passengers and Crew Members Who Arrived on Vessels at New York, New York, Who Were Inspected for Admission, and Related Index, compiled 1887-1952. Microfilm Publication A3461, 21 rolls. NAI: 3887372. RG 85, Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, 1787-2004; Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service; National Archives, Washington, D.C.

Index to Alien Crewmen Who Were Discharged or Who Deserted at New York, New York, May 1917-Nov. 1957. Microfilm Publication A3417. NAI: 4497925. National Archives at Washington, D.C.

Passenger Lists, 1962-1972, and Crew Lists, 1943-1972, of Vessels Arriving at Oswego, New York. Microfilm Publication A3426. NAI: 4441521. National Archives at Washington, D.C.

Staatsarchive Hamburg Arrival Record for Samuel Breitmann

• Name: Samuel Breitmann
• Departure Date: 7 Jul 1904
• Estimated Birth Year: abt 1903
• Age Year: 1
• Age Month: 6
• Gender: männlich (Male)
• Family:
• Relationship: Sohn (Son)
• Residence: Ekaterinoslaw
• Ethnicity/Nationality: Russland (Russian)
• Ship Name: Hamburg
• Shipping line: Hamburg-Amerika Linie (Hamburg-Amerikanische Packetfahrt-Actien-Gesellschaft)
• Ship Type: Dampfschiff
• Accommodation: Zwischendeck
• Ship Flag: Deutschland
• Port of Departure: Hamburg
• Port of Arrival: Cuxhaven; Dover; Boulogne; New York
• Volume: 373-7 I, VIII A 1 Band 157
• Page: 1311
• Microfilm Roll Number: K_1784
• Source Citation: Staatsarchive Hamburg.  373-7 I, VIII A 1 Band 157, Seite   1311(Mikrofilm Nr.  K_1784.
• Source Information: Staatsarchiv Hamburg, Bestand: 373-7 I, VIII (Auswanderungsamt I). Mikrofilmrollen K 1701 - K 2008, S 17363 - S 17383, 13116 - 13183.

Passenger Record for Samuel Breitmann

• First Name :   Samuel
• Last Name :   Breitmann
• Nationality :   Russia, Hebrew
• Last Place of Residence :   Ekats..
• Date of Arrival :   July 17th, 1904
• Age at Arrival :   1y 6m
• Gender :   Male
• Marital Status :   Single
• Ship of Travel :   Hamburg
• Port of Departure :   Hamburg
• Manifest Line Number :   0014
• PASSENGER ID 102548050299
• FRAME 149
• LINE NUMBER 14
• Source Citation: Year: 1904; Arrival: New York, New York, USA; Microfilm Serial: T715, 1897-1957; Line: 14; Page Number: 96

Original data:

Passenger Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York, New York, 1820-1897. Microfilm Publication M237, 675 rolls. NAI: 6256867. Records of the U.S. Customs Service, Record Group 36. National Archives at Washington, D.C.

Passenger and Crew Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York, New York, 1897-1957. Microfilm Publication T715, 8892 rolls. NAI: 300346. Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service; National Archives at Washington, D.C.

Supplemental Manifests of Alien Passengers and Crew Members Who Arrived on Vessels at New York, New York, Who Were Inspected for Admission, and Related Index, compiled 1887-1952. Microfilm Publication A3461, 21 rolls. NAI: 3887372. RG 85, Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, 1787-2004; Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service; National Archives, Washington, D.C.

Index to Alien Crewmen Who Were Discharged or Who Deserted at New York, New York, May 1917-Nov. 1957. Microfilm Publication A3417. NAI: 4497925. National Archives at Washington, D.C.

Passenger Lists, 1962-1972, and Crew Lists, 1943-1972, of Vessels Arriving at Oswego, New York. Microfilm Publication A3426. NAI: 4441521. National Archives at Washington, D.C.

Relative Cost of Passage Ticket in Today's Currency Value

600 German Marks from 1904

600 German mark [1871-1924] in year 1904 could buy the same amount of consumer goods and services in Sweden as 142.10423032111126 US dollar [1791-2015] could buy in Sweden in year 1904. This comparison should be used if the purpose of the analysis is to compare absolute worth over time rather than relative worth.

In 2020, the relative values of $142.10 from 1904 ranges from $3,280.00 to $115,000.00.

A simple Purchasing Power Calculator would say the relative value is $4,260.00. This answer is obtained by multiplying $142.10 by the percentage increase in the CPI from 1904 to 2020.

This may not be the best answer.

The best measure of the relative value over time depends on if you are interested in comparing the cost or value of a Commodity, Income or Wealth, or a Project.

If you want to compare the value of a $142.10 Commodity in 1904 there are four choices. In 2020 the relative:

• real price of that commodity is $4,260.00
• real value in consumption of that commodity is $10,200.00
• labor value of that commodity is $21,500.00 (using the unskilled wage) or $30,400.00 (using production worker compensation)
• income value of that commodity is $28,500.00
• economic share of that commodity is $115,000.00

If you want to compare the value of a $142.10 Income or Wealth, in 1904 there are five choices. In 2020 the relative:

• real wage or real wealth value of that income or wealth is $4,260.00
• household purchasing power value of that income or wealth is $10,200.00
• relative labor earnings of that commodity are $21,500.00 (using the unskilled wage) or $30,400.00 (using production worker compensation)
• relative income value of that income or wealth is $28,500.00
• relative output value of that income or wealth is $115,000.00

If you want to compare the value of a $142.10 Project in 1904 there are four choices. In 2020 the relative:

• real cost of that project is $3,280.00
• household cost of that project is $10,200.00
• labor cost of that project is $21,500.00 (using the unskilled wage) or $30,400.00 (using production worker compensation)
• relative cost of that project is $28,500.00
• economy cost of that project is $115,000.00

Source: www.measuringworth.com Samuel H. Williamson, "Seven Ways to Compute the Relative Value of a U.S. Dollar Amount, 1790 to present," MeasuringWorth, 2022.

On the steamer Hamburg from Hamburg, Dover, and Boulogne, were:

• Thomas B. Adams
• Alexander G. Cummings, Jr.
• Edmund Burton
• H. W. Metcalf
• Dr. Lee Frankel
• Charles H. Patterson
• C. C. Strong
• William L. Strauss
• Professor Carl Schiffner
• J. C. Wasson
• W. W. Wilcox
• Charles H. Patterson
• Mme. Schumann-Heink

New-York Tribune (New York, New York) · Monday, 18 July 1904 · Page 12

Singer will go on Concert Tour Before Comic Opera Engagement

Mme. Ernestine Schumann-Heink, the prima donna, arrived here yesterday on the Steamship Hamburg from Hamburg to make a concert tour of the country before going on the comic-opera stage under the direction of F. C. Whitney. She was accompanied by Mrs. Daisy Fischer.

The Singer will begin her comic opera career on September 12, when she will appear in "Love's Lottery," by Stanislaus Stange and Julian Edwardes. The concert tour which Mme. Schumann-Heink will mak will take her to Ocean Grove, Atlantic City, Newport, and Milwaukee.

The New York Time (New York, New York), Monday, 18 July 1904, Page 7

🚢 SS Hamburg (1904): A Family’s Journey to America in Steerage 🇩🇪➡️🇺🇸

📜 Overview: 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.

🌍 Why This Document Matters?

📖 For educators & students: 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.

🧬 For genealogists: It identifies six members of the Breitmann family, confirming ages, names, and places of origin, which is vital for tracing Jewish immigration records.

📜 For historians: 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.

🛳 For maritime enthusiasts: The SS Hamburg was a significant immigrant steamship, and this contract provides direct insight into how families booked their journey.

📜 Key Details of the Passage Contract

📅 Date of Purchase: 6 July 1904

🚢 Steamship Line: Hamburg America Line

🛳 Steamship: SS Hamburg

🌍 Route: Hamburg → New York

🎟 Ticket Type: Passage Contract

💰 Cost of Ticket: 600 German Marks (~$4,260 in 2020 USD)

🛏 Voyage Class: Third Class / Steerage

👤 Passengers:

✔️ Sloma Breitmann (40 years old, father)

✔️ Riwa Breitmann (37 years old, mother)

✔️ Aran Breitmann (7 years old, son)

✔️ Henryk Breitmann (3 ½ years old, son)

✔️ Maria Breitmann (2 ½ years old, daughter)

✔️ Samuel Breitmann (1 ½ years old, son)

📌 Interesting Fact: The Breitmann family was of Russian-Jewish descent, likely fleeing religious persecution in the Russian Empire, particularly in Ekaterinoslaw (modern-day Dnipro, Ukraine), where pogroms had been intensifying.

🛳 The Journey: Multiple Stages of Travel

The Breitmann family’s emigration route was long and arduous:

🚢 Hamburg to New York: Boarded the SS Hamburg, which carried thousands of Eastern European immigrants through Hamburg, Dover, and Boulogne before heading across the Atlantic.

📍 Arrival in New York (Ellis Island): Underwent immigration processing at Ellis Island on 18 July 1904, where they were examined for health, legal status, and financial stability.

📌 Interesting Fact: Many Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe traveled via Hamburg because it was cheaper and safer than embarking directly from Russia or Poland.

📜 The Harsh Reality of Steerage Class

✔️ Overcrowded quarters with hundreds of passengers packed into a single open space.

✔️ Limited food and sanitation, often leading to disease outbreaks like typhus or dysentery.

✔️ High infant mortality rates, as young children like Samuel and Maria Breitmann were at risk of malnutrition or illness.

✔️ Mandatory inspections upon arrival, where families faced the fear of deportation if deemed unfit to work.

📌 Did You Know? Many Jewish families, like the Breitmanns, changed their names upon arrival in the U.S. to avoid discrimination or assimilation pressures.

📜 Refund Policies & Contract Conditions

🔹 If the Breitmann family could not complete their voyage, they might have forfeited their passage fee.

🔹 The contract strip on the right-hand side was likely carried as proof of passage in case of misplacement or disputes.

🔹 Jewish immigrant aid organizations in Hamburg and New York often helped families finance their passage.

📌 Interesting Fact: 600 German Marks in 1904 was a huge sum, equating to months of wages for a skilled worker. Many Jewish families pooled resources or relied on sponsorship from relatives in America.

📸 Noteworthy Images in the Collection

🖼 📜 The Original Passage Contract – A rare document showing the details of a Jewish family’s transatlantic journey.

🖼 🚢 The SS Hamburg – A well-documented ship that transported thousands of immigrants from Germany to America.

🖼 📄 The Passenger Manifest – Lists Sloma Breitmann and family among hundreds of immigrants arriving at Ellis Island on 18 July 1904.

💰 Cost of Passage: Then vs. Now

💰 1904 Ticket Price: 600 German Marks

💰 2020 Equivalent: $4,260 to $115,000 USD (depending on valuation method)

📌 Comparison with Today:

✔️ For a Russian-Jewish family, 600 German Marks was a massive financial burden, requiring family sponsorship, loans, or years of savings.

✔️ Today, this cost would be equivalent to a full-scale relocation across continents, including visa fees, travel expenses, and resettlement costs.

🔹 Conclusion: Immigration wasn’t just a journey—it was an investment in survival and future generations.

🧬 Genealogical & Historical Value of This Document

📜 For Genealogists:

✅ Confirms exact date & location of immigration.

✅ Provides correct spellings of family names before Americanization.

✅ Links directly to Ellis Island and U.S. census records.

🏫 For Teachers & Students:

✅ Offers a firsthand example of Jewish immigration to study religious persecution & migration.

✅ Highlights early 20th-century maritime travel conditions.

✅ Shows how immigrants financed their journey.

📖 For Historians:

✅ Documents the Hamburg America Line’s role in mass Jewish migration.

✅ Highlights the dangers and struggles of steerage-class immigrants.

✅ Provides evidence of early Ellis Island screening policies.

🌊 Final Thoughts – A Journey of Resilience & Hope 🚢

This passage contract is more than a ticket—it’s a testament to the courage of Jewish immigrants fleeing persecution. The Breitmann family’s voyage on the SS Hamburg represents:

✨ The sacrifices made to escape hardship.

✨ The struggles of Jewish families in steerage class.

✨ The determination to build a better future in America.

Would you have risked everything in 1904 for the chance at a new life in America? 🤔🇩🇪➡️🇺🇸