Voyage of Distinction: The TSS Ionian's 1908 Transatlantic Journey

📌 Explore the 22 August 1908 Second Class Passenger List of the TSS Ionian, highlighting notable passengers, voyage details, and historical insights into early 20th-century transatlantic travel.

Front Cover, Second Class Passenger List from the TSS Ionian of the Allan Line, Departing 22 August 1908 from Glasgow to Québec and Montréal, Commanded by Captain John M. Johnston. GGA Image ID # 2105626a22

Senior Officers and Staff

1. Commander: Captain John M. Johnston
2. Chief Officer: John Hamilton
3. Purser: Charles E. Stewart
4. Surgeon: Dr. Fullarton
5. Chief Steward: P. McMaster
6. Stewardess: Miss Tannock
7. Stewardess: Mrs. Hardie
8. Matron: Mrs. Moir
9. Matron: Miss Clark

Second Class Passengers

1. Miss Annie Aitken
2. Miss Helen Annandale
3. Miss Violet N. Annandale
4. Mr. Charles E. Bell
5. Mr. C. W. Bigelow
6. Mr. Alexander F. Black
7. Mrs. Brethour
8. Mrs. Brown
9. Miss Maggie Brown
10. Miss Bruce
11. Miss Ella Bullard
12. Mrs. Burch
13. Miss Ethel F. Burch
14. Mr. Robert Burns
15. Mrs. Campbell
16. Miss Agnes Carey
17. Mr. Donald Chisholm
18. Mr. Peter Cook
19. Mr. George Cook
20. Mr. William P. Cromb
21. Miss May A. Cromb
22. Miss Margaret Cumming
23. Miss Jessie L. Cundall
24. Miss E. A. Custer
25. Mr. J. R. Cuthbertson
26. Miss Mannie L. Naismith
27. Miss Sada B. Naismtth
28. Mr. A. Newman
29. Mr. R. A. Newman
30. Miss J. Palmer
31. Miss Edith Palmer
32. Mr. Alexander S. Park
33. Mr. D. E. Porter
34. Mrs. Reid
35. Mr. John Rennie
36. Miss Margaret Robertson
37. Mr. John Robertson
38. Mr. Hugh Ross
39. Mrs. Ross
40. Miss Jeannie C. Ross
41. Miss Annie P. Ross
42. Miss Mary Ross
43. Mr. H. A. Rusch
44. Mrs. Shields
45. Miss Bethia Shields
46. Miss Ruth Shields
47. Mr. John B. Shirley
48. Mrs. Shirley
49. Mr. Alexander Simpson
50. Mrs. Simpson
51. Master William M. Simpson
52. Master Leslie-Simpson
53. Master Alex. W. Simpson
54. Mr. Lawson B. Skidmore
55. Mr. S. J. Small
56. Mrs. Small
57. Mr. Alexander Smith
58. Miss M. Snyder
59. Mrs. Stewart
60. Mr. Thomas Stewart
61. Miss Carrie Stickney
62. Miss Jessie Thompson
63. Mr. David Thomson
64. Miss Jessie Thomson
65. Miss Jessie S. Valentine
66. Mr. Robert Wallace
67. Mrs. Wallace
68. Mrs. Waller
69. Master William Waller
70. Miss Alice M. Warfield
71. Miss Christina Watson
72. Miss Grace Watson
73. Miss E. Wells
74. Mr. L. O. Williams

Sailing Schedule, Glasgow-Québec-Montréal and Liverpool-Québec-Montréal, from 20 August 1908 to 19 November 1908. Ships Included the Corsican, Grampian, Hesperian, Ionian, Pretorian, Tunisian, Victorian, and Virginian. TSS Ionian Second Class Passenger List, 22 August 1908. GGA Image ID # 2105877dab

Senior Officers and Staff and Allan Line Regular Services. TSS Ionian Second Class Passenger List, 22 August 1908. GGA Image ID # 2105ee0fe5

Passenger List Images Contributed by Chris Crofts, December 2023-January 2024.

Recap and Review: TSS Ionian Passenger List - 22 August 1908

Embarking on a transatlantic journey aboard the TSS Ionian, the Second Class Passenger List dated 22 August 1908 offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of those traveling from Glasgow to Québec and Montréal. Commanded by Captain John M. Johnston, this voyage not only highlights the ship's esteemed crew but also showcases a diverse group of passengers, each with their unique stories and backgrounds. This voyage also symbolized the robust maritime connections between the United Kingdom and Canada during the early 20th century.

Notable Passengers 🔥

The second-class passenger list comprised a diverse group of individuals, each with unique backgrounds and potential contributions to society. While specific historical records for many passengers are limited, some names stand out:

🔹 Miss Annie Aitken: A common Scottish surname, individuals named Annie Aitken have been associated with various professions, including education and nursing.

🔹 Mr. Charles E. Bell: A common name, but possibly linked to notable figures in engineering or telecommunications.

🔹 Mr. Robert Burns: Sharing a name with Scotland's national poet, though likely a different individual.

🔹 Mr. Donald Chisholm: A name associated with various professionals, including politicians and businessmen in Canadian history.

🔹 Miss Jessie L. Cundall: Individuals with this name have been associated with the arts, particularly in music and performance.

🔹 Mr. Alexander Simpson: Potentially linked to individuals in academia or exploration.

📖 Engaging Content

The passenger list reflects the era's migration patterns, with families and individuals seeking new opportunities in Canada. The presence of multiple stewardesses and matrons indicates a commitment to passenger comfort and care, especially for women and children traveling alone.

📸 Noteworthy Images

The passenger list is complemented by several images that enrich the historical context of the voyage:

• Front Cover of the Passenger List: Showcases the Allan Line's branding and the TSS Ionian, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century maritime aesthetics.
• Sailing Schedule: Details the Ionian's route and other vessels in the fleet, highlighting the extensive network between Glasgow, Québec, and Montréal.
• Senior Officers and Staff Listing: Highlights the crew responsible for the passengers' safety and comfort during the voyage.

🏆 Final Thoughts

The 22 August 1908 voyage of the TSS Ionian serves as a snapshot of early 20th-century transatlantic travel, reflecting the movement of individuals seeking new opportunities, reuniting with family, or exploring new horizons. The passenger list, enriched by the notable individuals aboard and the accompanying imagery, offers a valuable resource for understanding the social fabric of that era.