Voyage of Influence: The SS Mongolian’s 1897 Passenger List – A Glimpse Into Transatlantic Travel
📌 Explore the passenger list of the SS Mongolian (June 25, 1897) as it journeyed from New York to Glasgow via Londonderry. This list features professors, clergy, business elites, and pioneering female doctors, offering a unique glimpse into transatlantic migration, commerce, and intellectual exchange at the turn of the century.
Front Cover of a Cabin Passenger List for the SS Mongolian of the Allan-State Line, Departing Friday, 25 June 1897 from New York to Glasgow via Londonderry, Commanded by Captain A. G. Braes. GGA Image ID # 2802f52e0a.
Note: In 1891, the Allan Line Royal Mail Steamers took over the State Line (founded 1872) and was often referred to as the Allan & State Line. In 1897, Andrew Allan amalgamated the various branches of the Allan shipping empire under one company, Allan Line Steamship Company Ltd., of Glasgow.
This passenger list was affected by that transformation during 1897, likely one of the last time the Allan-State Line reference was used.
Senior Officers and Staff
- Captain: A. G. Braes, Commander
- Purser: Hugh Woodside
- Surgeon: Adam C. Muir, M.B.C.M
- Chief Officer: Wm. Hewson
- Chief Engineer: Alex. Grant
- Chief Steward: Archibald Stewart
- Stewardess: Miss Clark
First Cabin Passengers
- Mr. Allan Arthur
Glasgow, Scotland - Miss Sarah Adie
Aberdeen, Scotland - Miss Lillie Bullock
New York - Miss Mina M. Brown
Barre, VT - Prof. F. A. Blackburn
Chicago, IL - Miss M. C. Crane
Chicago, IL - Miss Lyde Caldwell
Memphis, TN - Miss Evelyn Caldwell
Memphis, TN - Miss Marion Cock
West Chester. PA - Mr. W. L. Crow
New York - Mr. David Clark
New York - Miss Annie B. Donohue
Memphis, TN - Miss Beulah Darlington
West Chester, PA - Miss Mary Darlington
West Chester, PA - Mr. W. M. Downie
Marion, IA - Mrs. W. M. Downie
Marion, IA - Miss Lizzie Eglinton
New York - Prof. A. H. Flack
Claverack, NY - Miss Anna Ferguson
Chicago, IL - Mr. Daniel J. Flaherty
Boston, MA - Rev. J. Freri
Boston, MA - Mr. Jas. Gray
Springfield, MA - Mrs. Jas. Gray
Springfield, MA - Miss Ethel Gray
Springfield, MA - Mr. Walter Grace
New York - Mr. Percy Grace
New York - Mr. C. G. Ganson
Springfield MA - Miss M. E. Gilkes
New Haven, CT - Mr. Henry Glen
Schenectady, NY - Miss E. Herzog
Yonkers, NY - Miss Luella Heinrothf
Chicago, IL - Mr. Arthur J. Hubbard
Boston, MA - Mrs. Arthur J. Hubbard
Boston, MA - Mr. Thos. B. Hewitt
Brooklyn, NY - Mr. Thos. D. Hewitt
Brooklyn, NY - Mr. Brower Hewitt
Brooklyn, NY - Mrs. Thos. B. Hewitt
Brooklyn, NY - Miss M. Hewitt
Brooklyn, NY - Prof. S. B. Howe
Schenectady, NY - Mrs. S. B. Howe
Schenectady, NY - Dr. Marie J. Hyndman
Philadelphia, PA - Miss Carolyn L. Haynes
Chicago, IL - Miss Emma Jacobson
- Miss Caroline J. Jordan
- Mr. J. H. Jones
Boston, MA - Miss Minetta Knapp
Rockport, IL - Mr. Daniel B. Luten
Lafayette, IN - Judge Levi F. Longley
Claverack, NY - Miss Sarah L. Lines, M.D
Brooklyn, NY - Miss E. M Lukes
Chicago, IL - Miss Lou Mills
Washington, DC - Miss M. Manwaring
New York, NY - Miss Julie Mayse
Danvers, MA - Miss E. Morgan
Chicago, IL - Mr. Jas. Noble
Hagersville, ON - Mrs. Jas. Noble
Hagersville, ON - Mr. Alb. H. Noyes
Chicago, IL - Dr. Julius Pohlman
Buffalo, NY - Miss I. J. Perry
Asbury Park, NJ - Miss Minnie P. Pack
Rockport, IL - Mrs. George Bander
New York - Bev. M. C. Banseen
Chicago, IL - Mrs. M. C. Banseen
Chicago, IL - Mr. George Bander
New York - Mr. T. B. Biggs
Santee Agency, NE - Miss K. A. Shepard
Asbury Park, NJ - Miss Ernestine Stockwell
Chicago, IL - Dr. Clara L. Smith
Chicago, IL - Miss Nellie P. Smith
Chicago, IL - Miss Laura B. Smith
Chicago, IL - Miss J. L. Schryver
Chicago, IL - Mr. W. G. Stoughton
Hanover, NH - Mrs. Sarah A. Scott
New York - Mr. Silverhorn
Chicago, IL - Bev. H. A. Todd
Corona, LI - Mrs. F. A. Temple
Chicago, IL - Miss Emma Worthy
Chicago, IL - Miss M. D. Wingate
Chicago, IL - Mrs. Mary E. Wood
New York - Mr. James Watson
St. Louis, MO - Mr. Alcott William
Alderson, WW - Mrs. Alcott William
Alderson, WW
Second Cabin Passengers
- Mrs. John Allison, and Infant
- Master John Allison
- Mr. James Bennett
- Mrs. James Bennett
- Miss Ethel Bennett
- Miss Josephine Bennett
- Mr. W. E. Burton
- Mr. James Bryce
- Mr. James Brodie
- Miss Susan Core
- Mr. Robert Core
- Mr. William B. Craib
- Mrs. William B. Craib
- Mrs. E. W. Coates
- Miss Florence L. Coates
- Dr. W. K. Callahan
- Mrs. J. Craig
- Master Willie Craig
- Mr. James Currie
- Mrs. Margaret McDougal and Infant
- Miss Lizzie Dickson
- Miss Bella Dickson
- Miss Elizabeth M. Evans
- Miss Jeannie Fairweather
- Miss Lizzie Grier
- Miss Elsie Grant
- Mrs. Maggie Grier
- Master James A. Grier
- Master Robert A. Grier
- Master Sydney Grier
- Mr. Robert Guy
- Miss Mary Harper
- Mrs. S. Hall
- Mr. Harwood, Sr
- Mr. L. M. Harwood
- Mr. Thomas Hogg
- Miss Jennie Haddow
- Mr. John W. Johnston
- Mrs. Isabel Lockhart
- Miss Lottie Lundgreen
- Mr. James Lockhart
- Miss Mina Miller
- Mr. J. McAnstin
- Mrs. A. McAnstin
- Mrs. Victor Mynsbridge
- Mr. Alexander McIntosh
- Mr. William Miller
- Mrs. C. Maguire
- Mr. William Meldon
- Mr. David Murdie
- Mrs. Mary Nicol
- Master Norman Nicol
- Miss Maggie Nesbitt
- Mrs. Bella Baton
- Mr. John Patterson
- Mrs. Jeannie Russell
- Miss Agnes Robb
- Mrs. Mary Sword
- Mrs. W Spencer
- Miss Edith Spencer
- Miss Ellen J. Sproul
- Miss Elizabeth Turnbull
- Miss Mary Thomson
- Mr. J. K. Woodward
- Mrs. J. K. Woodward and Child
- Mrs. Robert Young
- Master George Young
- Master Spencer Young
Title Page Containing Voyage Information, Listing of Senior Officers, and the List of First Cabin Passengers (Arthur through Eglinton) for the SS Mongolian First and Second Cabin Passenger List, 25 June 1897. GGA Image ID # 220da621e3
Review & Summary of the SS Mongolian Passenger List – June 25, 1897 🚢📜
The SS Mongolian, part of the Allan-State Line, embarked on its transatlantic voyage from New York to Glasgow via Londonderry on June 25, 1897, under the command of Captain A. G. Braes. This voyage was historically significant as it took place during the transitional period of the Allan Line, which had recently absorbed the State Line in 1891 and was in the process of consolidating under Allan Line Steamship Company Ltd.
This passenger list serves as a rich historical document, reflecting a diverse mix of intellectuals, religious leaders, military personnel, business figures, and families traveling across the Atlantic. It is particularly valuable for historians, genealogists, and maritime enthusiasts, as it provides insight into migration patterns, social mobility, and professional connections between the United States, Canada, and the British Isles in the late 19th century.
Historical Context & Significance of the Voyage 📚⚓
For teachers, students, and researchers, this list offers:
🔹 A snapshot of oceanic travel in 1897, highlighting the economic, social, and professional backgrounds of transatlantic passengers.
🔹 The presence of scholars, clergy, business elites, and families, illustrating the cross-cultural exchanges between North America and the UK.
🔹 A valuable genealogical resource, helping descendants trace their ancestors’ movements and connections.
🔹 A look at transatlantic immigration, with second-class passengers likely being middle-class professionals, skilled workers, or individuals relocating for work or family.
Notable Passengers & Engaging Highlights 🔥
1️⃣ Academic Figures – Professors & Intellectuals at Sea 🎓📖
🔹 Prof. F. A. Blackburn (Chicago, IL) – Likely a professor at The University of Chicago or Northwestern University, both of which were expanding during the 1890s.
🔹 Prof. A. H. Flack (Claverack, NY) – Possibly associated with Claverack College, a prominent institution of the time.
🔹 Prof. S. B. Howe (Schenectady, NY) – Likely linked to Union College, a prestigious liberal arts institution.
🔹 Dr. Julius Pohlman (Buffalo, NY) – A physician, researcher, or academic from Buffalo, possibly affiliated with the University at Buffalo School of Medicine.
🔹 Dr. Marie J. Hyndman (Philadelphia, PA) – One of the few female doctors on board, highlighting the emergence of women in medical professions.
📖 Why It’s Interesting: The presence of multiple professors and medical doctors suggests an exchange of knowledge, possibly through conferences, sabbaticals, or research trips to Europe.
2️⃣ Religious Leaders – Clergy Representing Faith & Missionary Work ⛪✝️
🔹 Rev. J. Freri (Boston, MA) – Could be a Catholic priest or Protestant minister, traveling for religious duties.
🔹 Rev. M. C. Banseen (Chicago, IL) – Likely involved in missionary work or religious education.
🔹 Rev. H. A. Todd (Corona, LI) – Could be part of a church delegation or attending a religious conference.
📖 Why It’s Interesting: The presence of several clergy members indicates ongoing missionary efforts, religious exchanges, or pastoral duties between North America and the UK.
3️⃣ Distinguished Travelers – Judges, Business Leaders & Notables 🏛️💼
🔹 Judge Levi F. Longley (Claverack, NY) – A prominent legal figure, possibly involved in judicial affairs or transatlantic legal matters.
🔹 Mr. Daniel B. Luten (Lafayette, IN) – A potential engineer or inventor, as Lafayette was home to Purdue University’s engineering programs.
🔹 Mr. Henry Glen (Schenectady, NY) – Possibly related to the influential Glen family, which had historical ties to trade, industry, and politics in New York.
📖 Why It’s Interesting: These figures were likely traveling for legal, industrial, or political engagements, showcasing the interconnectedness of business and governance across the Atlantic.
4️⃣ Women Professionals – Medical Pioneers & Educators 👩⚕️📚
🔹 Dr. Sarah L. Lines, M.D. (Brooklyn, NY) – A female physician, indicative of the growing presence of women in medicine during the late 19th century.
🔹 Dr. Clara L. Smith (Chicago, IL) – Another trailblazing female doctor, potentially involved in public health or medical education.
📖 Why It’s Interesting: Women in medicine during the 1890s faced significant challenges. Their presence on this list highlights the strides being made for women in professional fields.
5️⃣ Families & Social Travelers – Wealthy & Prominent Individuals 👨👩👧👦⚓
🔹 Mrs. Arthur J. Hubbard & Mr. Arthur J. Hubbard (Boston, MA) – A wealthy couple, possibly business travelers or part of New England’s elite.
🔹 Mrs. F. A. Temple (Chicago, IL) – A prominent socialite, potentially related to Chicago’s influential families.
🔹 Miss Evelyn & Miss Lyde Caldwell (Memphis, TN) – Southern aristocrats or wealthy travelers, likely from a well-known Tennessee family.
📖 Why It’s Interesting: Many upper-class women traveled for leisure, education, or cultural exploration, as steamship travel became more accessible to wealthy American families.
📸 Noteworthy Images:
🔹 The title page listing the first-class passengers, showcasing the status of these academic travelers on board.
🔹 The front cover of the passenger list, which symbolizes the luxurious aspects of first-class travel during the late 19th century.
🔹 The back cover listing the major destinations, highlighting the SS Mongolian’s role in the Allan Line’s transatlantic network.
Suggested New Title & Meta Description 📝
The SS Mongolian – A Key Transatlantic Liner 🚢🇬🇧
🔹 Operator: Allan-State Line
🔹 Route: New York → Londonderry → Glasgow
🔹 Voyage Date: June 25, 1897
🔹 Captain: A. G. Braes
Significance of the SS Mongolian:
🔹 Part of the transition from the State Line to the fully integrated Allan Line, marking a historic moment in maritime business.
🔹 Carried a mix of elite travelers, professionals, and middle-class migrants, showcasing the economic diversity of transatlantic voyages.
🔹 Operated during a peak period of migration and international networking, linking American and British commerce, education, and religion.
Final Thoughts – Why This Passenger List Matters 💭
The SS Mongolian’s voyage of 1897 reflects a dynamic period in transatlantic history, showcasing a blend of scholars, professionals, and affluent travelers.
For historians, genealogists, and maritime enthusiasts, this list is a goldmine, providing insight into:
✅ The movement of academic and business elites across the Atlantic
✅ The growing role of women in medicine and education
✅ The impact of transatlantic religious exchanges
✅ The final days of the Allan-State Line transition
📢 A must-read for those fascinated by ocean travel, intellectual history, and the legacy of transatlantic migration! 🚢📜👨🎓