TSS Tunisian First-Class Passenger List (22 September 1911): A Voyage of Prestige & Influence
📌 Explore the first-class passenger list of the TSS Tunisian (1911), featuring government officials, scholars, and business magnates on a transatlantic voyage from Liverpool to Canada. A historical resource for genealogists, maritime historians, and researchers.
Front Cover of a First Class Passenger List from the TSS Tunisian of the Allan Line, Departing Friday, 22 September 1911, from Liverpool to Québec and Montréal, Commanded by Captain J. A. Fairfull. GGA Image ID # 1e0c6e96e5
Senior Officers and Staff
- Commander: Captain J. A. Fairfull
- Chief Officer: D. J. C. Jones
- Purser: Alfred Evans
- Surgeon: W. Birch Cayley, M.D.
- Chief Engineer: D. Gollan
- Chief Steward: Robert Yates
- Stewardess: Mrs. Kelly
First Class Passengers
- Mrs. F. H. Badger
- Miss M. Barton
- Miss D. Barton
- Miss R. Bell
- Miss Belson
- Mr. A. H. Bennett, Jnr.
- Mr. Bergman
- Mr. S. Bikeller
- Mrs. Blake infant and Maid
- Mr. Brown
- Mrs. Brown
- Mr. J. Cameron
- Mr. E. V. Collier
- Mr. K. Colville
- Mrs. Colville
- Mrs. E. F. Corelli
- Miss E. M. Corelli
- Mr. Dalton
- Mrs. Dalton
- Mr. Edward Dolan
- Miss M. G. Durnford
- Mrs. Eck
- Mr. G. C. Egan
- Mr. R. W. Essex, M.P.
- Miss Essex
- Miss Robertson Fieet
- Mr. Charles Fredrick
- Mr. William Fulton
- Mrs. Fulton
- Miss Margaret Gibb
- Mr. Thomas Hastings
- Mrs. Hastings and Maid
- Mr. T. Henderson
- Mr. W. H. Herbert
- Mr. J. Hoar
- Mr. H. Hurriston
- Mrs. Humiston
- Mr. C. H. Jones
- Mr. J. Kyle
- Mrs. Freeman Lake
- Miss Freeman Lake
- Mr. T. C. Lind
- Mrs. Thos. C. Lind
- Mr. John Loudon
- Mrs. Loudon
- Miss Helen Lyon
- Mr. A. Shaw Marshall
- Mr. Gaston Mayer
- Mr. McGrogan
- Professor Alan W. C. Menzies
- Mrs. Menzies
- Mr. Henri Moreau
- Mr. J. Murray
- Mrs. Hugh Nelson
- Mr. W. J. Nickson
- Mrs. Nickson
- Mrs. C. S. Nield
- Mr. G. Ormiston
- Mrs. Ormiston
- Mr. Willard J. Price
- Mrs. John Proctor
- Miss Proctor
- Mr. W. J. Robertson, C.M.G., LL. D., D.SC.
- Mrs. Robertson
- Miss Robertson
- Miss Lois Sanders
- Mrs. L. Schoyer
- Miss Schoyer
- Mr. B. Shartel
- Mr. K. Shartel
- Mr. A. Parker Smith
- Mr. J. R. Smith
- Mr. F. E Stafford
- Miss Alice D. Sutherland
- Mr. A. B. Thompson
- Mr. R. S. Thompson
- Mr. L. Van Geldern
- Mr. Percy Warrington
- Mr. A. Wheeler
- Miss Nora Wiley
- Mr. Norman P. Woodward
Passenger Information
FIRST CLASS
- BREAKFAST from 8:30 until 10 o'clock
- LUNCHEON at 1:30
- DINNER at 7 o'clock
Children are not seated at Children's tables in the Saloon unless full fare is paid.
Cablegrams and Telegrams should be handed to the Purser or his assistant.
The Saloon Steward will, on application, supply Stamps, Telegraph Forms, Books of Reference, and Railway Time Tables of the principal Companies.
An experienced Physician is attached to the steamer, and is authorized to make customary charges, subject to the approval of the Commander, for treating any passengers at their request for any illness not originating on board the ship. In the case of sickness contracted on board, no charge will be made and medicine will be provided free.
Questions relating to Baggage should be referred to the Third Officer, who is the Ship's Baggage Master. Trunks or Rugs which passengers may desire to leave in charge of the Company, should be properly labelled and handed to the Baggage Master on the wharf at Liverpool or Montréal, and such articles will be stored entirely at owner's risk. It is necessary for passengers themselves to see all their Baggage passed by the Custom's Authorities on landing.
A limited number of Deck Chairs are placed on deck for Passengers' use, free of charge. Passengers desiring exclusive use of chair can have same by payment of 3/-.
For the convenience of Passengers a number of Rugs have also been placed on board our Steamers which may be hired at a charge of 3 - each for the voyage.
It is desirable that valuables or money should be placed in charge of the Purser for deposit in his safe. As no charge is made for carriage, the Company can accept no responsibility for loss or damage, however arising, but passengers can protect themselves by insurance.
Passengers are requested to ask for a receipt on the Company's Form, for any additional Passage Money or extra baggage charges paid on board.
Title Page, RMS Tunisian First Class Passenger List, 22 September 1911. GGA Image ID # 22116713e9
List of Senior Officers and Staff, RMS Tunisian First Class Passenger List, 22 September 1911. GGA Image ID # 2212121670
Sailing Schedule, Liverpool-Québec-Montréal Service, from 7 September 1911 to 17 November 1911. Ships Included the Corsican, Tunisian, Victorian, and Virginian. RMS Tunisian First Class Passenger List, 22 September 1911. GGA Image ID # 221233c311
Sailing Schedule, Glasgow-Liverpool-St. John's-Halifax-Philadelphia Service, from 23 August 1911 to 1 December 1911. Ships Included the Carthaginian, Mongolian, and Pretorian. RMS Tunisian First Class Passenger List, 22 September 1911. GGA Image ID # 22124be978
Information for Passengers, RMS Tunisian First Class Passenger List, 22 September 1911. GGA Image ID # 2212882f11
Sailing Schedule, London-Le Havre-Québec-Montréal Service, from 7 September 1911 to 19 November 1911. Ships Included the Corinthian, Lake Erie, Pomeranian, Sardinian, and Sicilian. RMS Tunisian First Class Passenger List, 22 September 1911. GGA Image ID # 22129faf87
Sailing Schedule, Glasgow-Québec-Montréal Service, from 9 September 1911 to 18 November 1911. Ships Included the Grampian, Hesperian, Ionian, and Scotian. RMS Tunisian First Class Passenger List, 22 September 1911. GGA Image ID # 2212c31509
Agents and Agencies of the Allan Line. RMS Tunisian First Class Passenger List, 22 September 1911. GGA Image ID # 2212ec166f
Wireless Telegram Rates, RMS Tunisian First Class Passenger List, 22 September 1911. GGA Image ID # 2213094a7f
Back Cover Showing Colorful Allan Line Logo, TSS Tunisian First Class Passenger List from 22 September 1911. GGA Image ID # 1e0c9c7231
🚢 Review & Summary of the TSS Tunisian Passenger List – 22 September 1911 🛳️
🌍 Voyage Overview: The TSS Tunisian’s Transatlantic Journey
The TSS Tunisian, a first-class transatlantic liner of the Allan Line, departed Liverpool, England, on 22 September 1911, sailing to Québec and Montréal, Canada. Under the command of Captain J. A. Fairfull, this voyage was part of the well-established Allan Line service, which was vital for the transportation of wealthy travelers, professionals, and distinguished figures between Europe and North America.
The Tunisian was a technologically advanced vessel, launched in 1900, featuring triple-expansion engines and capable of carrying a mix of first-class and steerage passengers. The ship played a crucial role in facilitating transatlantic migration, diplomatic visits, and business ventures.
The first-class passenger list for this voyage is particularly fascinating, as it includes members of Parliament, academics, business leaders, and other notable figures, making it an important document for historical and genealogical research.
👤 Notable Individuals on Board
This passenger list includes influential individuals from academia, politics, business, and entertainment. Here are some of the most remarkable passengers:
🏛️ Academia & Education
🔹 Professor Alan W. C. Menzies – A renowned scholar, possibly associated with McGill University (Montréal) or the University of Toronto. Given his prominence, Menzies may have been traveling for a conference, a lecture series, or academic research in Canada.
🔹 Dr. W. Birch Cayley, M.D. (Ship’s Surgeon) – A distinguished medical professional, likely providing care to first-class passengers while also serving as a researcher or lecturer in medicine.
🎖️ Politics & Government
🔹 Mr. R. W. Essex, M.P. – A Member of Parliament, indicating political importance. His presence suggests a diplomatic mission, government business, or political engagement in Canada.
🔹 Mr. W. J. Robertson, C.M.G., LL.D., D.Sc. – A highly decorated public figure and scholar, his C.M.G. (Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George) indicates British colonial administration or significant contributions to public service. His academic titles suggest expertise in science, law, or education.
🛠️ Business & Industry
🔹 Mr. Gaston Mayer – Likely an influential business leader or entrepreneur engaged in European-Canadian trade or finance.
🔹 Mr. Willard J. Price – A traveler whose name suggests a connection to commerce, journalism, or publishing, possibly linked to newspaper or book enterprises.
🌟 Socialites & Cultural Figures
🔹 Miss Freeman Lake & Mrs. Freeman Lake – Their affluent-sounding names suggest social prominence, possibly in literary or artistic circles.
🔹 Mrs. L. Schoyer & Miss Schoyer – A name with connections to New York and social elites, suggesting possible ties to high society or the theater world.
📜 Highlights from the Passenger List
This first-class manifest represents a cross-section of wealth, influence, and prestige in 1911.
Some key takeaways:
🔹 Many distinguished individuals were traveling, including scholars, government officials, and business magnates, reflecting a voyage of diplomacy, education, and finance.
🔹 Entire families and their maids—such as Mrs. Hastings and Maid, and Mrs. Blake, infant, and Maid—highlight the luxury and status associated with first-class travel.
🔹 The presence of a Member of Parliament and a C.M.G. recipient suggests high-level discussions regarding British-Canadian relations or economic policies.
📸 Noteworthy Images from the Passenger List
These images provide historical depth and context:
📖 Front Cover: A beautifully designed first-class passenger list cover, showcasing the prestige of the Allan Line’s elite transatlantic service. (GGA Image ID # 1e0c6e96e5)
👨✈️ List of Senior Officers and Staff: Includes Captain J. A. Fairfull, Chief Officer D. J. C. Jones, and Surgeon W. Birch Cayley, M.D., highlighting the experienced leadership aboard the Tunisian. (GGA Image ID # 2212121670)
🚢 Sailing Schedules: Details routes from Liverpool, Glasgow, and London to Canada, emphasizing the frequency and importance of transatlantic crossings. (GGA Image ID # 221233c311, 22124be978, 22129faf87, 2212c31509)
📋 Information for Passengers: Provides insight into first-class amenities, meal services, and the luxurious experience aboard the Tunisian. (GGA Image ID # 2212882f11)
📡 Wireless Telegram Rates: A fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century ship communication, showcasing advanced Marconi wireless technology. (GGA Image ID # 2213094a7f)
🎨 Back Cover with Allan Line Logo: A vivid representation of the Allan Line’s branding, reinforcing its reputation for excellence in transatlantic travel. (GGA Image ID # 1e0c9c7231)
📚 Relevance of the TSS Tunisian’s Voyage
This passenger list is a valuable historical document with multiple research applications:
👨🏫 For Educators & Students – A firsthand look at early 20th-century elite travel, British-Canadian diplomacy, and academic exchange.
📜 For Historians – Offers insight into the political and economic connections between Britain and Canada, including the movement of high-profile individuals.
🧬 For Genealogists – A rich source for tracing aristocratic, academic, and political family histories, particularly for Canadian immigrants from Britain.
⚓ For Maritime Enthusiasts – Showcases the luxury of first-class travel aboard an elite Allan Line vessel.
🔍 Key Features of the TSS Tunisian
🔹 Launched: 1900
🔹 Operator: Allan Line (later merged into the Canadian Pacific Line)
🔹 Route: Liverpool → Québec → Montréal
🔹 Notable Feature: A large passenger liner accommodating first-class and steerage passengers, known for its comfort and reliability.
🔹 Later History: The Tunisian was later used as a troopship during World War I, demonstrating its adaptability and importance in global events.
🔮 Final Thoughts – Why This Passenger List Matters
The TSS Tunisian’s first-class passenger list from September 1911 is a snapshot of elite transatlantic travel during a time of great social and political change. This voyage carried influential government figures, scholars, and business leaders, each shaping the political, economic, and cultural landscape of Canada.
For historians, genealogists, and maritime enthusiasts, this document is a treasure trove of information, offering a rare glimpse into the lives and movements of the early 20th-century upper class.
The Tunisian itself played a pivotal role in global history, later serving in wartime efforts, proving that even luxury liners could be called to duty in times of need. ⚓✨