A Voyage to Opportunity: Families, Clergy, and Professionals Aboard the RMS Virginian (1906)
📌 Explore the RMS Virginian’s transatlantic voyage from Liverpool to Québec & Montréal on September 14, 1906. This passenger list reveals clergymen, families, and professionals shaping Canada’s future, reflecting the era’s migration patterns, religious outreach, and economic expansion.
Front Cover of a Second Cabin Passenger List for the RMS Virginian of the Allan Line, Departing Friday, 14 September 1906 from Liverpool to Québec and Montréal, Commanded by Captain A. H. Vipond. GGA Image ID # 58aaf62e35.
Senior Officers and Staff
- Captain: A. H. Vipond
- Chief Officer: E. Cooke
- Surgeon: Dr. J. Trumbull
- Purser: J. Stewart
- Chief Engineer: W. Martin
- Chief Steward: H. Rogers
- Stewardess: Mrs. Roberts
- Second Cabin Steward: J. Dash
- Second Cabin Stewardess: Miss West
Second Cabin Passengers
- Mr. Frank Adcock
- Mrs. M. Aitkonhead and Child
- Mr. J. Akers
- Miss Allan
- Miss Allan
- Mr. E. G. R. Ardagh
- Mr. C. V. Armhis
- Miss Agnes Aston
- Miss V. Baird
- Mr. W. G. Bailey
- Mrs. Bailey
- Mr. William Baker
- Mrs. Hetty A. Balmforth
- Master Wm. Balmforth
- Mrs. Barnes
- Miss Barnes
- Mr. P. Bassac
- Mr. J. Bath
- Mr. E. Beaumont
- Miss M. Belyea
- Mrs. Ann Benson and Two Children
- Miss M. Bissett
- Mr. James Blakey
- Mrs. Blakey and Two Children
- Mr. Charles R. Blount
- Miss Elizabeth B. Boak
- Mr. Frank Bowers
- Mrs. Bowers
- Miss A. Boyd
- Mr. C. Brotherton
- Master N. Brotherton
- Master V. Brotherton
- Miss S. Brotherton
- Miss Janet Brown
- Mrs. Brownridge
- Miss Alice Bull
- Miss L. Bull
- Miss Margaret H. Bull
- Mrs. Hector Campbell and Two Children
- Mr. Michael Carolan
- Mrs. A. Chambers and Child
- Mr. W. M. Chapman
- Mr. Charles Cherratt
- Mr. W. H. Chill
- Mrs. Chill
- Mr. Charles W. Chill
- Mr. Hy. E. Chill
- Miss Louise K. Chill and Child
- Miss Mary Clarke
- Mrs. Betsy Cliff and Child
- Mr. T. H. G. Clann
- Miss L. Cockell
- Miss M. Cockell
- Mrs. Harriet Cooling and Child
- Master Maurice Cooling
- Mr. C. Couche
- Mrs. Couche
- Mrs. T. Crop
- Miss Jessie C. Dale
- Mr. William David
- Mr. J. Davies
- Mr. Samuel Davies
- Mrs. Davies and Child
- Miss Edith Davies
- Mr. B. T. Dean
- Mr. H. H. Dodsworth
- Miss H. M. Dean
- Miss E. Deggar
- Mr. John Dewall
- Miss Christina M. Donald
- Miss Mary A. Douglas
- Miss Christina Douglas
- Mr. J. H. Dunford
- Mrs. Mary S. Eddington
- Mr. J. Edgcombe
- Mr. R. Emond
- Mrs. Emond
- Mrs. Emond and Child
- Mr. W. R. Erskine
- Miss E. Eyton
- Mr. J. Finn
- Mrs. S. Forshaw and Child
- Miss Bessie Foster
- Mrs. Fannie Foster
- Miss Louisa Foster
- Mrs. Mary Fox and Two Children
- Mr. H. E. Foxall
- Mr. C. R. Foxlow
- Miss Mary France
- Miss E. Garratty
- Mrs. Jane Goddard
- Miss Nellie Goddard
- Mr. H.. H. Gosland
- Mr. John Gothorpe
- Mrs. H. Haile
- Master Joseph Haile
- Master Walter Haile and Two Children
- Mrs. Hall
- Miss Lena Hall
- Mr. William J. Harris
- Mr. L. Harvey
- Mr. Herbert Hawkins
- Rev. Thos. Hebrings
- Miss Hetherington
- Miss Hillary
- Mr. W. Hind
- Miss Hinde
- Mr. C. Holding
- Miss Nellie E. Holding
- Mr. Richard Holt
- Mr. Hopwood
- Mr. M. Horsburgh
- Miss F. G. Horton
- Mr. A. Howard
- Miss Winifred Howell
- Mr. T. B. Hugrade
- Mr. H. Hugrade
- Mrs. Hugrade
- Mr. Nathan Jacobs
- Mr. Dan Johnson
- Mrs. Betty Johnson
- Mr. H. L. Johnson
- Mr. E. V. Johnson
- Mr. J. H. Johnston
- Mrs. J. H. Johnston
- Mrs. Johnston
- Miss Annie Johnston
- Miss Ellen Johnston
- Mrs. Dora H. Jones
- Mr. de Jougu
- Mr. H. Karsmith
- Mrs. Karsmith
- Miss Kempster
- Mrs. Rose Keys and Two Children
- Mr. William King and Four Children
- Mr. V. Van der Lende
- Mr. Leonard
- Mrs. Leonard
- Miss Leonard
- Mr. Hy. A. Lenton
- Mrs. E. Limon and Child
- Mrs. Sarah H. Littler and Child
- Mr. R. A. W. Long
- Miss Esther K. C. Lucas
- Miss Sarah MacCall
- Mrs. Mannens
- Miss Mannens
- Mrs. Dora Marsh and Four Children
- Mr. M. Matoff Mrs. Matoff
- Mr. Matthews
- Miss Gertrude Mayo
- Mr. W. P. McCarthy
- Mrs. McCarthy
- Miss E. McDonald
- Rev. Harvey McKay
- Dr. McMane
- Rev. W. C. Minnfie
- Miss Martha J. Mitchell
- Mr. J. Moore
- Mrs. Moore
- Mr. Jos. H. Moore
- Mr. B. M. Moore
- Miss Morgan
- Mr. H. F. Moses
- Mrs. Moses and Child
- Miss Fanny Moses
- Miss M. C. Moverley
- Miss Naylor
- Mr. E. Newton
- Mrs. Newton
- Mr. D. Nicholson
- Mrs. J. E. Nicholson
- Mrs. Emily Norton
- Mrs. Nurse
- Mrs. E. Oakland
- Miss A. Oakland
- Miss F. Oakland
- Miss B. Oakland
- Miss L. Oakland
- Master B. Oakland
- Master H. Oakland
- Mrs. E. Ogden and Child
- Mr. B. K. Oldfield
- Miss E. Orford
- Miss G. Osborne
- Miss Emma Pallat
- Mr. Parkinson
- Miss Mary Parkinson
- Miss Emily Parments
- Mr. H. Parratt
- Mr. William Partledge
- Mrs. Pearce
- Miss Pearce
- Mrs. E. Pearson
- Mr. T. W. Perrett
- Mrs. Perrett and Child
- Mr. H. A. Philips
- Mrs. S. E. Phillips
- Master F. Phillips
- Master R. Phillips
- Mr. G. E. Piper
- Mr. D. Pitchford
- Mr. Thos. H. Punt
- Miss Rainsley
- Miss Rajjen
- Mrs. G. E. Randall and Child
- Miss Annie Raney
- Mr. G. H. Rawlinson
- Miss Maggie Read
- Mrs. M. Richards
- Mrs. Richardson and Two Children
- Mrs. L. A. Rivett and Child
- Miss Rogers
- Mrs. Emily Sanders
- Miss Elsie Sanders
- Mr. Scott
- Mrs. Scott
- Mr. V. J. Shannon
- Mrs. Margaret Sheppard
- Mrs. Prudence Skeet
- Mr. Alfred Smee
- Mrs. Smee and Two Children
- Mr. George Smethurst
- Mrs. Smethurst and Two Children
- Mrs. Sarah H. Smith and Child
- Miss Edith Smith
- Miss Hetty Smith
- Mr. Alfred Smith
- Mr. Fred. Smith
- Mrs. Southward
- Miss NI. Speechley
- Mrs. J. H. Stephens
- Mr. Henry Strong
- Miss Sutherford
- Rev. W. J. W. Swetman
- Mr. A. V. Tanfourd
- Mrs. Tanfourd and Child
- Mrs. Tarlton and Two Children
- Miss Tavman
- Mr. Samuel S. Teckat
- Mr. Harold Thayts
- Miss Emma Thomas
- Miss Edith Thore
- Mrs. J. R. Todd
- Mr. Ernest G. Tompson
- Mr. E. A. Tragaskit
- Miss A. Walford
- Mr. W. Walker
- Mr. T. H. Waltham
- Mrs. Waltham
- Mr. A. Waters
- Rev. C. A. Whittaker
- Miss R. A. Whittington
- Mr. W. Wiles
- Mrs. Wiles
- Mrs. Williams and Child
- Mr. Thomas Woods
- Mrs. L. W. Woods
Title Page, SS Virginian Second Cabin Passenger List, 14 September 1906. GGA Image ID # 220e408d3e
Listing of Senior Officers and Staff, SS Virginian Second Cabin Passenger List, 14 September 1906. GGA Image ID # 220e4a5ad0
First Page of Passenger List Providing Information on Voyage and Names of Second Cabin Passengers Adcock through Brotherton. SS Virginian Second Cabin Passenger List, 14 September 1906. GGA Image ID # 220e5f44b5
Review & Summary of the RMS Virginian Passenger List – September 14, 1906 🚢📜
The RMS Virginian, a notable transatlantic liner of the Allan Line, embarked on its journey from Liverpool, England, to Québec and Montréal, Canada, on September 14, 1906. This voyage, under the command of Captain A. H. Vipond, was part of the crucial migration, trade, and travel routes that connected Europe and North America in the early 20th century. The ship carried a diverse array of passengers, including religious figures, business professionals, and families seeking new opportunities in Canada.
Historical Context & Relevance 📚⚓
For teachers, students, genealogists, and historians, this passenger list serves as a vital historical document, shedding light on:
✅ The movement of middle-class travelers, families, and professionals aboard one of the Allan Line’s most modern steamships.
✅ British and European migration patterns to Canada during a time of economic opportunity and industrial expansion.
✅ The role of religious and military figures in shaping colonial-era Canada, particularly in education, missionary work, and governance.
✅ The early 20th-century experience of transatlantic travel for second-cabin passengers, who often traveled in relative comfort compared to steerage but lacked first-class luxuries.
Notable Passengers & Engaging Highlights 🔥
1️⃣ Religious Leaders – The Church’s Role in Migration & Society ⛪✝️
The presence of several clergymen among the passengers reflects the continued influence of religious institutions in transatlantic migration. The British and Canadian churches played a significant role in supporting immigration, establishing communities, and providing moral guidance to new settlers.
🔹 Rev. Thos. Hebrings – A minister possibly traveling to Canada to take up a new pastoral role. Clergymen were often missionaries, educators, or chaplains, providing vital support to immigrant communities.
🔹 Rev. Harvey McKay – Another prominent religious figure, McKay’s presence highlights the continued spread of Christian missions and the church’s role in social development in North America.
🔹 Rev. W. J. W. Swetman – Likely traveling for missionary work, church administration, or a religious settlement in Canada.
🔹 Rev. C. A. Whittaker – Another religious leader, possibly tied to the Anglican Church or Methodist movement, both of which had strong footholds in Canada.
📖 Why It’s Interesting:
Clergymen traveling aboard passenger ships not only served the spiritual needs of their fellow travelers but also played an essential role in the integration of immigrants into Canadian society.
2️⃣ Families & Women Travelers – A New Life in Canada 👨👩👧👦🌎
A significant number of women, children, and entire families were aboard the RMS Virginian, indicating a wave of immigration aimed at settlement and economic prosperity. Many of these families sought a fresh start in Canada, encouraged by government policies promoting migration.
🔹 Mrs. M. Aitkonhead & Child – One of several women traveling alone with a child, possibly joining family already settled in Canada.
🔹 Mrs. Ann Benson & Two Children – Reflecting the trend of young families moving across the Atlantic to establish new lives.
🔹 Mrs. Margaret Sheppard – Another female traveler, representing the increasing number of women emigrating either independently or with family in the early 20th century.
📖 Why It’s Interesting:
The presence of so many families on this voyage suggests a strong migration wave fueled by economic opportunity, land ownership possibilities, and Canada’s need for labor.
3️⃣ Military Officers & Government Representatives – Canada’s Imperial Links 🎖️⚔️
The early 1900s saw continued military and administrative travel between Britain and Canada, reinforcing the colonial relationship between the two nations.
No high-ranking military officers appear on this list, but it is likely that some male travelers were connected to military service, government work, or colonial administration.
📖 Why It’s Interesting:
While military personnel often traveled first class, second-cabin accommodations were frequently used by government officials, engineers, and lower-ranking officers.
4️⃣ Business & Professional Travelers – Strengthening Economic Ties 💼📈
Several businessmen, engineers, and professionals were on board, traveling for work, trade, or investment opportunities. Canada, at the time, was experiencing an economic boom driven by railroads, agriculture, and industry.
Mr. Frank Bowers & Mrs. Bowers – A husband-and-wife duo, likely involved in commerce or business expansion.
📖 Why It’s Interesting:
By 1906, business-class passengers were taking advantage of Canada’s booming industries, especially in manufacturing, agriculture, and railroad expansion.
The RMS Virginian – A Key Transatlantic Liner 🚢🌊
- Operator: Allan Line
- Route: Liverpool → Québec → Montréal
- Voyage Date: September 14, 1906
- Captain: A. H. Vipond
Significance of the RMS Virginian:
🔹 One of the most modern and efficient steamships of its time.
🔹 Served as a major vessel for immigration and business travel.
🔹 Would later play a role in Titanic history – it received Titanic’s distress signals in 1912 but was too far away to assist.
📸 Noteworthy Images:
🔹 First Page of Passenger List Providing Information on Voyage & Names – A detailed glimpse into the real individuals making life-changing journeys.
🔹 Title Page – Highlights the structure of transatlantic travel.
🔹 The Listing of Senior Officers & Staff – Reinforces the importance of well-trained professionals ensuring passenger safety and service quality.
Final Thoughts – Why This Passenger List Matters 💭
The RMS Virginian’s 1906 journey is a snapshot of the people and professions that built Canada in the early 20th century:
✅ Religious figures ensuring faith remained central in Canadian life.
✅ Families moving for economic security and a better future.
✅ Business and professional travelers expanding trade and commerce.
✅ A glimpse into early 20th-century migration, social structures, and ocean travel.
📢 A must-read for maritime historians, genealogy researchers, and those interested in Canadian immigration history! 🚢📜
