Voyage to Opportunity: Business Leaders, Families, & Military Figures Aboard the RMS Virginian (1907)

📌 The RMS Virginian’s transatlantic voyage from Liverpool to Québec & Montréal on April 26, 1907, carried business elites, religious leaders, military officers, and European diplomats, offering a glimpse into the migration, trade, and politics of early 20th-century Canada.

Front Cover, Saloon Passenger List from the RMS Virginian of the Allan Line, Departing 26 April 1907 from Liverpool to Québec and Montréal, Commanded by Captain A. H. Vipond. GGA Image ID # 20f89de2e7

Senior Officers and Staff

1. Commander: Captain A. H. Vipond
2. Chief Officer: E. Cooke
3. Surgeon: Dr. J. Trumbull
4. Purser: J. Stewart
5. Chief Engineer: W. Martin
6. Chief Steward: H. Rogers
7. Stewardess: Mrs. Roberts

Saloon Passengers

1. Mr. W. R. Allan
2. Mr. A. E. Bell
3. Mr. R. Bickensteth
4. Mr. R. B. Brimer
5. Mr. Brown
6. Mrs. Brown
7. Miss Brown
8. Mr. J. F. Burstall
9. Mrs. Burstall Four Children Nurse and Two Maids
10. Miss Buchanan
11. Mr. Paul de Cazes
12. Mr. A. G. Catheart
13. Mlle. China
14. Mr. Chas. J. Clegg
15. Mrs. Clegg
16. Miss Coupland
17. Mr. Jas Cross
18. Mr. Alex. Crundall
19. Mr. James Davidson
20. Mr. A. A. Davis
21. Madame Augustine Delliere, Child, and Two Maids
22. Mr. J. R. Douglas
23. Mrs. J. R. Douglas
24. Miss M. Douglas
25. Mr. C. Dunstan
26. Mr. Thos. Embleton
27. Miss A. E. Fenwick
28. Mr. J. C. Ford
29. Mr. F. Fowler
30. Mr. Gatehouse
31. Mr. Win. Gilhnan
32. Mr. Goodday
33. Miss Irene Hansen
34. Miss E. E. Harley
35. Mr. B. J. L. Harris
36. Mr. J. Hassberger
37. Mr. John Hickman
38. Mr. R. Hodgkinson
39. Mr. Wm. Hope
40. Mrs. Hope
41. Mr. J. E. Hyman
42. Mr. Johnston
43. Mrs. Johnston
44. Mr. G. K. Killam
45. Mr. Peter Laing
46. Mr. Larkinson
47. Miss Larkinson
48. Mr. David Levy
49. Mr. R. W. S. Littlewood
50. Mr. C. H. Low
51. Mrs. E. Low
52. Mr. J. G. Matterson
53. Mr. C. C. McIntyre
54. Miss Milne
55. Capt. Moore
56. Mrs. Moore
57. Mr. A. C. Morrison
58. Mr. Chas. Myers
59. Mrs. Peterson
60. Mrs. B. Piercy
61. Mr. H. G. Punnett
62. Miss L. Randall
63. Mr. H. L. Read
64. Mr. A. Reid
65. Mrs. Reid
66. Mr. G. W. Robinson
67. Rev. Edward Savage
68. Mr. P. R. Saville
69. Mr. J. Schulsinger
70. Mr. H. Scott
71. Mr. J. McA. Sharp
72. Mr. Gerald Smart
73. Mr. Wilfrid Smart
74. Mr. R. F. Smith
75. Mrs. F. A. Smith
76. Master Allan Smith
77. Mr. J. H. Stanford
78. Mr. W. H. Stockwell
79. Mrs. Strauss
80. Mr. R. F. Taylor
81. Mr. J. J. Tiele
82. Mr. J. Vanoost
83. Rev. Mr. Warburton
84. Mrs. A. E. Ward
85. Dr. W. L. Watt
86. Major Weston
87. Mr. C. P. Wilson
88. Mr. W. Woodney
89. Mr. A. W. Wright
90. Mrs. Wright

Passenger Information

• BREAKFAST from 8:30 until 10 o'clock.
• LUNCHEON at 1:30.
• DINNER at 7 o'clock.

The bar closes at 11:30 p.m., and the smoke room closes at midnight.

DIVINE SERVICE in the Saloon on Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

Children are 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 timetables of the principal Companies.

An experienced Physician is attached to the Steamer. For medical attendance in case of sickness on board, no charge is made; medicines are also provided free of charge. However, the Ship's Physician can charge the usual fees to travelers who submit themselves to treatment for maladies not contracted during the voyage.

Questions relating to Baggage should be referred to the Third Officer, the Ship's Baggage Master. Trunks or Rugs which passengers may desire to leave in charge of the Company should be appropriately labeled and handed to the Baggage Master on the wharf at Liverpool or Montreal. Such articles will be stored entirely at the owner's risk. Passengers must see all their Baggage passed by the Customs Authorities on landing.

Deck Chairs can be hired from the Purser at 3s. or 75 cents each for the voyage.

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 request a receipt on the Company's Form for any additional Passage Money or extra baggage charges paid on board.

Constructed Title Page with Senior Officers and Staff, RMS Virginian Saloon Passenger List, 26 April 1907. GGA Image ID # 20f8f20513

Wireless Telegram Rates, RMS Virginian Saloon Passenger List, 26 April 1907. GGA Image ID # 20f8f7833b

Information for Passengers, Principal Agents of the Company in America and Europe, and Headquarters in Liverpool, RMS Virginian Saloon Passenger List, 26 April 1907. GGA Image ID # 220e75f7e6

Back Cover, RMS Virginian Saloon Passenger List, 26 April 1907. GGA Image ID # 20f943c44f

Review & Summary of the RMS Virginian Passenger List – April 26, 1907 🚢📜

The RMS Virginian, a prestigious transatlantic liner operated by the Allan Line, embarked on its voyage from Liverpool, England, to Québec and Montréal, Canada, on April 26, 1907. Under the command of Captain A. H. Vipond, this voyage was part of the mass migration wave to Canada, carrying a mix of high-society travelers, business professionals, religious figures, and military personnel.

This saloon-class passenger list offers valuable insight into the demographics of transatlantic travel, highlighting individuals who played significant roles in Canadian, British, and European history.

Historical Context & Relevance 📚⚓

For teachers, students, genealogists, and historians, this passenger list provides a snapshot of early 20th-century ocean travel, particularly:

✅ The growing middle and upper-class migration to Canada, facilitated by business investments, land opportunities, and economic growth.

✅ The presence of religious figures, underscoring the church’s role in settlement, missionary work, and education.

✅ Business and political elites, demonstrating the connections between Britain, Canada, and European trade networks.

✅ The use of ocean liners as communication hubs, with wireless telegram services becoming an integral part of maritime life.

Notable Passengers & Engaging Highlights 🔥

1️⃣ Prominent Business Leaders & Investors – The Elite of Transatlantic Trade 💼📈

Several businessmen, merchants, and financial investors were aboard this voyage, reflecting the economic opportunities available in Canada during this era.

Mr. W. R. Allan – Possibly a member of the prominent Allan family, founders of the Allan Line itself. The Allan Line Steamship Company, under the direction of Mr. W. R. Allan, and the Canadian Pacific Railway Company, through Mr. A. C. Shaw, General Passenger Agent (Per 1914 Allan Line Advertisement)

Mr. A. G. Catheart – A name potentially linked to British banking or financial enterprises, often involved in Canadian railroad and industrial investments.

Mr. J. G. Matterson – A merchant or industrial leader, possibly involved in shipping or manufacturing.

📖 Why It’s Interesting:

At the time, Canada was experiencing an economic boom, especially in railroads, agriculture, and manufacturing. Many of these business travelers sought investment opportunities that helped shape modern Canada.

2️⃣ Religious Figures – The Church’s Continued Influence in Canada ⛪✝️

Religion remained a cornerstone of British and Canadian society, and clergymen aboard the Virginian were likely missionaries, scholars, or colonial church administrators.

Rev. Edward Savage – Likely associated with the Anglican or Presbyterian church, two of the most dominant religious institutions in Canada.

Rev. Mr. Warburton – Possibly linked to missionary work or an established congregation in Canada.

📖 Why It’s Interesting:

Religious leaders played a vital role in migration and settlement, often establishing schools, churches, and community programs in Canada’s expanding towns and cities.

3️⃣ Military Figures – Strengthening British-Canadian Imperial Ties 🎖️⚔️

The British military’s influence in Canada remained strong during this time, with officers frequently traveling between Britain and its dominions.

Captain Moore – Likely a British or Canadian officer, potentially tied to military administration or training.

Major Weston – A high-ranking officer, possibly involved in military governance, defense strategy, or colonial administration. Major Weston, a British army doctor, was stationed at Dagshai, a small army town in the Himalayas. In 1907 Major George Weston RAMC was posted to the garrison Military Hospital and was accompanied by his wife Mary Rebecca who died in childbirth in December 1909. The grief stricken major had an altar dedicated to her memory in St Patrick's RC Church and erected a magnificent headstone over her grave.

📖 Why It’s Interesting:

By 1907, Britain’s imperial military presence in Canada was shifting, with more local control being granted. Military officers often oversaw training, defense operations, and colonial security.

4️⃣ Women & Families – The Role of Women in Transatlantic Migration 👩‍👧‍👦🌎

This voyage carried numerous women, children, and high-society families, indicating a strong migration wave driven by family reunification, economic security, and settlement efforts.

Mrs. J. F. Burstall & Four Children, Nurse, and Two Maids – A wealthy family, suggesting elite migration to Canada.

Madame Augustine Delliere (1873-1950), Child (Jacqueline Lebaudy), and Two Maids – A French Actress who was married Jacques Lebaudy, possibly heading to Canada for social or economic reasons.

Miss Irene Hansen & Miss E. E. Harley – Two independent women travelers, highlighting the growing role of women in migration and business. Miss E. E. Harley has a possible family connection the the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company.

📖 Why It’s Interesting:

By the early 1900s, Canada actively encouraged female migration, recognizing women as key to stabilizing new communities and promoting family-based settlement policies.

5️⃣ European Nobility & Diplomacy – A Reflection of Global Relations 🏛️🌍

European aristocrats and diplomats were frequently found on luxury transatlantic voyages, further strengthening cultural and economic connections between Europe and North America.

Mr. Paul de Cazes (1841-1913) – Author, was born in France on June 17, 1841, the son of Charles de Cazes, who came to Canada about 1850, settled in the Eastern Townships, and represented Richmond in the Canadian legislature from 1861 to 1863. Called to the bar in 1869, he practised law at St. Hyacinthe, Quebec, until 1880. He then entered the civil service at Quebec, and in 1885 he was appointed secretary of the department of public instruction. On his retirement from, office, he returned to France ; and he died at Neuilly-sur-Seine, on May 28, 1913. He was the author of Notes sur le Canada (Quebec, 1878), L'instruction publique dans la province de Québec (Quebec, 1884). Code de l'instruction publique (Quebec, 1890), Code scolaire de la province de Québec (Quebec, 1905), as well as a number of historical papers contributed to the Transactions of the Royal Society of Canada. (Note 1)

Mlle. China – Likely a European noblewoman or diplomatic figure, potentially involved in colonial administration or European-Canadian relations. (Typo on Passenger List. Listed as Mdlle China. Should Read Mlle. China.

📖 Why It’s Interesting:

The presence of European elites highlights Canada’s growing status as a global economic and political player.

📸 Noteworthy Images & Their Significance

1️⃣ Title Page Listing Senior Officers & Staff

📜 Significance: Highlights the crew’s key role in ensuring passenger safety, luxury, and comfort.

2️⃣ Wireless Telegram Rates

📡 Significance: Demonstrates how transatlantic liners became crucial for real-time communication in a pre-airmail and pre-radio world.

3️⃣ Information for Passengers & Principal Agents

🌍 Significance: Offers insight into the logistical details of transatlantic travel, including baggage regulations, medical services, and ticketing procedures.

4️⃣ Back Cover Featuring a Track Chart & Log Memorandum

🗺️ Significance: Colorful Logo of the Allan Line.

🚢 The RMS Virginian – A Key Transatlantic Liner

• Operator: Allan Line
• Route: Liverpool → Québec → Montréal
• Voyage Date: April 26, 1907
• Captain: A. H. Vipond

Why the RMS Virginian Matters

🔹 One of the most advanced ships of its time, known for speed, reliability, and comfort.

🔹 Would later play a crucial role in Titanic history, as one of the first ships to receive Titanic’s distress signals in 1912.

🔹 Served as a major vessel for immigration, business travel, and diplomatic missions.

🏆 Final Thoughts – Why This Passenger List Matters 💭

The April 26, 1907 voyage of the RMS Virginian provides a rich historical perspective on transatlantic migration and elite travel, highlighting:

✅ The increasing presence of investors & business leaders shaping Canada’s economy.

✅ The continued role of religious leaders in settlement & missionary work.

✅ The military’s influence in maintaining British-Canadian ties.

✅ The social and economic networks connecting Britain, Europe, and North America.

📢 A must-read for maritime historians, genealogy researchers, and those interested in early 20th-century migration! 🚢📜

Notes

1. W. Stewart WALLACE, ed., The Encyclopedia of Canada, Vol. II, Toronto, University Associates of Canada, 1948, 411p., p. 17.