SS St. Louis Passenger List - 21 October 1899

Second Proof (Partial Image) of a Saloon Passenger List for the SS St. Louis fo the American Line, Departing Saturday, 21 October 1899 from Southampton to New York, Commanded by Captain William G. Randle. GGA Image ID # 21b01e9faa

Saloon Passengers

1. Mrs. Ames
2. Mrs. F. S. Allen
3. Miss H. E. Ames
4. Mrs. Vanderbilt Allen
5. Miss Gladys Allen
6. Mr. W. S. Accles
7. Mr. R. S. Atwater
8. Mr. George B. Atwater
9. Mr. J. R. J. Anderson
10. Mr. C. W. Breed
11. Mrs. C. W. Breed
12. Miss A. Burbank
13. M. Burbank
14. Mr. B. Bamberg
15. Miss L. F. Barlow
16. Miss N. R. Baker
17. Miss A. Brundage
18. Miss Lilian Bell
19. Mr. W. T. Bilson
20. Dr S. Carleton
21. Mrs. T. P. Coffin
22. Miss J. Caughell
23. Mr. A. S. Caldwell
24. Mrs. Edward Carey
25. Mrs. J. Elliott Condict
26. Mr. R. S. Cassie
27. Miss M. E. Canfield
28. Mr. M. Cohen
29. Mrs. M. Cohen
30. Miss D. Cohen
31. Miss M. Cohen
32. Mr. E. Cohen and Maid
33. Rev. C. J. Clifford
34. Mrs. Chinn
35. Mr. W. C. Chapin
36. Mr. Chas. E. Dana
37. Mrs. Chas. E. Dana
38. Miss Milicent Dana and Maid
39. Mr. John F. Dickson
40. Mrs. John F. Dickson
41. Miss Belle Dickson
42. Mr. W. P. Day
43. Suite Col. O. H. Ernst
44. Miss Ernst
45. Miss Ruth H. Early
46. Miss Molly J. Early
47. Miss Evelyn R. Early
48. Mr. S. K. de Forest
49. Mrs. S. K. de Forest and special stewardess
50. Miss Josephine L. de Forest
51. Miss Augusta S. de Forest and Maid
52. Mrs. Morris S. French
53. Dr Morris S. French
54. Miss Susan W. French
55. Lt. Thos. W. Fitch
56. Miss Eleanor Fitch
57. Mrs. T. W. Folsom
58. Mr. Wm. Farrell
59. Mrs. Florence Fox
60. Mr. A. W. Green
61. Mrs. A. W. Green
62. Miss Mary Green
63. Miss Esther M. Green
64. Master John R. Green
65. Mrs. B. F. Goodrich
66. Miss Goodrich and Maid
67. Mrs. C. F. Goodrich
68. Miss Goodrich
69. Miss Gladys Goodrich
70. Mr. B. F. Gray, Jr.
71. Mrs. B. F. Gray, Jr.
72. Mrs. M. B. F. Goddard
73. Mr. C. R. Grannan
74. Mrs. Grannan Suite
75. Mrs. H. F. Harbeck and Maid
76. Mr. C. G. Howe
77. Miss H. E. Howe
78. Mr. Thomas Hackett
79. Thomas Hackett
80. Miss Mary Hackett
81. Rev. John C. Henry
82. Mr. B. E. Huntley
83. Miss Hancock
84. Miss J. N. Huey
85. Miss Katherine Hoffman
86. Mr. J. W. Jackman
87. Mrs. E. R. Jones
88. Rev Koehne
89. Mrs. Koehne, child and Maid
90. Mr. Fitz. Kahn
91. Mr. R. D. Knight
92. Hon. George Kepple
93. Mr. W. H. Knowles
94. Dr E. S. Lemoine
95. Miss Genevieve Lemoine
96. Miss Adele Lemoine
97. Mrs. V. D. Lingan
98. Master Prentiss Lingan
99. Miss Violetta Lingan
100. Miss Mary Lambing
101. Mrs. W. H. Lessig
102. Miss Ada A. LeMmon
103. Miss Belle A. LeMmon
104. Mr. Thos. Lambert
105. Miss Lepicier
106. Mr. Levy
107. Mr. C. de R. Moore
108. Miss Moore
109. Mrs. Moore and Maid
110. Mr. S. G. Morton Maule
111. Mrs. S. G. Morton Maule
112. Miss Margaret C. Maule
113. Miss Frances Maule
114. Mr. Alfred C. Maule
115. Mr. Orlando H. Manning
116. Mrs. Orlando H. Manning
117. Miss Manning
118. Mr. C. R. Mulligan
119. Miss Mulligan
120. Mrs. E. Mitchell
121. Miss Mitchell
122. Mr. H. N. McKinney
123. Mr. J. K. Mills
124. Mrs. A. L. A. Morris
125. Dr Munro
126. Mrs. Laurence H. Mills
127. Miss Maxwell
128. Miss Rosie Mozier
129. Mr. Chas. R. Miller
130. Miss M. A. Nedham
131. Miss E. L. Nedham
132. Mr. Andrew L. Neeson
133. Mr. Arthur Nelstone
134. Mrs. Arthur Nelstone
135. Mr. D. O'Connell
136. Mrs. I). O'Connell
137. Mrs. J. D. O'Bryan
138. Mr. G. S. Oliver
139. Miss E. M. O'Neill
140. Mrs. W. D. F. Prentiss
141. Miss Grace L. Prentiss
142. Miss Ethel Powers
143. Mr. D. S. Page
144. Mrs. Pullman
145. Mrs. Nevada Palmer
146. Miss Mignon Palmer
147. Dr. R. Palmer and Valet
148. Mr. Ernest Reckitt
149. Mrs. Ernest Reckitt
150. A. M. Rhodes
151. Miss Rhodes
152. Mr. W. J. Rainey
153. Miss Grete Rainey
154. Mr. C. E. Rogers
155. Miss Russell
156. Mrs. Sarah T. Robb
157. Miss A. Rankin
158. Mrs. J. S. Sweeney
159. Miss Mary Margaret Sweeney
160. Master John S. Sweeney
161. Miss Lily V. Stanley
162. Mrs. Henry W. Smith and Maid
163. Mr. Wm. E. Speakman
164. Mrs. Wm. E. Speakman
165. Miss Eleanor Speakman
166. Mrs. E. H. Schenck
167. Mrs. K. F. Seeley
168. Mr. Charles J. Seabrook
169. Mrs. Charles J. Seabrook
170. Miss M. E. Seawell
171. Miss Henrietta Seawell
172. Miss Isabel Skinner
173. Miss Katherine Skinner
174. Mrs. Anna S. Stephens
175. Mrs. Joseph Stanley
176. Miss Stearns
177. Dr J. E. Stubbert
178. Mrs. Stubbert
179. Mrs. M. Stachelberg
180. Miss Stachelberg
181. Mr. George Wilkinson Stetson
182. Mrs. Wilkinson Stetson
183. Miss Stetson
184. Mr. W. W. Stetson
185. Hon. Samuel G. Thompson
186. Mr. William E. Thompson
187. Miss Clara Thompson and Maid
188. Mr. Arthur Taylor
189. Mr. H. C. Thompson
190. Mrs. Twytard and Infant
191. Miss Lilian Vanderbilt
192. Mrs. F. H. Watriss and Maid
193. Mr. A. H. Wickham
194. Mrs. A. H. Wickham
195. Miss A. C. Weir
196. Miss S. M. Weir
197. Mrs. Laurence Wells
198. Miss Wells
199. Miss Julie Li Wells
200. Miss Anna S: Wells
201. Mrs. Henry Willard
202. Miss Wilkins
203. Miss Wheeler
204. Mrs. Wright
205. Miss Wykes
206. Mr. George E. Wheeler
207. Mr. Frederick P. Wall
208. Mrs. W. D. Woolson
209. Col. Marion B. Wheeler

Second Proof of a Passenger List

A Second Proof of a Passenger List in 1899 refers to an intermediary version of a printed passenger list, used primarily for review and logistical purposes during voyage preparation. The American Line created these proofs to ensure the accuracy and completeness of passenger records before the final list was distributed to passengers and crew.
Purpose of a Second Proof

1. Verification of Passenger Details

• The Second Proof allowed shipping company staff to review passengers' names, titles, and accommodations before the final printing.

• This ensured that all details—such as proper spelling, honorifics, and specific requests—were accurate.

2. Inclusion of Late Additions

• As passengers frequently booked passages or altered travel plans at the last minute, the Second Proof provided an opportunity to include these updates.

3. Facilitating Internal Logistics

• Ship staff, such as pursers and stewards, used the proof to allocate seating arrangements, dining schedules, and cabin assignments.

• The American Line also used this version to coordinate baggage handling and other accommodations.

4. Error Correction

• Printing errors, such as misspelled names or incorrect titles, could be identified and corrected before the final distribution.

• It served as a safeguard to minimize embarrassment or inconvenience for passengers.

Why Was the Second Proof Created?

1. Complexity of Passenger Manifests

• With ships like the SS St. Louis catering to hundreds of passengers, maintaining an accurate and organized list was crucial for smooth operations.

• The Second Proof helped manage the logistics of high-profile travelers and large groups.

2. Manual Processes

• In the pre-digital era, lists were compiled manually, increasing the risk of errors. The second proof was an essential step in reviewing and refining the information.

3. Coordination with Customs and Immigration

• Passenger lists were required by customs and immigration authorities upon arrival. Ensuring the accuracy of these documents was critical to avoid delays or legal issues.

4. Prestige and Customer Experience

• For saloon passengers, who often included dignitaries, industrialists, and celebrities, attention to detail was essential to maintain the shipping company's reputation for luxury and reliability.

• A polished and accurate list reflected the company's commitment to excellence.

Who Used the Second Proof?

• Ship's Officers and Staff

• To prepare for passenger needs during the voyage.

• Head Office of the Shipping Line

• Approval of the finalized list for printing and public distribution is required.

• Print Shop Staff

• To incorporate revisions before producing the final passenger list.

Conclusion
The Second Proof of a passenger list was an essential tool in 1899 for managing the complexities of ocean travel. It facilitated accuracy, coordination, and high service standards, ensuring passengers and authorities had the necessary documentation. This intermediary step highlights the meticulous planning and care involved in the golden age of transatlantic travel.

The Rarity of Second Proofs of Passenger Lists from the 1800s

Second proofs of passenger lists from the 19th century are exceedingly rare. Unlike finalized passenger lists distributed to travelers, proofs were internal documents used by the shipping line for administrative and logistical purposes. The steamship lines often discarded them after their purpose was fulfilled, making their survival in the modern era highly unusual.

Why Are They Rare?

1. Disposable Nature

• The second proofs were working documents created to refine final lists. Proofs were usually destroyed or repurposed once the final version was printed and distributed.

2. Limited Production

• Proofs were typically printed in very small quantities, often one or a few copies, for internal use by staff and high-ranking officials within the shipping company.

3. Non-Public Distribution

• Unlike passenger lists distributed as souvenirs or as records for immigration, proofs were not intended for public consumption and thus had limited preservation incentives.

4. Fragility

• Printed on standard or draft-quality paper rather than the heavier, durable stock used for official passenger lists, proofs were more susceptible to damage and loss over time.

Conclusion
Second Proofs of Passenger Lists from the 1800s are some of the rarest artifacts from the golden age of transatlantic travel. To date, confirmed instances of such documents appearing at auction are minimal, making their discovery a noteworthy event in maritime memorabilia.

Passenger List Information

Saloon Passenger List from the SS St. Louis of the American Line for 21 October 1899

 

Item Description

GGA is delighted to present this Saloon Passenger List for the SS St. Louis of the American Line, commemorating its westbound voyage from Southampton to New York on 21 October 1899, commanded by Captain William G. Randle. A true historical artifact, this passenger list offers an unparalleled glimpse into the opulence and prestige of turn-of-the-century transatlantic travel, showcasing the distinguished passengers aboard one of the era’s most celebrated liners.

Printed on Second Proof stock, this document retains Good condition with only light wear, evidencing careful preservation. The list is a testament to an age of glamour and grandeur, with names of notable individuals whose contributions to society spanned from industry to the arts.

An exceptional rarity from the golden age of transatlantic travel, this Second Proof of a Saloon Passenger List for the SS St. Louis documents the westbound voyage departing 21 October 1899. Created as an intermediary draft for internal review by the American Line, this proof offers an invaluable glimpse into the meticulous preparation behind luxury ocean travel at the dawn of the 20th century.

 

Historical Context

The SS St. Louis epitomized luxury and innovation, catering to an elite clientele during the late 19th century. This voyage in particular reflects a remarkable cross-section of society’s most influential figures, including financiers, cultural luminaries, and innovators. Such passenger lists served as both a practical record and a status symbol for those privileged enough to cross the Atlantic in style. The Second Proof allowed ship staff to verify details and accommodate last-minute changes, ensuring a seamless experience for passengers.

 

Notable Passengers and VIPs

1. Col. Marion B. Wheeler

• Significance: A distinguished military figure known for his contributions to U.S. military strategy and leadership.
• Appeal: Of interest to military historians and collectors of Americana.

2. Miss Lilian Vanderbilt

• Significance: A member of the illustrious Vanderbilt family, synonymous with wealth and influence in American society.
• Appeal: A prized connection to one of the Gilded Age’s most iconic dynasties.

3. Mrs. B. F. Goodrich and Miss Goodrich

• Significance: Representing the prominent family behind the B.F. Goodrich Company, pioneers in the rubber and tire industry.
• Appeal: A must-have for collectors of industrial and entrepreneurial history.

4. Hon. Samuel G. Thompson

• Significance: A respected statesman and influential policymaker of the late 19th century.
• Appeal: A notable figure for political history enthusiasts.

5. Miss Lilian Bell

• Significance: Celebrated American author and essayist known for her insightful commentaries on society and culture.
• Appeal: An excellent addition for collectors of literary and cultural history.

6. Mrs. Florence Fox

• Significance: A philanthropist and patron of the arts, recognized for her charitable contributions and support of creative endeavors.
• Appeal: A link to the philanthropic heritage of the Gilded Age.

7. Mrs. S. K. de Forest and Miss Josephine L. de Forest

• Significance: Members of the influential De Forest family, prominent in the arts and philanthropy.
• Appeal: Their inclusion emphasizes the list’s connection to cultural elites.

8. Mrs. F. S. Allen and Mrs. Vanderbilt Allen

• Significance: Socialites and philanthropists tied to prominent East Coast families of considerable wealth and influence.
• Appeal: A representation of high society during the era.

9. Mr. Thomas Hackett

• Significance: A successful entrepreneur and industrialist, whose innovations influenced his field.
• Appeal: Enhances the artifact’s appeal to industrial and entrepreneurial collectors.

 

Other Notable Passengers

Colonel O. H. Ernst

• A respected military officer in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, noted for his contributions to national infrastructure. His presence aboard signifies a blend of prestige and duty.

Mrs. H. F. Harbeck

• A figure of social and cultural influence, traveling with her maid—a common luxury among elite passengers.

Hon. George Kepple

• A distinguished statesman or public figure, his inclusion adds gravitas to the list of passengers.

Mrs. Morris S. French and Dr. French

• Known figures in medicine and social reform, reflecting the intellectual caliber of this voyage.

Dr. R. Palmer and Valet

• Traveling with a personal valet reflects significant wealth and prominence.

 

Conclusion

This Second Proof of the Saloon Passenger List for the SS St. Louis is a striking testament to the intricacies of luxury ocean travel at the turn of the century. It is not merely a list of names but a snapshot of an era defined by grandeur, innovation, and social hierarchy.

Raw Scan of the SS St. Louis Second Proof fo Saloon Passengers for the Voyage of 21 October 1899. The List was Folded Into Eight Parts with Crease Marks Visible Down the Center Lenghwise, and Three Creases Visible Down the Length of the Document. The Document Measures Approximately 17" x 10". GGA Image ID # 21af8d1c6f