A Voyage of Diplomacy: Military Officers, Doctors, and Elite Travelers Aboard the SS Parisian (1897)

📌 Step aboard the SS Parisian’s transatlantic journey on November 18, 1897, from Liverpool to Halifax and Portland, Maine. This passenger list features high-ranking British military officers, esteemed doctors, and clergy members, reflecting the importance of ocean liners in global military and professional travel.

Front Cover, Saloon Passenger List from the SS Parisian of the Allan Line, Departing 18 November 1897 from Liverpool to Halifax and Portland, ME, Commanded by Captain R. Barrett, LT. R.N.R. | GGA Image ID # 21284e7e47

Senior Officers and Staff

1. Commander: Captain R. Barrett, LT. R.N.R.

Saloon Passengers

1. Mrs. Bridson
2. Mr. G. L. Clarke
3. Miss Cluhan
4. Mrs. John Cook
5. Mr. J. D. Crowther
6. CDR Pusey-Cust
7. Mrs. Dangerfield
8. LT E. A. Day
9. Miss May Glass
10. Mr. G. Gordon
11. Mrs. Gordon
12. Mrs. J. N. Greenshields
13. Mr. L. W. Hall
14. Dr. Hallwright
15. Mr. E. Hamel
16. Rev. H. Hudson
17. Mrs. Hudson
18. Master H. Hudson
19. Master Claud Hudson
20. Mr. Walton Jones
21. Mr C. Jackson
22. Mr. J. Kyle
23. LTJG H. J. Lawrence
24. Mrs. E. K. Macgillivray
25. LTJG F. B. Mackay
26. CAPT Moren
27. LT C. E. Monro
28. LT W. G. Montgomerie
29. Mrs. O Brien
30. Miss O'Brien
31. LT W. S. O'Farrell
32. Rev. E. J. O'Neil
33. Mr. G. F. Pearts
34. LT L. D Penfold
35. Mr. J. Porteous
36. Mrs. Porteous
37. Miss Porteous
38. Mr. E. H. C. Rawlinson
39. Mr. E. H. Simpson
40. Mr. Marcus Smith
41. Mrs. Bullen Smith
42. LT. Scott
43. Dr. H. E. Tomlinson
44. Mr. W. Tozer
45. MAJ Wadmore

Military Officers Rank

• LTJG: Lieutenant, Junior Grade (Sub-Lieutenant)
• LT: Lieutenant
• CDR: Commander
• CAPT: Captain
• MAJ: Major

Advertisement: Windsor Hotel, Montreal, SS Parisian Saloon Passenger List, 18 November 1897. | GGA Image ID # 2128649498

Advertisement, Canadian Pacific Railway and Grand Trunk Railway System, SS Parisian Saloon Passenger List, 18 November 1897. | GGA Image ID # 212881c366

Back Cover, Atlantic Ocean Track Chart and Memorandum of Log (Unused), SS Parisian Saloon Passenger List, 18 November 1897. | GGA Image ID # 2128907393

List of Saloon Passengers on Board the RMS Parisian, 18 November 1897. Includes Basic Voyage Information. | GGA Image ID # 220e0d925c

Passenger List Images Contributed by Chris Crofts, 2023-2024.

Review & Summary of the SS Parisian Passenger List – November 18, 1897 🚢📜

The SS Parisian, an ocean liner operated by the Allan Line, embarked on a transatlantic voyage from Liverpool, England, to Halifax, Canada, and Portland, Maine, on November 18, 1897. Commanded by Captain R. Barrett, LT, R.N.R., this journey was part of the Allan Line’s vital passenger and mail services, connecting the United Kingdom with North America.

This passenger list is a rich historical resource, capturing a diverse group of military officers, doctors, clergy, and prominent civilians who were aboard the ship. For genealogists, historians, and ocean travel enthusiasts, this document offers an intimate look at elite travel at the end of the 19th century and highlights the significance of transatlantic routes for commerce, diplomacy, and migration.

Historical Context & Relevance 📚⚓

For teachers, students, and researchers, this list offers:

✅ A glimpse into elite transatlantic travel aboard a steam-powered liner in the late 19th century.

✅ A strong military presence, indicating the importance of ocean liners for British and colonial defense personnel.

✅ Notable religious figures, reflecting the clergy’s role in ministering to British and Canadian communities.

✅ A mix of professionals, aristocrats, and social travelers, showcasing the Parisian’s function as both a commercial and diplomatic transport.

Notable Passengers & Engaging Highlights 🔥

1️⃣ Military Personnel – A Ship Full of Officers 🎖️⚔️

The SS Parisian carried a significant number of military officers, suggesting that this voyage played a role in official British military movements, diplomatic engagements, or colonial assignments.

Among the notable officers:

CDR Pusey-Cust – A Commander (CDR) in the Royal Navy, a senior-ranking officer responsible for leading ship crews or military operations.

LT E. A. Day, LT C. E. Monro, LT W. G. Montgomerie, LT W. S. O'Farrell, LT L. D. Penfold, LT Scott – Several Lieutenants in the British military, possibly returning from or heading to postings in Canada.

LTJG H. J. Lawrence, LTJG F. B. Mackay – Junior-grade Lieutenants, likely naval officers at the beginning of their careers, possibly assigned to colonial service or training missions.

CAPT Moren – A Captain, which could indicate a senior command in either the British Army or Royal Navy.

MAJ Wadmore – A Major, a mid-level officer in the British Army, possibly overseeing imperial defense or diplomatic affairs.

📖 Why It’s Interesting: The strong military presence on this voyage highlights the strategic role of ocean liners like the Parisian in British military logistics. This was a time of expanding imperial influence, and officers on board may have been stationed in Canada for British military operations or training assignments.

2️⃣ Religious Figures – Spiritual Leadership on Board ⛪✝️

Rev. H. Hudson, Mrs. Hudson, Master H. Hudson, Master Claud Hudson – A clergyman traveling with his family, indicating a missionary journey, colonial church service, or religious diplomacy.

Rev. E. J. O'Neil – Another minister or priest, possibly en route to Canada or the United States for pastoral work or a religious conference.

📖 Why It’s Interesting: The presence of religious leaders reflects the close ties between Britain and its colonies, particularly in ministering to expatriates and missionary outreach.

3️⃣ Professionals & Noteworthy Individuals – Doctors, Businessmen, and Aristocrats 💼🌍

Dr. H. E. Tomlinson & Dr. Hallwright – Two physicians on board, likely traveling for medical work, professional engagements, or returning from duty in Canada.

Mr. E. H. C. Rawlinson & Mr. E. H. Simpson – Likely business or legal professionals, involved in commerce or transatlantic trade.

Mr. Marcus Smith & Mrs. Bullen Smith – A wealthy couple, possibly tied to Canadian or British elite circles.

📖 Why It’s Interesting: The Parisian catered to the transatlantic professional class, including doctors, lawyers, business leaders, and diplomats, making it a key link in Anglo-American and Anglo-Canadian relations.

The SS Parisian – A Key Transatlantic Liner 🚢🇬🇧🇨🇦🇺🇸

• Operator: Allan Line
• Route: Liverpool → Halifax → Portland, Maine
• Voyage Date: November 18, 1897
• Captain: R. Barrett, LT, R.N.R.

Significance of the SS Parisian:

🔹 A crucial link between Britain and North America, facilitating military, diplomatic, and commercial travel.

🔹 Carried high-ranking military officers, clergy, doctors, and business elites.

🔹 Part of the Allan Line’s premier transatlantic fleet, transporting both passengers and mail.

📸 Noteworthy Images:

🔹 The Atlantic Ocean Track Chart & Log, reinforcing the importance of transatlantic crossings for British military movements.

🔹 The Windsor Hotel, Montreal advertisement, emphasizing the luxurious accommodations for high-ranking travelers upon arrival in Canada.

🔹 The Canadian Pacific Railway and Grand Trunk Railway advertisement, reinforcing the Parisian’s role in connecting passengers with continental rail routes upon arrival.

Final Thoughts – Why This Passenger List Matters 💭

The SS Parisian’s 1897 voyage showcases a cross-section of late 19th-century transatlantic travelers, including:

✅ A strong military presence, highlighting the ship’s role in British colonial defense and officer transport.

✅ Religious leaders, demonstrating the influence of the Church in Canada and the United States.

✅ Prominent professionals and families, reinforcing ocean liners’ roles in transatlantic diplomacy and commerce.

✅ The integration of rail and ocean travel, connecting passengers with Canada’s and America’s expanding railway networks.

📢 A must-read for maritime historians, genealogy researchers, and those interested in the British Empire’s transatlantic connections! 🚢📜