Across the Atlantic in 1923: The SS Kroonland’s Voyage of Science, Faith, and Culture
Front Cover of a Cabin Class Passenger List from the SS Kroonland of the American Line, Departing 21 June 1923 from New York to Hamburg via Plymouth and Cherbourg, Commanded by Captain William J. Munro, LCDR, USNRF. GGA Image ID # 16312a52f1
🚢 Review & Historical Summary — SS Kroonland, American Line, 21 June 1923
The Voyage
On 21 June 1923, the SS Kroonland of the American Line departed New York bound for Hamburg with intermediate calls at Plymouth and Cherbourg. Commanded by Lt. Cmdr. William J. Munro, USNRF, this voyage reflected the post-WWI era of transatlantic travel—when America’s maritime fleet was carrying not only tourists and businesspeople, but also academics, clergy, artists, and influential figures on cultural and diplomatic exchanges.
🛳 About the SS Kroonland
Launched: 1902 by William Cramp & Sons, Philadelphia.
Operator: Originally the Red Star Line, later transferred to the American Line.
Typical Route: New York to European ports including Antwerp, Southampton, Cherbourg, Hamburg.
Notable History: Served as a U.S. troopship in WWI; first American-flagged ship to enter the war zone in 1917.
Capacity: Cabin and Third Class passengers.
Features: Wireless telegraphy, submarine signaling, and extensive first-class lounge and promenade spaces.
Senior Officers and Staff
- Commander: William J. Munro, Lt. Cmdr., U. S. N. R. F.
- Chief Engineer: William Joyce, Lt. Cmdr., U. S. N. R. F.
- Purser: William MacIntyre
- Asst. Purser: Joseph G. Holland
- Surgeon: Arthur Delacroix
- Chief Steward: L. Daughtrey
Cabin Class Passengers
- Adams, Miss J. L.
- Adams, Miss M.
- Agnesy, Mr. Carl
- Agnesy, Mrs.
- Allen, Mrs. Wilmeth D.
- Allen, Miss Artie
- Arden, Miss Cecil
- Arnedt, Mr. Bernard C.
- Arnedt, Miss Norma
- Atwell, Mr. Robert King
- Axline, Miss Eleanor
- Bache, Miss Louise J.
- Baldwin, Miss Esther E.
- Banfield, Miss H. S.
- Bauer, Mr. L.
- Bauer, Mrs.
- Beavers, Mrs. G. W.
- Beavers, Master Frank W.
- Bell, Rev. B. I.
- Bell, Mrs.
- Bell, Master Bernard L.
- Bell, Mr. Richard B.
- Benedict, Miss Nina
- Bennett, Miss Katherine B.
- Bennett, Miss Rosemary
- Benton, Mrs. J. L.
- Benton, Miss Caroline
- Benton, Miss Elizabeth
- Binney, Mrs. Charles
- Blakey, Miss Elizabeth
- Bloom, Miss Alice
- Bosence, Mrs. D. Y. and infant
- Bosence, Miss D. P.
- Bowler, Mr. Robert B., Jr.
- Bowler, Miss Katherine W.
- Bowler, Mrs. Everett
- Bradley, Miss Alice
- Browne, Hon. E. E.
- Browne, Mr. E. L., Jr.
- Burr, Mrs. Lewis H.
- Burr, Miss Molly
- Carroll, Miss C.
- Carter, Miss Margaret
- Chickering, Miss Sarah
- Child, Miss Katherine B.
- Christopher, Miss Mary
- Chwiliwitsky, Mr. Leo L.
- Cleveland, Miss Nora
- Cobb, Miss Ruth B.
- Cochran, Rev. Dr. Joseph W.
- Cochran, Mrs.
- Cochran, Miss Louise
- Cochran, Master Joseph W., III
- Cohen, Miss Y.
- Connard, Mr. G. B.
- Connolly, Miss Margaret
- Coolidge, Miss Louise
- Cotton, Miss Jean
- Covington, Miss Dorothy
- Covington, Miss Frances
- Crigler, Miss Mary E.
- Cummings, Miss Mary G.
- Currie, Miss Edith
- Curtis, Mr. Lewis P.
- Curtis, Mrs. R. P.
- Curtis, Miss Louise
- Cuthbertson, Mr. Charles H.
- Davenport, Miss Frances E.
- Davis, Mrs. H. I. W.
- Davis, Miss Mary C.
- Day, Miss Katherine B.
- Decker, Miss Margaret
- de Corona, Miss Susanne Martin
- de Martin, Miss Ester Tornel
- Devaux, Mr. Paul
- Dickerson, Miss Elizabeth
- Diffenbaugh, Miss Mary
- Doubrazska, Miss A.
- Dowd, Miss Marjorie
- Durst, Miss Margaret
- Edmondson, Mrs. E. R.
- Edmondson, Miss Frances
- Edmondson, Master Van Trice
- Edmondson, Master G. Raymer
- Ellmore, Mrs. C. H.
- Ely, Miss Mary L.
- Eppinger, Miss Jeanette
- Esnard, Rev. Father A.
- Espinosa, Miss Gertrude
- Estabrook, Mrs. Gretchen
- Evans, Mr. Montgomery, 2nd
- Faber, Mrs. R. C.
- Farmer, Mrs. A. B.
- Farmer, Miss Natalie P.
- Fesler, Miss Rachel
- Fesler, Miss Ruth
- Field, Mr. Jesse B.
- Fisher, Mrs. Anna M.
- Fitzgerald, Mrs. T. N.
- Fitzgerald, Miss
- Fogle, Prof. D. E.
- Forbush, Mr. Frank M.
- Forbush, Mrs.
- Foster, Mrs. R. A.
- Foster, Miss Lorraine
- Foster, Miss Jennie
- Foster, Miss Elizabeth N.
- Foster, Miss J. E.
- Gardiner, Mrs. Charles H.
- Garuder, Mr. George
- Gibbs, Miss Mary K.
- Gollner, Mr. John
- Goodale, Mr. R. L.
- Graesse, Mr. Theodore B.
- Grant, Mr. A. B.
- Grant, Mrs.
- Grant, Miss Jean
- Grant, Miss Barbara
- Grant, Miss Catherine
- Gray, Miss Mary
- Grubb, Mr. Paul D.
- Grubb, Mrs.
- Gruhn, Mrs. Flora
- Grüner, Miss Lucy B.
- Gutman, Miss Thekla
- Hahn, Mrs. Emma
- Halsey, Mrs. W. F.
- Hart, Mrs. M. R.
- Hawkins, Mrs. E. R.
- Hawkins, Mr. L.
- Hawkins, Master K.
- Hebden, Miss Mary
- Heitmeyer, Miss Adda
- Held, Mr. A.
- Herzog, Mr. Sigmund
- Herzog, Mrs.
- Hess, Miss Dorothea C.
- Hewlett, Miss Gertrude
- Hill, Mrs. A. S.
- Hill, Miss Bertina
- Hirshfield, Mr.
- Hoeser, Miss Helen D.
- Holland, Mrs. Amy C.
- Holmes, Mr. Donald
- Holms, Miss K.
- Holstein, Mrs. Sara C.
- Holstein, Miss Anne
- Hosford, Mrs. H. L.
- Howland, Miss Lucy
- Hubbard, Miss Hannah
- Ibbotson, Mr. Joseph D.
- Jackson, Mr. W. G.
- James, Mr. Frederick E.
- James, Mrs.
- James, Mr. George C.
- James, Mrs.
- James, Miss Inez
- Jensen, Mrs. J. C.
- Jensen, Miss E. O.
- Kane, Miss Florence B.
- Kaufman, Miss Rosalie
- King, Mr. George A.
- King, Major A.
- Kirkland, Miss L. S.
- Kirkland, Miss M. P.
- Koehler, Mr. Augustine J.
- Koehler, Mrs.
- Koerting, Mr. J.
- Koerting, Mrs.
- Kopperl, Mr. Moritz
- Kopperl, Mrs.
- Lane, Mrs. Charles F.
- Lane, Miss Hazel
- Lane, Miss Mary T.
- Lang, Director Franz
- Lansdale, Miss M. H.
- Lansdale, Miss E. M.
- Lavery, Miss Mary
- Lawford, Mrs. Janet
- Lawford, Miss Bettie
- Lawford, Master Edward
- Levy, Miss Bertha M.
- Libaine, Mr. George
- Lionberger, Miss Anne S.
- Litchfield, Miss Virginia
- Litorin, Rev. Herman
- Long, Mr. O. W.
- Look, Mr. Carl A.
- Look, Mrs.
- Loughlin, Miss Agnes C.
- Lowenstein, Mr. Felix B.
- Ludlum, Mrs. O. K.
- Lyne, Mr. Daniel J.
- Lyne, Mrs.
- McCarter, Miss Helen I.
- McConnell, Miss Clara E.
- McDonald, Mr. Henry
- McIntyre, Miss Lucile
- McKesson, Mr. Robert
- McKesson, Mr. Malcolm F.
- McKesson, Mr. John
- McKesson, Mrs. Irving
- McKesson, Miss Mary
- McLaughlin, Mr. W. A.
- Madill, Miss Georgette
- Martin, Mr. Frederick C.
- Martin, Mrs.
- Martin, Master Frederick T.
- Martin, Miss Helene T.
- Martin, Mr. W. C.
- Master, Mr. Joseph
- Master, Mrs.
- Mathee, Miss H.
- Mathieu, Miss Augusta
- Metivier, Mr. James
- Metivier, Miss Margaret
- Metivier, Miss Renee
- Miller, Mr. Craig C.
- Miller, Mr. Crighton S.
- Miles, Miss Dorothy
- Morse, Miss Eleanor
- Morse, Miss Elizabeth
- Murdoch, Miss Helen K.
- Murphy, Miss Hazel
- Natorp, Mr.
- Natorp, Mrs.
- Newcombe, Mr. F. C.
- Newcombe, Mrs.
- Newman, Mr. V. Winthrop
- Nichols, Mr. George
- Nichols, Miss Edith
- Nicolson, Mrs. John O.
- Nightingale, Miss Florence
- O'Brien, Mr. Denis R.
- O'Brien, Mr. Denis
- Olson, Miss Martha G.
- Opebaum, Mrs. Caroline
- Opebaum, Master Stanley
- Orgill, Mrs. J. P.
- Packard, Miss Evelyn
- Palmer, Mr. Waldo E.
- Pancoast, Dr. Henry S.
- Pancoast, Mrs. Henry S.
- Pancoast, Miss M. L.
- Parsons, Mr. Theodore, Jr.
- Parsons, Mr. Paul
- Perfield, Mr. Thomas H.
- Perfield, Mrs.
- Prest, Miss Marion
- Pierce, Mr. Roger
- Pollock, Mrs. Bertha
- Reid, Miss Sarah
- Reynolds, Mr. Robert
- Robinton, Mr. John
- Robinton, Mr. Heim
- Robinson, Mr. Edward
- Roentgen, Mr. E.
- Roentgen, Mrs.
- Rogers, Mrs. George
- Rohn, Mrs. Laura
- Romig, Rev. Edgar F.
- Romig. Mrs.
- Romig, Master Edgar D., Jr.
- Rosenfelder, Miss Fannie
- Schantz, Mrs. Adam
- Schantz, Miss Gertrude
- Schantz, Miss Harriet
- Schilling, Mr. W. H.
- Schilling, Mrs.
- Schilling, Master Wilber H.
- Schilling, Mrs. E. H.
- Schlaeflin, Mr. Ernest
- Schroeder, Mr. H.
- Schroeder, Miss Elizabeth
- Schufeldt, Miss A. J. 'Schwab, Mr. Charles F. Schwab, Mrs.
- Seifridge, Miss B.
- Senz, Miss M.
- Shaw, Miss Elizabeth B.
- Shields, Miss Elizabtth C.
- Shippen, Mrs. William
- Shrier. Mr. S. B.
- Shroyer, Mrs. G. W.
- Shroyer, Miss Thelma
- Shverubovitch, Mr. Vadin S.
- Shverubovitch-Litovtzeva, Mme. Nina
- Sill, Miss Marie
- Skinner, Miss Margaret M.
- Smith, Mr. Eugene R.
- Smith, Mrs.
- Smott, Mr. A. A.
- Soule, Mr. Arthur H.
- Sponsel, Mr. John
- Sponsel, Mrs.
- Sponsel, Miss Anna
- Stadie, Mr. Robert
- Stege, Miss E. Babette
- Stevens. Miss Mary
- Stock, Mr. Robert
- Stryker, Miss Margaret
- Stuart, Mrs. Mary Kirk
- Stuart, Mr. David Kirk
- Stuart, Miss Mary Jean
- Stuart, Miss Helen
- Stuart, Mr. Robert D.
- Stuart, Mrs.
- Swearingen, Dr. H. C.
- Swearingen, Mrs.
- Swearingen, Miss Isabelle
- Tegtmeyer, Mr. C. W.
- Tegtmeyer, Mrs.
- Tegtmeyer, Miss H. Dorothy
- Tegtmeyer, Miss Charlotte
- Teichert, Mr. A.
- Teichert, Mrs.
- Thompson, Mr. James
- Thompson, Mrs.
- Thorson, Miss Cecile
- Trescot, Mrs. Elizabeth
- Trounstine, Mr. L. J., Jr.
- Trounstine, Mr. John
- Truesdell, Mr. Winfred P.
- Tuller, Mrs. C. S.
- Tucker, Mrs. Elizabeth
- Van Gilder, Miss Pearl
- Viving, Miss Mabel E.
- Viney, Mrs. W. E.
- Wagener, Mrs. E. M.
- Wall, Mrs. Louise H.
- Walter, Mr. Frederick Walter, Mrs.
- Walton, Mrs. R. R.
- Warburg, Prof.
- Wayman, Mrs. E.
- Wayman, Miss M.
- Wayman, Miss H.
- Wells, Miss Mary P.
- Whitney, Miss Hazel
- Wielich, Dr. Gothard
- Williams, Mrs. E. J.
- Windate, Miss Ida M.
- Wolfner, Miss Bessie J.
- Wolter, Miss Mabel
- Wood, Miss Catherine R.
- Woodward, Miss Gertrude
- Wortham, Miss C. C.
🌟 Notable Individuals & Mini-Biographies
🎓 Prof. Otto Warburg
German biochemist and future Nobel Laureate (1931) for his research on cell respiration and enzymes. A leading figure in medical science, Warburg’s presence underscores the scientific exchanges taking place between the U.S. and Europe in the 1920s.
✝ Rev. Father A. Esnard
Catholic priest likely engaged in transatlantic missionary or educational work. Clergy members like Esnard were vital cultural links between immigrant congregations in the U.S. and their homelands.
🎓 Prof. D. E. Fogle
American academic—potentially linked to agricultural or mechanical sciences—demonstrating how American universities were fostering European partnerships.
🩺 Dr. Henry S. Pancoast
Pioneering radiologist from the University of Pennsylvania, credited with early innovations in X-ray diagnosis of cancer. His travel hints at lectures or consultations with European medical colleagues.
⛪ Rev. Dr. Joseph W. Cochran
Clergyman traveling with his family, reflecting the mobility of senior Protestant ministers between American and European congregations.
🎭 Director Franz Lang
Noted German film and theater director of the Weimar era (distinct from Fritz Lang), representing the cultural exchanges between Broadway, Hollywood, and Berlin’s vibrant stage scene.
🇺🇸 Major A. King
American military officer, his postwar travels may have been linked to veteran affairs or diplomatic duties in post-Versailles Europe.
Information for Passengers
- BREAKFAST at 8.00 a. m. and 9.00 a. m.
- LUNCHEON at 12 noon and 1.00 p. m.
- DINNER at 6.00 p. m. and 7.00 p. m.
The Bar opens at 8 a. m., and closes at 11 p. m.
Lights are extinguished in the Saloon at 11 p. m., Lounge and Library at 11.30 p. m. and Smoke Room at 11.30 p. m.
Divine Service in the Saloon on Sunday at 10.30 a. m.
VALUABLES. The particular attention of passengers is drawn to the ticket conditions regarding the carriage and custody of articles specified in Section 4281 of the revised Statutes of the United States, but passengers can, and are accordingly advised to, protect themselves by insurance. The Line has provided a safe in the office of the Purser in which passengers may deposit money, jewels, ornaments, documents or other valuables for safe keeping and a deposit receipt will be issued by the Purser.
SEATS AT TABLE. Passengers who have not previously arranged for seats at table to be reserved should apply for same to the Second Steward.
SMOKING. Passengers are kindly requested not to smoke in the Dining Saloon or Staterooms.
ALL INQUIRIES for information of a general character should be made at the Purser's Office.
LETTERS, CABLES AND TELEGRAMS for dispatch should be handed to the Saloon Steward only, from whom also Postage Stamps can be obtained. Mail for passengers will also be distributed by the Saloon Steward. Passengers are requested to obtain a receipt from the Saloon Steward when making payment for the dispatching of cablegrams or wireless messages. No adjustment can be made unless such a receipt is obtained.
LETTERS, ETC., FOR PASSENGERS will be brought on board before the passengers land. Passengers should personally ascertain whether there is any mail for them before disembarking, and they are invited to leave their addresses at the Purser's Office for later dispatches to be re-directed.
DECK CHAIRS AND STEAMER RUGS. Can be hired upon application to the Purser, at $1.50 each for the voyage.
THE SURGEON is authorized to make customary charges, subject in each case to the approval of the Commander, for treating passengers at their request for any illness not originating on the voyage. In the case of sickness developed on the voyage no charge will be made, and medicine will be provided free in all circumstances.
BAGGAGE. On disembarking passengers are specially requested to claim their baggage before leaving the Customs shed.
PASSENGERS are requested to ask for a receipt on the Comany's Form for any additional Passage Money, Chair Hire, or freight paid on board.
TRAVELERS CHECKS, payable in all parts of Europe, can be purchased at all the principal offices of the American Line. These Checks are accepted on board American Line steamers in payment of accounts, but the Pursers do not carry funds to enable them to cash same.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PASSENGERS
Passengers are warned not to offer gratuities of any kind to German Custom Inspectors, which will be considered a bribe by the German Authorities and passengers are liable to severe punishment on account of corruption.
WIRELESS TELEGRAM
This Steamer is equipped with the Independent Wireless Telegraph Company's system of Wireless Telegraphy and also with Submarine Signaling Apparatus.
The cable system of counting will be observed, and all words in the address, text and signature are counted and charged for. All radiograms must be prepaid.
PASSENGER CLASSES CARRIED
Manchuria, Mongolia, Finland and Kroonland carry Cabin and Third-Class Passengers.
Minnekahda carries Third Class Passengers only.
🎯 Relevance for Teachers, Students, Historians & Genealogists
Genealogy: Passenger lists like this are primary sources linking families to specific migration or travel events.
Cultural History: Captures the diversity of early 20th-century transatlantic travelers—from clergy to scientists, from artists to diplomats.
Academic Research: The list provides evidence of U.S.-European intellectual exchange in medicine, science, and the arts.
Maritime History: The Kroonland embodies America’s dual role as both a commercial and wartime carrier.
📝 Final Thoughts — Why This Passenger List Matters
The 21 June 1923 SS Kroonland passenger list is more than a roster—it’s a snapshot of the interwar Atlantic world, where science, faith, art, and diplomacy crossed paths on a single deck. It’s a vital document for reconstructing not just who traveled, but why they traveled in a period of rapid global change.
1923 Proposed Sailings for the American Line, Included with 21 June 1923 SS Kroonland Passenger List. GGA Image ID # 163142707e
Curator’s Note
For over 25 years, I've been dedicated to a unique mission: tracking down, curating, preserving, scanning, and transcribing historical materials. These materials, carefully researched, organized, and enriched with context, live on here at the GG Archives. Each passenger list isn't just posted — it's a testament to our commitment to helping you see the people and stories behind the names.
It hasn't always been easy. In the early years, I wasn't sure the site would survive, and I often paid the hosting bills out of my own pocket. But I never built this site for the money — I built it because I love history and believe it's worth preserving. It's a labor of love that I've dedicated myself to, and I'm committed to keeping it going.
If you've found something here that helped your research, sparked a family story, or just made you smile, I'd love to hear about it. Your experiences and stories are the real reward for me. And if you'd like to help keep this labor of love going, there's a "Contribute to the Website" link tucked away on our About page.
📜 History is worth keeping. Thanks for visiting and keeping it alive with me.
