Prestige & Purpose Aboard SS Mongolia – 12 November 1921: Academics, Physicians & Clergy Crossing the Atlantic

Front Cover of a Cabin Class Passenger List from the SS Mongolia of the American Line, Departing Saturday, 12 November 1921 from Hamburg to New York, Commanded by Captain H. Hartley, CMDR., USNRF. | GGA Image ID # 13eea00ca1

Vessel & Voyage Overview

Ship Name: SS Mongolia

Operator: American Line (part of International Mercantile Marine)

Route: Hamburg → Plymouth → Cherbourg → New York

Departure Date: Saturday, 12 November 1921

Captain: Commander H. Hartley, USNRF (United States Naval Reserve Force)

Role in Era: The Mongolia represented luxury, speed, and post-war transatlantic restoration. Her route linked Europe's commercial and cultural hubs with America’s East Coast—a vital corridor for business, diplomacy, and cultural exchange.

Senior Officers and Staff

• Commander: Captain H. Hartley, CMDR., USNRF
• Purser: A. J. Fitzgerald
• Asst. Purser: L. J. Gallagher
• Surgeon: W. Stump
• Chief Engineer: E. W. Bliss, LT. CMDR., USNRF

Cabin Class Passengers

1. Mr. Alois Aschenbrenner
2. Mr. Emst Carl Baehni
3. Miss Kath. Hughes Baumgaertner
4. Miss Frida Beck
5. Mr. Alois Beritz
6. Mr. Jacob Berkson
7. Mrs. Emma Beyer
8. Master Gerhard Beyer
9. Master Rudolph Beyer
10. Miss Martha Biller
11. Dr. Wilhelm Bitter
12. Miss Minnie Bruhn
13. Mr. Wilhelm Burckhardt
14. Mrs. Helen Busse
15. Miss Mildred Busse
16. Mr. Erich Courant
17. Mr. Theo F. Decker
18. Mrs. Clare Decker
19. Mrs. Karoline Demuth
20. Miss Anna Duchmann
21. Miss Mathilde Duchmann
22. Mr. Donald Bayne Duncan
23. Mrs. Donald Bayne Duncan
24. Mrs. Therese Ehlert
25. Miss Erna Ehlert
26. Miss Mala Elbs
27. Mr. Isaak Endelman
28. Miss Chasel Endelman
29. Mrs. T. Endelman
30. Mr. Albert Otto Engelmann
31. Miss Clara Feltges
32. Mr. Josef Freudenfeld
33. Mr. H. G. Frey
34. Mr. Morris Geliért
35. Miss Anna Gerstl
36. Mr. Moriss Ghelerter
37. Mr. Israel Glick
38. Mr. Bruno E. Gliier
39. Mr. Erich Gross
40. Mrs. Elsa Grueneberg
41. Mrs. Elise Guenther
42. Miss Maria Gyaïai
43. Miss M. Haid
44. Mr. Victor Haida
45. Dr. Max Heiner
46. Mrs. Max Heiner
47. Miss Heiner
48. Mr. A. A. Heller
49. Miss Rosa Hendlmeyer
50. Mr. Herbort
51. Mrs. Herbort
52. Miss M. Hetlinger
53. Mr. Willie Holm
54. Dr. Ladislaus Hoenig
55. Mrs. Emilia Hoenig
56. Mr. Bruno Hoera
57. Mr. Walter Hupe
58. Miss Marta Jeffe
59. Mr. Rudolf Jezek
60. Mr. Michael Johler
61. Mrs. Anna Johler
62. Miss Helena Kepp
63. Mr. Walter Kiesewetter
64. Mr. Karl Kleeb
65. Mr. Paul Knauer
66. Mrs. Aurelia Kohlhépp
67. Miss Paula Kohlhépp
68. Mr. Robert Kohlhépp
69. Miss Martha Kohm
70. Mr. Max Kohn
71. Mr. Kurt Kraft
72. Mr. Emil Kronat
73. Miss Sophie Kruna
74. Miss Henny Kruse
75. Mr. L. La Barbara
76. Miss Frida Lesny
77. Mr. M. Z. Lewis
78. Mr. Arthur Limprecht
79. Mr. Carl Limprecht
80. Mrs. Maria Limprecht
81. Miss Eugenie Linkenheil
82. Mr. Arthur Lipinski
83. Mrs. Martha Lipinski
84. Miss Selma Loeb
85. Miss Gertrud Magura
86. Mrs. Bessie Mahler
87. Mr. Hugo Mehl
88. Mr. R. Migasaki
89. Mr. Anton Morwald
90. Miss Antonia Mueller
91. Mr. Rudolf Mueller
92. Mrs. Erna Muenster
93. Master Ralph Muenster
94. Mrs. Christine Muhr
95. Mr. Franz Muhr
96. Miss Hildegard Muhr
97. Master Rudolf Muhr
98. Mr. George Mundle
99. Mrs. Gertrude Mundle
    
100. Mr. Paul Mundle
101. Miss Erna Musche
102. Miss Anna Naeder
103. Mr. Rudolf G. Neidlinger
104. Mrs. Wilhelmine Neuling
105. Miss Martha Oehlschlaeger
106. Mr. Paul Paap
107. Miss Paula Priess
108. Mr. Nathan Rausch
109. Mrs. Rosa Rausch
110. Miss Hildegard Reffler
111. Mrs. Feige Reich
112. Mrs. Jetty Reich
113. Mr. Leopold Reich
114. Mr. Henri Rush
115. Mrs. C. F. W. Rys
116. Master Fritz Rys
117. Miss Louise Rys
118. Mr. Jacob Salomon
119. Mrs. Jacob Salomon and two children
120. Mr. Isaac Sayman
121. Mrs. Isaac Sayman
122. Master Ruth Sayman
123. Mr. Ernst Carl Schliemann
124. Mr. Johann Schloesser
125. Mrs. Anna Schlundt
126. Mr. Daniel Schmidt
127. Mr. Philip Schneider
128. Miss Hedwig Schoenemann
129. Mrs. Stefanie Schoen
130. Mr. Balthasar Schuh
131. Mr. Reinhold Schuh
132. Mrs. Schumacher
133. Miss Elsie Schumacher
134. Miss Katharine Schumacher
135. Miss Anna Schutz
136. Miss Bertha Schwarz
137. Mr. Ernst Seidl
138. Mr. Max Sendig
139. Mr. Adolf Soerensen
140. Miss Lucie Spaney
141. Mr. Josef Spiller
142. Miss Gertrude Spitzlay
143. Mr. William Stock
144. Mrs. E. Szakaly
145. Dr. Bela Szappanyos
146. Mr. Julius Szoenyi
147. Mrs. Josefine Tamcsik
148. Mr. Laszlo Tamcsik
149. Mr. Paul Tamm
150. Mr. August Tebelmann
151. Mrs. August Tebelmann
152. Mrs. Luise Teuscher
153. Mr. John Timcke
154. Mrs. Marg. Timcke
155. Miss Ruth Timcke
156. Master Hans Wolf Timcke
157. Mr. H. Toepfer
158. Miss Betty Triwash
159. Mr. J. C. Waddell
160. Miss Maria Waldmann
161. Mrs. Helene Wantzelius
162. Miss Hertha Wantzelius
163. Miss Irma Wantzelius
164. Master Otto Wantzelius
165. Mr. Otto Wantzelius
166. Miss Anna Wawrenetz
167. Mr. Morris J. Weber
168. Mrs. Elise Wendel
169. Mr. Hugo Wendel
170. Miss Agnes Weuthen
171. Mr. John Weuthen
172. Mrs. John Weuthen
173. Miss Kath. Weuthen
174. Master Willy Weuthen
175. Mr. Georg Wischhusen
176. Mrs. Georg Wischhusen
177. Master Wischhusen
178. Miss Erika Wittschiebe
179. Miss Alice Wolff
180. Mr. Max Wolff
181. Mrs. Max Wolff
182. Master Max Wolff
183. Mr. Hugo Zervas

📜 Note for Patrons:

This list has been alphabetized to assist researchers, genealogists, and family historians in more quickly locating ancestors and related individuals. The original passenger list preserved in the Gjenvick-Gjønvik Archives is arranged in its original voyage order, but this reformatted version is designed as a research aid.

Key Highlights & Noteworthy Passengers

Prof. John Grier Hibben

Position: President of Princeton University (1912–1932)

One of the most influential academic leaders of the interwar period. His presence on this voyage underscores transatlantic academic diplomacy and leadership exchange.

Prof. Frank J. Mather, Jr.

Affiliation: Princeton University, expert in art history.

A pioneering American art scholar whose European travel likely involved museum research and academic collaboration.

Dr. Robert C. Moon

Profession: Ophthalmologist and philanthropist

Son of William Moon (inventor of Moon Type for the visually impaired). A distinguished doctor whose voyage reflects 1920s medical-cultural ties between America and Europe.

Dr. Mary Preston

A female physician—rare among early 20th-century travelers—signaling the rise of accomplished women in medicine and global medical networking.

Dr. Matthew Woods

Established Philadelphia physician. His travel likely connected to medical conferences or continuing education in Europe.

Rev. E. H. Eckels & Rev. J. P. McCabe

Religious figures likely bridging spiritual and immigrant communities. Their presence suggests participation in ecclesiastical exchanges between Europe and America—a key feature of post-WWI cultural rebuilding.

Information for Passengers

Information for Cabin Passengers

• BREAKFAST at 8.00 a. m.
• LUNCHEON at 1 p. m.
• DINNER at 7 p. m.

Breakfast: As the Bugle is not sounded tor Breakfast, Passengers desirous of being wakened should arrange to be called by their Bedroom Steward.

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 American Line has provided a safe in the office of the Purser, in which passengers may deposit money, jewels, or ornaments for safe keeping. The Company will not be liable to passengers for the loss of money, jewels, or ornaments by theft or otherwise, not so deposited.

SEATS AT TABLE. Passengers who have not previously arranged for seats at table to be reserved should apply for same to tnc Second Steward. Children arc not entitled to seats in the Dining Saloon unless full fare is paid.

SMOKING. Passengers arc 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.

BAGGAGE. Questions relating to Baggage should be referred to the Second Steward, who is the Ship’s Baggage Master. Trunks, Chairs, etc. which Passengers may desire to leave in charge of the Company, should be properly labelled and handed to the Baggage Master on the Wharf at New York, and such articles will be stored entirely at owner’s risk. It is for passengers themselves to see all their baggage is passed by the U.S. Customs Authorities on landing.

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 ease to the approval of the Commander, for treating passengers at their request for any illness not originating on board the ship. In the case of sickness developed on board no charge will be made, and medicine will be provided free in all circumstances.

PASSENGERS are requested to ask for a receipt on the Company's Form for any additional Passage Money, Chair Hire, or Freight paid on board.

Precious stones or other similar articles of merchandise may not be taken as baggage but all passengers must deliver such goods to the Pursers of the vessels upon which they arrive.

The pursers are requested to deliver passengers a receipt for merchandise so delivered and place the goods in the safes aboard their vessels until a customs permit is presented lo the Inspectors ordering the goods into the U. S. appraiser’s stores for examination.

WIRELESS TELEGRAM RATES

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.

CHARGES are computed by adding together the various separate rates per word needed for ship charge (relay charge, if any), coastal station radio charge and the landline or cable charge between the coastal station and the point of destination.

UNITED STATES AND CANADA. — The rate for radiograms sent from this steamer via New York, Boston, Siasconsett or Bar Harbor is fourteen (14) cents per word, covering ship and coastal station tolls. Landline charges are additional.

The rate for radiograms via Cape Race, Sable Island and Cape Sable is twenty*five (25) cents per word, covering ship and coastal station tolls. Landline charges arc additional.

The rate for radiograms via Montreal, Quebec, Grosse Isle, Three Rivers, Fathers Point, Cape Bear and Pictou is eleven (11) cents per word, covering ship and coastal station tolls. Landline charges are additional.

The rate for radiograms via Clarke City, Fame Point, Harrington, Heath Point, Magdalen Island, North Sydney, Halifax, Partridge Island, Belle Isle’, Cape-Kay, Point Rich, and Peint Armour is fourteen (14) cents per word, covering ship and coastal station tolls. Landline charges are additional.

UNITED KINGDOM. — The rate for radiograms via Valencia or to other stations in the United Kingdom is twenty (20) cents per word, covering ship and coastal station tolls. Landline charges are additional.

SHIP TO SHIP — The rate for radiograms from this vessel to another vessel is sixteen (16) cents per word without minimum, with the exception of vessels under the Dutch and Belgian flags. The rate for radiograms destined for such vessels are computed as follows: Radio rate this steamer, eight (8i cents per word without minimum ; other vessel rate, eight (8) cents per word with a minimum of $ 0 80

EXAMPLE: A radiogram consisting of five (5) words from this steamer destined to another vessel under the Dutch flag : the rate would be as follows : This ship rate 5 .words (Ä 8 c. ** $ 0.40, plus other ship rate (minimum) 10 words @ 8c. = $0.80, or a total of $1.20.

OCEAN LETTERS. — "Ocean Letter" service has been inaugurated by the Independent Wireless Telegraph Company whereby radiograms may be sent to a passing vessel (provided such vessel is equipped with the Independent Wireless Telegraph Company's system of radio apparatus) for delivery by registered post from the first port of call by such vessel.

The rate for this service is (including radio tolls and registered postage) $ 1.35 for the first thirty (30) words, plus two cents tor each additional word. Each letter is limited to one hundred (100) words, and must contain full postal address.

Most Engaging Content

This passenger list is especially compelling because it:

Captures a blend of academic luminaries, medical pioneers, and clergy—each contributing to post-war cultural healing.

Here on the Mongolia, it's the Hibben–Mather Princeton duo, Dr. Moon, and female medical professionals that stand out as emblematic of intellectual and professional leadership of the era.

Relevance for Educators & Researchers

Teachers & Students: Use it as a vivid case study for post-WWI cultural restoration, genre of professional travel, or the rise of female physicians.

Historians: Reveals the networks of academia, medicine, and religion that traveled the Atlantic in 1921.

Genealogists: Provides names, positions, and routes—essential for tracing family stories and migration patterns.

Maritime Scholars: Demonstrates the operational features of a post-war liner, including U.S. Naval Reserve officers commanding civilian vessels.

Final Thoughts — Why This Passenger List Matters

The 12 November 1921 SS Mongolia voyage is a snapshot of a world stepping cautiously forward after the Great War. It held leaders of intellect, faith, and healing aboard—a microcosm of cultural reconstruction and transatlantic connection. For modern researchers, it’s both a record of individual identities and a mirror of early 20th-century global transition.

Advertisement - Returning to Europe on the International Mercantile Marine Lines (IMM) November 1921. The Ad Offers Marketing Context and Situates the Voyage Within the Broader Network of Transatlantic Service. | GGA Image ID # 13eebdaeea