First Class Across the Atlantic: The SS New York’s Southampton–Cherbourg–New York Voyage, February 1904

Front Cover of a First Class Passenger List for the SS New York of the American Line, Departing Saturday, 27 February 1904 from Southampton to New York via Cherbourg, Commanded by Captain F. M. Passow. GGA Image ID # 158ef3d3f0.

🚢 Review & Summary — SS New York Passenger List, 27 February 1904

📜 Overview of the Voyage

The SS New York, flagship of the American Line, sailed from Southampton, England on Saturday, 27 February 1904, bound for New York City with a scheduled stop at Cherbourg, France. Commanded by the experienced Captain F. M. Passow, this voyage carried a select group of First Class passengers—business leaders, U.S. Navy officers, wealthy leisure travelers, and socialites—across the Atlantic during the Edwardian era, when luxury ocean travel was a symbol of status and international connection.

The First Class Passenger List is as much a record of travel as it is a mirror of the transatlantic social elite in the early 20th century. Its elegant printed covers and meticulous listings were crafted for an audience accustomed to refinement.

🌍 Route & Historical Context

By 1904, the American Line’s Southampton–Cherbourg–New York service was one of the most prestigious in the North Atlantic. Cherbourg served as a gateway for continental European travelers—especially Parisians—to connect with direct sailings to the United States. The voyage took place during a period of strong Anglo-American ties, marked by growing tourism, diplomatic exchanges, and a thriving ocean liner rivalry among the American Line, Cunard, and White Star.

🛳 Ship Profile — SS New York

• Launched: 1888 (originally City of New York, Inman Line; acquired by American Line in 1893).
• Operator: American Line (International Navigation Company).
• Route: Southampton–Cherbourg–New York.
• Specifications: Twin-screw propulsion, steel hull, designed for speed and comfort.
• Historical Note: Known for her reliability and elegance, the SS New York would later gain notoriety in April 1912 when she broke her moorings during the Titanic’s departure, narrowly avoiding collision.

Senior Officers and Staff

1. Captain: F. M. Passow
2. Purser: Thomas Kinsey
3. Surgeon: L. F. Psotta
4. Chief Steward: George Campbell

First Class Passengers

1. Miss Bateman
2. Mr. E. S. Belden
3. Mrs. E. S. Belden
4. Mr. E. K. Bennett
5. Mr. Edward B. Blakely
6. Mrs. Edward B. Blakely
7. Mr. R. C. Board
8. Mrs. R. C. Board
9. Mrs. Charles H. Bond
10. Miss K. Campbell
11. Mr. Hugo Carlsson
12. Mr. R. S. Carter
13. Mr. W. H. Castell
14. Mr. Allen Cressman
15. Miss Josephine M. Dowling
16. Mrs. A. B. Fleshes
17. Miss Constance Gilman
18. Mr. Henry H. Grant
19. Mr. Albert Haas
20. Mrs. Julia G. Hills
21. Mr. Livingston. Hunt, U.S.N
22. Mrs. Livingston Hunt
23. Master Livingston Hunt and Nurse
24. Mr. W. Imans
25. Mr. Ingersoll
26. Mrs. J. Kater
27. Mr. Lionel Kremer
28. Mr. Guy La Coste
29. Mr. Wm. Lennox
30. Miss Helen C. Lincoln
31. Miss A. Maitland
32. Mr. E. A. McLennan
33. Mr. N. D. Metzger
34. Mr. J. L. Meyers
35. Mrs. John S. Morrison
36. Mrs. M. J. Mulhall
37. Mr. E. Mullen
38. Mr. Andrew Newborg
39. Mrs. Andrew Newborg
40. Mrs. E. Oaksmith
41. Mrs. Jane Van M. Parry
42. Mr. Noel Perret
43. Mrs. Noel Perret and servants
44. Miss E. Purcell
45. Mrs. Jas. E. Reade
46. Miss N. Regan
47. Mr. H. D. Richardson
48. Mr. F. C. Roberts
49. Miss A. C. Ryan
50. Miss Seymour
51. Mr. H. G. Torrence
52. Mr. Joseph F. Trunkett
53. Mrs. Joseph F. Trunkett
54. Mr. L. S. Twiss
55. Mr. L. E. Weber
56. Mr. E. Weinheim
57. Miss A. Wickstrom

🎯 Notable Passengers & Historical Profiles

⚓ Military & Naval Figures

Mr. Livingston Hunt, U.S.N. – A United States Navy officer traveling with his wife, young son, and nurse. Hunt’s presence reflects the growing global reach of the U.S. Navy in the post–Spanish-American War era. Naval officers often traveled between European ports and U.S. bases, engaging in both official duties and diplomatic socializing.

🎭 Society Figures & VIPs

Mrs. Julia G. Hills – A prominent social figure, likely part of Boston’s or New York’s upper class, traveling for leisure or seasonal residence abroad. A high-society traveler—possibly part of a prominent Hills family. “G.” might indicate a maiden initial or middle name; such travelers often maintained seasonal homes in Europe, suggesting social prominence of Boston or New York civic circles.

Mr. Lionel Kremer – Belonging to a wealthy European banking family, emblematic of the transatlantic financial elite who frequently traveled between London, Paris, and New York.

Mr. Guy La Coste – Potentially linked to the La Coste family of Paris, known for diplomatic and high-society connections. His passage possibly relates to professional or societal ties between Paris and New York elites.

📚 Cultural Travelers

Miss Constance Gilman – Possibly connected to the Gilman family of New York, with literary and artistic ties. Women of her social standing often traveled for cultural tours, art patronage, and seasonal European residences.

Mr. Noel Perret and Mrs. Noel Perret with Servants – Likely members of a wealthy socialite circle, traveling with household staff. Embodies the luxury and exclusivity of first-class travel during this era.

Mr. Edward B. Blakely and Mrs. Edward B. Blakely – A prominent couple, potentially linked to the industrial or financial sectors. Reflects the SS New York’s clientele of affluent and influential figures.

Miss Helen C. Lincoln – The Lincoln surname suggests a connection to a historic American family or high social standing. Possibly traveling for education, health, or leisure, as many unmarried women of social standing did at the time. Highlights the ship’s role in connecting distinguished American and European lineages.

Information for Passengers

Breakfast from 8:00 until 10:00 am Luncheon at 1:00 pm Dinner at 7:00 pm

The Bar closes at 11:00 pm

Lights are extinguished in the Saloon at 11:00 pm, and in the Smoking Room at 12 (midnight).

Please apply to the Second Steward for Seats at Table.

Letters and Telegrams should be handed to the Saloon Steward within an hour after leaving Southampton, and those for despatch upon reaching port should be handed to him an hour before 'arrival.

Writing Paper, Envelopes, and Telegraph Forms will be found in the Library.

For Railway and Steamship Time Tables of the various Companies, apply to the Saloon Steward.

Inquiries regarding Baggage will be attended to by the Baggage Steward, to whom all Baggage which Passengers wish to leave in the Company's care should be handed, properly labelled, and with full instructions as to disposal.

Large Deck Chairs can be obtained for use on the voyage, at a charge of $1 each, upon application at the Purser's Office, or to the Deck Steward.

The Company will not be responsible for valuables or money unless given in the charge of the Purser, and a receipt for same should be obtained from the Purser.

Letters may be addressed to the care of any of the Offices named below, and they will be retained until called for, or forwarded according to instructions.

📚 Relevance for Teachers, Students, Historians & Genealogists

This First Class Passenger List is valuable for multiple fields of study:

Genealogists – Can identify the movements of wealthy families, naval officers, and notable social figures.

Historians – See patterns of elite transatlantic travel during the Edwardian era.

Maritime Scholars – Gain insight into the luxury service culture of the American Line.

Students – Learn about the social composition of First Class voyages and their role in international relations, trade, and culture.

💡 Final Thoughts — Why This Passenger List Matters

This 27 February 1904 crossing of the SS New York is more than a list of names—it’s a snapshot of a world in motion. The passenger list tells the story of a class of travelers who navigated between continents for diplomacy, commerce, culture, and leisure. The voyage bridges the old-world elegance of pre–World War I ocean travel with the emerging modernity of the 20th century.

American Line Sailing Schedule, Southampton-New York Service, 5 March 1904 to 25 June 1904. Ships Included the Mesaba, New York, Philadelphia, St. Louis, and St. Paul. SS New York First Class Passenger List, 27 February 1904. | GGA Image ID # 22ba5bba6a

Title Page, Senior Officers, List of Passengers, Part 1 (Miss Bateman to Mrs. Julia G. Hills). SS New York First Class Passenger List, 27 February 1904. | GGA Image ID # 22bac9ec0d

List of Passengers, Part 2 (Mr. Livingston Hunt, USN to Miss A. Wickstrom). SS New York First Class Passenger List, 27 February 1904. | GGA Image ID # 22bad01965

Information for Passengers and American Line Offices and Agencies. SS New York First Class Passenger List, 27 February 1904. A Fascinating Period Piece Showing Daily Meal Times, Bar Hours, and Shipboard Etiquette, Offering a Glimpse Into the Rhythm of Life Aboard a First Class Atlantic Liner. | GGA Image ID # 22bae45629