Voyage of Prestige: Saloon Passenger List of the SS St. Paul – 6 December 1902

Front Cover of a Saloon Passenger List for the SS St. Paul of the American Line, Departing Saturday, 6 December 1902 from Southampton to New York via Cherbourg, Commanded by Captain John C. Jamison. The Cover Elegantly Captures the Prestige of First-Class Travel With Balanced Typography and the Iconic American Line Eagle Crest—Invoking Both National Pride and Exclusivity. | GGA Image ID # 12baa8feb6.

🧭 Review and Summary: SS St. Paul – A Distinguished Atlantic Voyage (6 December 1902)

Sailing under the command of Captain John C. Jamison, the SS St. Paul of the American Line departed from Southampton, England, stopping briefly at Cherbourg, France, before crossing the Atlantic to New York City. This Saloon Class (First-Class) Passenger List provides a fascinating snapshot of Gilded Age society at sea, just as the world entered the 20th century. The list reflects a socially diverse and intellectually vibrant array of travelers, including members of the arts, diplomacy, business, and religious communities.

This voyage stands out due to its roster of culturally significant individuals and the luxurious character of the ship, a hallmark of transatlantic prestige. The SS St. Paul itself was part of the elite American Line fleet and played significant roles during the Spanish-American War and beyond.

🛳️ Ship Profile: The SS St. Paul

Launched: 1895

Operator: American Line (International Navigation Company)

Tonnage: Approx. 11,000 GRT

Features: Twin-screw propulsion, 2 masts, 2 funnels, and luxury saloon-class appointments.

Historical Note: Requisitioned by the U.S. Navy during the Spanish-American War (1898), and later during WWI, reflecting dual civilian-military service.

Senior Officers and Staff

1. Captain: John C. Jamison
2. Purser: R. D. Williams
3. Surgeon: C. J. Schaadt
4. Chief Steward: Walter Harris

Saloon Passengers

1. Mr. Oscar Arlen
2. Mr. R. W. Baldwin
3. Mrs. E. M. Balfour and Infant
4. Mr. Chas. E. Barnes
5. Miss May Beaugard
6. Mr. Isaac B. Blum
7. Miss Alice Bunn
8. Mrs. W. L. Burdick
9. Miss Alice Conant
10. Mr. De Witt D. Cook
11. Mrs. De Witt D. Cook
12. Mr. James F. Cunnings
13. Mrs. James F. Cunnings
14. Mr. R. B. Davison
15. Mme. Nordica Dome and Maid
16. Mr. C. S. Drummond
17. Miss Mackenzie Evans
18. Mr. Louis B. Carr
19. Mr. Daniel Chase
20. Mr. W. A. Clark
21. Mr. F. Flanders
22. Mr. Walter Cloud
23. Mrs. Wm. H. Frailey
24. Mr. Chas. Freeman
25. Mr. L. H. Goldsoll
26. Mrs. L. H. Goklsoll
27. Mrs. A. H. Hall
28. Mr. T. G. Hayward
29. Mr. G. W. Hoadley
30. Mrs. G. W. Hoadley
31. Miss Hoadley
32. Mr. Paul Karntz
33. Mr. W. Kaufman
34. Mr. Edmond Kelly
35. Mr. E. Key
36. Mrs. C. P. Kindleberger
37. Mr. C. H. Klumper
38. Mrs. C. H. Klumper
39. Miss La Chapelle
40. Miss Mary Lewis
41. Miss Livermore
42. Miss M. Mathis
43. Miss F. Mathis
44. Mr. L. J. Mathis
45. Miss McKenna
46. Mrs. G. W. Meeker
47. Mr. Lawrence Meeker
48. Miss Margaret Meeker
49. Mr. James Henry Mergentime
50. Mr. E. Newberger
51. Miss Bessie Nixon
52. Mr. F. G. Pohndorff
53. Mrs. F. G. Pohndorff
54. Mrs. K. J. Potter
55. Miss Mary Potter
56. Mr. C. C. Puffer
57. Miss L. D. Puffer
58. Miss Isabelle Puffer
59. Mrs. C. W. Purdy
60. Master Wesley Purdy
61. Mr. G. H. Putnam
62. Mr. A. W. Rettig
63. Mrs. A. W. Rettig
64. Miss Florence Robinson
65. Mr. Walter Salmond
66. Mr. E. Romayne Simmons
67. Miss Helen C. Staley
68. Mr. W. Stursberg
69. Miss Swensberg
70. Mrs. J. D. Thomas
71. Mr. Ramon A. de Toledo, Argentine Consul-General, New York and Valet
72. Mrs. Ramon A. de Toledo
73. Miss Susana de Toledo
74. Master Ramon de Toledo
75. Mr. W. Wallace
76. Mrs. W. Wallace
77. Mr. C. F. Walthers
78. Mrs. C. F. Walthers
79. Mr. W. K. Wardner
80. Mr. Rogers K. Wetmore
81. Mr. E. R. Wood, Jr.
82. Mrs. George Pifer
83. Mr. E. A. Young

🧑‍🎓🌍 Notable Passengers: Diplomats, Divas & Dynamos

🎤 Mme. Nordica Dome

Better known as Lillian Nordica, one of the most celebrated American operatic sopranos of her era. A regular on the stages of Metropolitan Opera and European houses, she was renowned for her Wagnerian roles. Her presence aboard the SS St. Paul highlights the luxury appeal of the American Line to world-class performers.

🕊️ Mr. Ramon A. de Toledo

Argentine Consul-General to both New York and Valparaíso, Chile, Mr. de Toledo’s diplomatic presence reflects the increasing globalization of transatlantic shipping. He traveled with his wife and children, accompanied by a valet, underscoring both status and formal mission.

🧠 Mr. G. H. Putnam

Likely George Haven Putnam, Civil War veteran, historian, and head of G. P. Putnam's Sons, a major New York publishing firm. A noted public intellectual, he played a pivotal role in shaping American literary and cultural life.

🎓 Mr. James Henry Mergentime

Heir to the Mergentime printing and textiles firm, James was connected to a family lineage prominent in American industry and design. His later descendants would make their mark in mid-century American textile design.

🧳 Mrs. W. L. Burdick

A socialite whose family connections extended to the Newport elite, her travel on the St. Paul indicates the ship’s use by the East Coast leisure class returning from a European season.

🏛️ Mr. Edmond Kelly

A New York City lawyer and civic reformer, often associated with municipal reform and progressive politics in the early 20th century. His transatlantic travels suggest involvement in international legal or political dialogue.

📚 Relevance for Educators, Historians & Genealogists

This passenger list presents valuable primary source data for:

• Genealogists researching prominent American and European families.
• Historians studying patterns of elite travel, diplomacy, or cultural exchange.
• Teachers and students exploring Gilded Age social history, international relations, or the performing arts.
• Fashion historians and art critics analyzing passenger lifestyle through cultural figures like Mme. Nordica.

The presence of diplomats, performers, publishers, and business leaders enriches classroom discussions on transatlantic mobility and American identity formation during the Progressive Era.

📝 Final Thoughts – Why This Passenger List Matters

The 6 December 1902 voyage of the SS St. Paul is more than just a travel roster—it's a curated snapshot of turn-of-the-century cosmopolitanism. The convergence of opera, diplomacy, industry, and elite leisure onboard this single voyage demonstrates the layered purposes of transatlantic crossings in the Edwardian period. Researchers and collectors alike will find much to appreciate in its high-profile passenger manifest, elegant design, and connections to cultural heritage.