Across the Atlantic in Second Class: The Lives Behind the SS St. Paul’s 9 November 1907 Voyage
Front Cover, Second Class Passenger List for the SS St. Paul of the American Line, Departing Saturday, 9 November 1907 from Southampton to New York via Cherbourg, Commanded by Captain F. M. Passow.
🚢 Voyage & Vessel Overview
- Ship Name: SS St. Paul
- Operated by: American Line (International Navigation Company)
- Voyage Date: Saturday, 9 November 1907
- Route: Southampton → Cherbourg → New York
- Class Covered: Second Class
- Commander: Captain F. M. Passow
⚙️ SS St. Paul Fast Facts:
- Launched: 1895 by William Cramp & Sons (Philadelphia)
- Tonnage: 11,629 gross tons
- Speed: Approx. 20 knots
- Notable Uses: Served as a troopship during the Spanish-American War and World War I
- Capacity: Second class passengers enjoyed mid-range comfort, refined meals, lounges, and a quieter crossing than steerage.
Senior Officers and Staff
- Commander: Captain F. M. Passow
- Purser: Thomas Kinsey
- Surgeon: H. G. Geissinger
- Chief Steward: William Reen
Second Class Passengers
(For Additions and Alterations see back. )
- Mr. Robert Anderegg
- Miss A. J. Aboarot
- Mr. F. E. Balladur (Not On Board - See Errata)
- Mr. Arthur John Bride
- Mr. Thos. F. Bell
- Miss Naeomi Bjorklund
- Mr. Angelo Calvetti
- Miss Edith A. Convery
- Mr. William Copping
- Mrs. Francis Mary Dawe and Infant (Frances Dawe)
- Mr. John Doroska
- Mr. Max. Epstein
- Mrs. Elizabeth Emberson
- Mrs. F. Godwin (Annie Elisabeth Godwin)
- Master John Frederick Godwin
- Mrs. Alice Gill
- Master Richard Gill
- Mr. Harry Grant
- Mr. William James Heather
- Mr. Chas. C. Kloth
- Mrs. L. Kain
- Miss Adelle Kain
- Mr. Kuie Luks
- Miss H. Lanham (Not On Board - See Errata)
- Mr. G. G. Megrin
- Mr. M. P. Nucossovich (Not On Board - See Errata)
- Mr. H. P. Narrick (Not On Board - See Errata)
- Mrs. Mary Numayer
- Master John Numayer
- Mr. George Nicholson
- Mr. J. Conradd Ott
- Mrs. Sarah Pennells
- Mr. Edmund Privat
- Mr. John Sydney Pryor
- Mr. Frank Rogers
- Mr. William Rogers
- Mr. Jacob Schultz
- Mr. William Steele
- Miss Emma Senhauser
- Mr. William Smith
- Mr. Isaac Suvalksky
- Master Nathan Stirman
- Mr. John Henry Smith
- Mr. Ercole Tomasi (Not On Board - See Errata)
- Mr. Gustaf Wiggins
- Mrs. Gustaf Wiggins
- Miss Elsie Wiggins
- Mr. Robert Hendersen Warne
- Mrs. Emily Wilkinson
- Miss Mary Wilkinson
- Mrs. Louisa Wells
Second Class—Additional.
- Captain J. Johannesen
- Mr. Johs Gjimre
- Master Girh Clausen
- Mr. Jacob Rivlin
- Mr. Oswald Smith
- Mr. Mchae Riste
- Mrs. Fany Riste
- Mr. P. Lagges
- Mr. S. Moutsatsos
- Mr. G. Rouman
- Mr. T. Poulos
- Mr. Antonio Murer
- Mrs. Marie Murer
- Mr. Angelo Murer
- Mr. Emilo Murer
- Miss J Jordon
- Miss T Pavelic
- Mr. S Lagges
- Mr. J Colter
- Mr. David Maroni
- Mr. Franz Anton Rusch
- Mr. Jakob Sanderegger
- Mr. Duncan Stewart
- Mr. Alors Berchtold
- Mr. Alfred Enz
- Mrs. A Dalfabbes
- Miss C Dalfabbes
- Mrs. E Chemin
- Mdlle M Azpiazu
- Mr. Ronco Luigi
- Mr. J Maldocke
- Mr. W Razzook
- Mrs. Razzook
- Master Razzook
- Mr. J Zitter
Not on Board.
- Mr. F E Ballandur
- Mr. M P Nucossovich
- Mr. H. P. Narrick
- Miss H Lanham
- Mr. Ercole Tomasi
🌟 Noteworthy Individuals and Historical Insights
The Second Class on this voyage presents a compelling narrative of aspiration, mobility, and diversity. While not filled with household names, the people aboard reveal the social complexity of early 20th-century Atlantic travel.
🪖 Captain J. Johannesen
Likely a retired or merchant marine captain, traveling unofficially; presence denotes nautical prestige among Second Class guests.
Scandinavian origin suggests maritime legacy and possibly transatlantic shipping ties.
🧠 Edmund Privat
Most significant passenger: Edmund Privat, a prominent Swiss writer, historian, and later a leader in the Esperanto movement.
His presence reflects the intellectual and internationalist spirit of this era — highlighting how reformists and idealists used transatlantic routes to build global networks.
👩👧 Family Migration
Mrs. Francis Mary Dawe and Infant Frances Dawe illustrate family migration patterns, perhaps rejoining a husband or seeking better prospects.
The Godwin family (Annie Elisabeth and son John Frederick) suggests a similar narrative — women traveling independently with children, underscoring the role of women in migration.
👨🎨 Mr. Robert Hendersen Warne
Possibly Robert H. Warne, later known in connection with early American illustration or publishing — his name appears in visual arts records post-1907.
✍️ Mrs. Alice Gill & Master Richard Gill
Accompanied by a beautifully handwritten entry in the passenger list (see Noteworthy Images).
Likely from the UK; her penmanship suggests she may have been a schoolteacher or governess — professions common among independent female travelers.
🌍 Diverse Ethnic Representation
This crossing represented a microcosm of early 20th-century migration, including:
Angelo, Emilio, Marie, and Antonio Murer – likely an Italian family group migrating together.
Mr. S. Moutsatsos, Mr. T. Poulos – Greek names suggest chain migration, common among Greek immigrants at the time.
Mr. Isaac Suvalksky & Mr. Jacob Rivlin – likely Eastern European Jewish migrants fleeing pogroms or economic hardship.
Title Page and Listing of Passengers, SS St. Paul Second Class Passenger List, 9 November 1907. GGA Image ID # 228f1a3c13
Errata Addendum, SS St. Paul Second Class Passenger List, 9 November 1907. GGA Image ID # 228faf5a68
Two Names and Address of Fellow Passengers. Beautiful Handwriting of the Original Passenger. SS St. Paul Second Class Passenger List, 9 November 1907. GGA Image ID # 228fce8d5a
📸 Noteworthy Images
🖼️ Passenger List Cover – SS St. Paul, 9 November 1907 | 📷 GGA Image ID # 228f1a3c13
A crisp and formal cover typical of Edwardian-era American Line design. Original Passenger Noted "Sailed, Saturday, Nov. 9th, 1907. Arrived Saturday, Nov. 16th, 1907.
📝 Errata Addendum | 📷 GGA Image ID # 228faf5a68
Documents last-minute cancellations — a rare addition showing operational realities and dynamic travel rosters.
✍️ Two Names and Addresses of Fellow Passengers | 📷 GGA Image ID # 228fce8d5a
An authentic pen-written note showcasing the beauty of passenger interactions and travel documentation.
🎓 Relevance for Educators, Genealogists, and Historians
👨🏫 For Teachers & Students: Offers case studies for migration trends, transatlantic mobility, and class distinctions aboard ocean liners.
Ideal for lessons on the American immigration experience and Edwardian travel culture.
🧬 For Genealogists: Provides rare surname clusters across German, Swiss, Greek, Italian, and Anglo names.
Indicates family groups traveling together — helpful for tracing lineage continuity and emigration motivations.
📚 For Historians: Shows the shift from Old World identities to New World opportunities.
Highlights individuals like Edmund Privat — tying intellectual and cultural exchange to maritime travel.
💬 Final Thoughts – Why This Passenger List Matters
This passenger list from the SS St. Paul, 9 November 1907 is a rare archival gem 🧭. It showcases:
- Middle-class families, reformers, and immigrants in flux.
- Global identities coming together on one vessel — Swiss pacifists, Italian laborers, British widows, and Eastern European Jews.
- A voyage not of privilege, but of hope, ambition, and transformation.
It’s ideal for:
- ✍️ Genealogists tracing multi-generational roots
- 📘 Teachers engaging students in immigration history
- 🔎 Historians studying maritime or intellectual movements
Every name tells a story. Every voyage redefined lives.
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.
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