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.

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

  1. Commander: Captain F. M. Passow
  2. Purser: Thomas Kinsey
  3. Surgeon: H. G. Geissinger
  4. Chief Steward: William Reen

 

Second Class Passengers

(For Additions and Alterations see back. )

  1. Mr. Robert Anderegg
  2. Miss A. J. Aboarot
  3. Mr. F. E. Balladur (Not On Board - See Errata)
  4. Mr. Arthur John Bride
  5. Mr. Thos. F. Bell
  6. Miss Naeomi Bjorklund
  7. Mr. Angelo Calvetti
  8. Miss Edith A. Convery
  9. Mr. William Copping
  10. Mrs. Francis Mary Dawe and Infant (Frances Dawe)
  11. Mr. John Doroska
  12. Mr. Max. Epstein
  13. Mrs. Elizabeth Emberson
  14. Mrs. F. Godwin (Annie Elisabeth Godwin)
  15. Master John Frederick Godwin
  16. Mrs. Alice Gill
  17. Master Richard Gill
  18. Mr. Harry Grant
  19. Mr. William James Heather
  20. Mr. Chas. C. Kloth
  21. Mrs. L. Kain
  22. Miss Adelle Kain
  23. Mr. Kuie Luks
  24. Miss H. Lanham (Not On Board - See Errata)
  25. Mr. G. G. Megrin
  26. Mr. M. P. Nucossovich (Not On Board - See Errata)
  27. Mr. H. P. Narrick (Not On Board - See Errata)
  28. Mrs. Mary Numayer
  29. Master John Numayer
  30. Mr. George Nicholson
  31. Mr. J. Conradd Ott
  32. Mrs. Sarah Pennells
  33. Mr. Edmund Privat
  34. Mr. John Sydney Pryor
  35. Mr. Frank Rogers
  36. Mr. William Rogers
  37. Mr. Jacob Schultz
  38. Mr. William Steele
  39. Miss Emma Senhauser
  40. Mr. William Smith
  41. Mr. Isaac Suvalksky
  42. Master Nathan Stirman
  43. Mr. John Henry Smith
  44. Mr. Ercole Tomasi (Not On Board - See Errata)
  45. Mr. Gustaf Wiggins
  46. Mrs. Gustaf Wiggins
  47. Miss Elsie Wiggins
  48. Mr. Robert Hendersen Warne
  49. Mrs. Emily Wilkinson
  50. Miss Mary Wilkinson
  51. Mrs. Louisa Wells

 

Second Class—Additional.

  1. Captain J. Johannesen
  2. Mr. Johs Gjimre
  3. Master Girh Clausen
  4. Mr. Jacob Rivlin
  5. Mr. Oswald Smith
  6. Mr. Mchae Riste
  7. Mrs. Fany Riste
  8. Mr. P. Lagges
  9. Mr. S. Moutsatsos
  10. Mr. G. Rouman
  11. Mr. T. Poulos
  12. Mr. Antonio Murer
  13. Mrs. Marie Murer
  14. Mr. Angelo Murer
  15. Mr. Emilo Murer
  16. Miss J Jordon
  17. Miss T Pavelic
  18. Mr. S Lagges
  19. Mr. J Colter
  20. Mr. David Maroni
  21. Mr. Franz Anton Rusch
  22. Mr. Jakob Sanderegger
  23. Mr. Duncan Stewart
  24. Mr. Alors Berchtold
  25. Mr. Alfred Enz
  26. Mrs. A Dalfabbes
  27. Miss C Dalfabbes
  28. Mrs. E Chemin
  29. Mdlle M Azpiazu
  30. Mr. Ronco Luigi
  31. Mr. J Maldocke
  32. Mr. W Razzook
  33. Mrs. Razzook
  34. Master Razzook
  35. Mr. J Zitter

 

Not on Board.

  1. Mr. F E Ballandur
  2. Mr. M P Nucossovich
  3. Mr. H. P. Narrick
  4. Miss H Lanham
  5. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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