First-Class Across the Atlantic: The SS St. Paul’s August 1911 Voyage – Notable Passengers, Prestige, and Purpose

Front Cover of a First Class Passenger List for the SS St. Paul of the American Line, Departing Wednesday, 16 August 1911 from Southampton to New York via Cherbourg and Queenstown (Cobh), Commanded by Captain F. M. Passow.

🌊 Voyage Overview

• Vessel: SS St. Paul
• Line: American Line (International Navigation Company)
• Date of Departure: Wednesday, 16 August 1911
• Route: Southampton → Cherbourg → Queenstown (Cobh) → New York
• Commander: Captain F. M. Passow
• Class Covered: First Class

⚓ Ship Profile: SS St. Paul

• Launched: 1895, William Cramp & Sons, Philadelphia
• Tonnage: ~11,629 gross tons
• Service Role: Luxury passenger liner, later auxiliary cruiser in the Spanish-American War and WWI
• Typical Route: New York ↔ Southampton via Cherbourg
• Reputation: Known for speed, comfort, and its appeal to the elite transatlantic traveler
• Fate: Retired 1923 and scrapped

Senior Officers and Staff

1. Commander: Captain F. M. Passow
2. Purser: Thomas Kinsey
3. Surgeon: Alpha M. Whiton
4. Chief Steward: William Reen

First Class Passengers

1. Miss Frances B. Adams
2. Mr. Edward S. Adams
3. Mrs. Edward S. Adams
4. Miss E. Ainley
5. Mr. Emil P. Albrecht
6. Mrs. Emil P. Albrecht
7. Miss Percival Allen
8. Prof. C. L. Babcock
9. Mrs. C. L. Babcock
10. Master Frederick Babcock
11. Mr. C. A. Basembrio
12. Miss Clara F. Baxter
13. Mr. Harrison W. Biddle
14. Mr. C. A. Blancard
15. Judge C. M. Bliss and Valet
16. Mr. R. B. Botero
17. Mr. Julian Bradbury
18. Mrs. W. H. Bradbury
19. Mr. H. L. Brainard
20. Miss Jean Bullitt
21. Mr. George A. Burrow
22. Mr. John Cassidy
23. Mrs. John Cassidy
24. Miss Cassidy
25. Mrs. D. B. H. Chaffe
26. Miss Lucy P. Chaffe
27. Mr. J. R Chaffe
28. Mrs. Irving Champlin
29. Miss Champlin
30. Mrs. M. M. Close
31. Miss Katherine F. Comstock
32. Miss Eleanor Congdon
33. Mr. Andrew J. Copp
34. Mrs. Andrew J. Copp
35. Mr. Edward E. Craft
36. Mrs. Edward E. Craft
37. Mr. F. W. Cram
38. Miss M. Crandall
39. Miss Cunningham
40. Mrs. Cushman
41. Miss Edith Cutler
42. Mr. Reginald Dance
43. Mr. Thomas Dawson
44. Mrs. Thomas Dawson
45. Rev. Father Gustave De Coster
46. Mr. Arthur Denison
47. Mrs. Arthur Denison
48. Dr. R. H. Dennister
49. Mrs. A. C. Duff
50. Mr. Clark F. Durant
51. Mr. George Church Durant
52. Mr. A. J. Evans
53. Mr. W. Eyre
54. Mr. Ernest A. Finch
55. Mrs. B. Fischer
56. Rev. Flaherty
57. Mr. Frank F. Forbes
58. Mrs. Frank F. Forbes
59. Miss Florence E. Forbes
60. Miss Mary L. Forbes
61. Mr. Florence Fox
62. Mr. James Gardner Garnett
63. Mrs. Ella Mary Garnett
64. Mr. H. Geddes
65. Mrs. H. Geddes
66. Mr. Henry Gorman
67. Mr. Thomas Gorman
68. Mr. James Gorman
69. Mr. F. Gottschalk
70. Captain H. B. Grant
71. Mrs. H. B. Grant
72. Mr. Albert R. Green
73. Mr. S. B. Harding
74. Rev. Harley
75. Mr. Eugene Harvey
76. Miss Anna Hinchman
77. Mrs. John Hinchman
78. Mr. J. R. Hinchman
79. Mr. W. D. Hines
80. Mr. L. E. Jefferis
81. Mr. J. M. Jefferis
82. Mr. S. Jenks
83. Mrs. S. Jenks
84. Mr. Gordon Johnston
85. Mrs. Gordon Johnston
86. Mr. R. S. Johnston
87. Mrs. R. S. Johnston
88. Miss Susan H. Keith
89. Mr. Robert King
90. Mr. M. H. Knopsnacher

91. Mr. Stanley Lathbury
92. Rev. Lee
93. Mr. B. A. Levett
94. Mrs. Le Grand Lockwood
95. Miss Lockwood
96. Miss Alice W. Lowell
97. Miss Kathryn Luddem
98. Mrs. F. C. MacCreary
99. Mrs. J. McDougall
100. Mr. John B. MacHarg
101. Col. James McNaught
102. Miss H. Malvesyn
103. Mrs. Martin
104. Miss Mabel Martin
105. Mrs. O. F. Mayer
106. Miss Emily Munro
107. Mr. Mya
108. Mr. Malcolm Peabody
109. Mr. P. Wigney Percival
110. Mrs. P. A. Perkins
111. Mr. J. L. Pilgrim
112. Mr. Wm. E. Porter
113. Mrs. Wm. E. Porter
114. Mr. Potter
115. Mr. George L. Potter
116. Miss Nellie Powelson
117. Mrs. James T. Preston
118. Mr. Edgar Reed
119. Mrs. Edgar Reed
120. Mr. E. Windsor Reed
121. Mr. Willard P. Reid
122. Mr. Hy. Starr Richardson
123. Mrs. Arthur J. Richmond and Maid
124. Mr. Arthur L. Richmond
125. Mr. Robins
126. Mrs. Robins
127. Mr. P. D. Russell
128. Mr. J. Rustgard
129. Mrs. Wm. C. Nicholson
130. Mr. William J. O'Keefe
131. Miss Mary A. O'Keefe
132. Miss Helen N. O'Keefe
133. Miss Courtenay Olivier
134. Mrs. George W. Owens
135. Mr. J. Sachs
136. Mr. Percy Sandford
137. Mrs. Percy Sandford
138. Miss A. K. Sawin
139. Mrs. A. Schlegel
140. Mrs. K. Schussler
141. Miss C. Schussler
142. Mr. Herbert Seabrook
143. Mr. William Selbini
144. Mrs. William Selbini
145. Mrs. G. F. Shears
146. Colonel Daniel Shepp
147. Miss F. M. Shreve
148. Mrs. A. S. Shute
149. Miss R. Shute
150. Mrs. F. W. Sivyer
151. Mrs. F. E. Skinner
152. Mr. George W. H. Smith
153. Mr. Gustav Stromberg
154. Mr. F. W. Taylor
155. Mrs. F. W. Taylor
156. Miss F. E. Taylor
157. Mr. S. H. Tollinage
158. Mr. Horace Townsend
159. Mrs. Horace Townsend
160. Mrs. Therese Tyler
161. Mr. C. L. Van Fleet
162. Miss J. Veitch
163. Mr. George H. Wailes
164. Mr. W. H. Webb
165. Mr. C. H. Webb
166. Mr. Albert B. Weimer
167. Mrs. Albert B. Weimer
168. Mrs. I. Howard White
169. Mr. K. R. Winslow
170. Miss Mignon G. Wright
171. Miss R. J. Wright
172. Mr. H. B. Zimmerman

🌟 Notable Passengers & Historical Context

✝️ Religious Figures

Rev. Father Gustave De Coster – Catholic priest, potentially linked to missionary or parish assignments in the U.S. His travel from Europe to America reflects the continued exchange of clergy for service in immigrant communities.

Rev. Flaherty – Another high-ranking Catholic clergyman, likely ministering to Irish-American parishes.

Rev. Harley and Rev. Lee – Protestant ministers, representing the cross-denominational presence in First Class. Their presence is significant for ecclesiastical historians tracing religious leadership in the pre-WWI period.

🎓 Academic and Professional Elite

Prof. C. L. Babcock (with family) – Likely an academic affiliated with a leading U.S. university; his inclusion signals the era’s intellectual and scholarly exchanges between Europe and America.

Dr. R. H. Dennister – A physician of note, possibly traveling from a European medical conference or visiting research institutions.

🎖️ Military & Government Figures

Col. James McNaught – High-ranking officer, possibly British Army, traveling with social or professional purpose.

Colonel Daniel Shepp – Could represent American or Canadian military leadership; his voyage may relate to official duties or retirement travel.

Captain H. B. Grant – Noted for likely naval or merchant service; his presence emphasizes the ship's appeal to retired and active officers.

🏛️ Judicial & Political Names

Judge C. M. Bliss (with valet) – Distinguished judicial figure, illustrating the high-society nature of this First Class list and the inclusion of personal staff.

Mr. J. Rustgard – Prominent political figure from Alaska (U.S. Attorney General for the Territory), highlighting governmental representation on transatlantic crossings.

💼 Business, Finance & Society

Mrs. Le Grand Lockwood & Miss Lockwood – Descendants of American railroad and banking magnate Le Grand Lockwood, emblematic of Gilded Age wealth.

Mr. Malcolm Peabody – Member of the Boston elite; later patriarch of an influential American family, including a future governor and U.S. ambassador.

Mr. P. Wigney Percival – Possibly tied to Anglo-American commercial ventures.

🎭 Arts, Culture & High Society

Miss Courtenay Olivier – A name possibly linked to performing arts or prominent Anglo-American society circles.

Mr. William Selbini and Mrs. William Selbini – The Selbini family name appears in connection with musicians and entertainers in early 20th-century performance circuits.

General Information for First—Class Passengers.

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

The Bar closes at 11:30 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.

Meals for Children are served separately.

Letters and Telegrams should be handed to the Saloon Steward within an hour after leaving Southampton, and those for despatch upon reaching port sheuld 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 4/- each, upon application to the Deck Steward. Rugs can also be hired on Board at a charge of 4/-.

The Marconi Wireless Telegraph Service.

Messages are accepted on board for transmission to any part of the world or for delivery on board passing ships. The following are the wireless rates, to which must be added the land line or cable tolls to points of destination :—

Great Britain and Ireland. Via Crookhaven, Lizard, Niton, North Foreland, and Caister, 20 cents per word without a minimum, address and signature counted. Land charges of one cent, per word (minimum 12 cents) additional.

From Ship To Ship. Sixteen cents per word without a minimum, address and signature counted.

The names of shore stations and of ships, with which communication is expected during the day, are posted every morning in different parts of the ship.

United States and Canada. For ten words or less, address and signature not counted, Via Sea Gate, N.Y., $2.00; Sagaponack, N.Y., $2.25; Siasconsett, Mass., $3.00; Cape Race, Newfoundland, $3.00; Sable Island, N.S. (via Camperdown), $4.00; Cape Sable, N.S. (via Camperdown), $4.03; South Wellsfleet, Mass., $5.00. Each additional word, 12c., 13c., 18c., 24c., and 50c., respectively. Land charges extra.

The American Line is not responsible for the transmission of messages.

Further information may be obtained by applying to the Purser.

Letters and telegrams may be addressed to the care of any of tLe Company's Offices, where they will be held until called for, or forwarded, according t) instructions. The latest editions of the leading American and English papers are kept on file at the Company's new West End Offices, No. 1, Cockspur Street, London, where Passengers' baggage will also be received and stored if required.

For the convenience of Passengers the Purser is prepared to exchange a limited amount of English and American money, at the rate of $4.80 to the pound when giving American money for English currency, or 21 per $4.95 when giving English money for American currency.

The following rates of exchange have also been adopted for American and French money :— Eastbound, $ 1=5 francs; Westbound, notes and gold=19 cents per franc, silver=18 cents per franc.

The Surgeon is authorized to make customary charges, subject in each case 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.

Should the Steamer arrive at the New York Wharf after 8:00 pm, Passengers may land if they wish to do so, and have their baggage passed by the Customs authorities immediately on arrival, but those who prefer to remain on board may do so, and have the whole of their baggage passed the following morning not earlier than 7 o'clock.

Breakfast will be served to those who remain on board over night.

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.

Insurance of Baggage, &C. Arrangements have been mrffie whereby Passengers can have their baggage insured against loss by sea or land, including risk of fire, breakage, theft or pilferage, from the time the baggage is received by the American Line until delivery at destination. Other risks can also be insured against.

The Company strongly recommend Passengers to insure their packages whenever practicable, as in the event of loss or damage to baggage the American Line cannot under any circumstances accept any liability beyond the amount specified on their steamer contract ticket.

Travellers' Cheques, payable in all parts of Europe, can be purchased at all the principal offices of the American Line. These Cheques are accepted on board American Line Steamers in payment of accounts, but the Pursers do not carry funds to enable them to cash same.

Public Telephones with Booths and Operator On Our New York Piers.

🎓 Relevance for Research & Education

🧬 For Genealogists: Direct links to family histories, especially for elite American families, clergy, and notable professionals.

Opportunities to trace European-American travel patterns before WWI.

🧑‍🏫 For Historians & Educators: Demonstrates the composition of First Class society in 1911—religious leaders, government officials, wealthy industrial families, and academics.

Offers insight into cultural, religious, and political networks spanning the Atlantic.

🛳️ For Maritime Historians: Highlights the American Line’s First Class service standards, amenities, and target clientele.

Serves as a benchmark of transatlantic luxury travel before the disruptions of WWI.

💬 Final Thoughts – Why This Passenger List Matters

The 16 August 1911 First Class Passenger List for the SS St. Paul is more than a manifest—it’s a social snapshot of transatlantic high society on the eve of the First World War. The presence of clergy, military officers, academics, politicians, financiers, and cultural figures underscores how First Class was a floating network for diplomacy, religion, business, and the arts.

For researchers, it reveals patterns of influence and mobility. For genealogists, it offers direct family history connections. And for maritime historians, it’s a pristine record of American Line prestige service.

American Line Sailing Schedule, Southampton-New York Service, 12 August 1911 to 21 October 1911. Ships Inclued the New York, Philadelphia, St. Louis, and St. Paul. List of American Line Offices and Agencies is Also Included. SS St. Paul First Class Passenger List, 16 August 1911. GGA Image ID # 22905d720e

Title Page and Passengers, SS St. Paul First Class Passenger List, 16 August 1911. GGA Image ID # 2290d7f808

Passengers, Part 2, SS St. Paul First Class Passenger List, 16 August 1911. GGA Image ID # 2291063b83

Passengers, Part 3, SS St. Paul First Class Passenger List, 16 August 1911. GGA Image ID # 2291203e61

Passengers, Part 4 and Public Telephones Notice, SS St. Paul First Class Passenger List, 16 August 1911. GGA Image ID # 229175abcf

General Information for First-Class Passengers, SS St. Paul First Class Passenger List, 16 August 1911. GGA Image ID # 22917a0565

Back Cover Showing Various Stamps of a Sea Post Clerk, Believed to be the Original Owner of this Passenger List. SS St. Paul First Class Passenger List, 16 August 1911. GGA Image ID # 2291955243

Advertisment Insert - Cruises to the West Indies on the SS New York, January - March 1912. SS St. Paul First Class Passenger List, 16 August 1911. GGA Image ID # 22919d69a6