Front Cover, TSS California Cabin and Tourist Third Cabin Passenger List, 10 July 1931, Departing from Glasgow to Boston and New York via Belfast and Moville, Commanded by Captain W. B. Rome. The Front Cover Features a Painting of the Wallace Statue, Located in Baltimore, MD. the Statue Stands at Swann Drive by Druid Lake in Druid Hill Park. It Was Created by Scottish Artist David Watson Stevenson, Using a Model From the Abbey Craig Near Stirling, Scotland. the Statue Is Made of Bronze and Rests on a Base of Woodstock Granite. It Is Made of Bronze. | GGA Image ID # 22a2dc4e26

On The Cover: The monument of Sir William Wallace (c.1270 – 23 August 1305) was a Scottish knight who became one of the prominent leaders during the First War of Scottish Independence.

Along with Andrew Moray, Wallace defeated an English army at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in September 1297. He was appointed Guardian of Scotland and served until his defeat at the pivotal Battle of Falkirk in July 1298, a moment that shifted the course of history.

In August 1305, Wallace was captured in Robroyston, near Glasgow, and handed over to King Edward I of England, who had him hanged, drawn, and quartered for high treason and crimes against English civilians.

Since his death, Wallace has obtained a legendary status beyond his homeland. He is the protagonist of Blind Harry's 15th-century epic poem The Wallace and the subject of literary works by Jane Porter and Sir Walter Scott, and of the Academy Award-winning film Braveheart.

The Statue was funded by William Wallace Spence (October 18, 1815 – November 3, 1915) a Baltimore financier. He was a founding partner of Spence & Reid, which manufactured clipper ships, established an import/export firm at Pratt Street’s Old Bowley’s Wharf, and founded The Mercantile Trust and Deposit Company.

🌊 Overview of the Voyage

Ship Name: TSS California

Line: Anchor Line (Cunard-Anchor Service)

Commanded by: Captain W. B. Rome

Voyage Route: Glasgow → Belfast → Moville → Boston → New York

Departure Date: 10 July 1931

Purpose: Transatlantic crossing with Cabin and Tourist Third Cabin passengers, many immigrants, clergy, and families

🛳️ Key Features of the TSS California

Launched: 1923 by Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering Co.

Operator: Anchor Line, part of the Cunard Group

Gross Tonnage: ~16,792 tons

Length: 553 feet

Passenger Capacity: Over 1,200 (Cabin and Tourist Third Cabin)

Route: Glasgow to New York via Belfast and Moville

Notable Features: Wireless telegraphy, barber’s shop, children’s meals, deck chairs, and daily bulletins

Cultural Symbolism: Cover image featuring the Wallace Monument in Baltimore—a nod to Scottish pride and American friendship

Senior Officers and Staff

1. Commander: Captain W. B. Rome
2. Chief Officer: Thos. W. Hawley
3. Chief Engineer: M. Nairne
4. Surgeon: J. Hill
5. Purser: R. B. Robertson
6. Chief Steward: A. Clark

Cabin Passengers

1. Dr. Donald K. Acton
2. Rev. W. Oliver Brackett
3. Mrs. Bracket
4. Mr. Henry F. Bushnell
5. Mrs. G. A. Campbell
6. Mr. George Carruthers
7. Mrs. Carruthers
8. Mr. William Cuthbertson
9. Mrs. Cuthbertson
10. Miss Jemima Farquharson
11. Mr. H. Fogal
12. Mr. Johnston de Forest
13. Mrs. de Forest
14. Miss Priscilla de Forest
15. Mrs. M. Gardner
16. Miss Nell D. Graham
17. Miss Janet E. Leng
18. Miss K. McCrosson
19. Mrs. B. Moore
20. Miss Anne Moore
21. Miss Elizabeth J. Ririe
22. Dr. Warren F. Teel
23. Miss Hope Wickes

Tourist Third Cabin Passengers

1. Mr. Frederick Adams
2. Mr. G. W. Alcock
3. Mr. Peter Alian
4. Rev. James Anderson
5. Miss Molly W. Baillie
6. Master J. R. Barr
7. Mr. John S. Barr
8. Mr. Vincent Bertrand
9. Miss Eliz. Brown
10. Mr. Hugh Brown
11. Mrs. Agnes Brown
12. Master Hugh Brown
13. Miss Agnes Butters
14. Miss Dorothy Butters
15. Miss Georgina Cameron
16. Miss Jean Cameron
17. Miss Annie Conohn
18. Miss Dorothea K. Crooks
19. Mrs. Isabella Crosbie
20. Miss Elsie B. Cumming
21. Miss Mary B. Cumming
22. Miss Alice Dalgleish
23. Mrs. Anna B. Dennistoun
24. Mrs. Mary Derby
25. Mr. Joseph Devlin
26. Mr. Philip Doherty
27. Mrs. Cecilia Donaldson
28. Mr. Joseph Downs
29. Miss Ella Ewing
30. Mrs. Eliz. Ewing
31. Miss Mary Fagan
32. Mrs. Annie Gibbon
33. Master Edward Gibbon
34. Mr. Andrew B. Gibbon
35. Master John Gibbon
36. Miss C. C. Gilchrist
37. Mrs. Janet Goldie
38. Master Hugh Goldie
39. Mrs. Christina M. Hamilton
40. Mrs. Agnes Haining
41. Mr. Walter T. Hogg
42. Mrs. Janet B. Hogg
43. Mr. William Jess
44. Miss Helen Jess
45. Mrs. Jeanie Jesso
46. Mrs. Helen Kelly
47. Miss Margt. Kelly
48. Miss Jean Kelly
49. Miss Jessie Kerr
50. Mrs. Maggie King
51. Miss Isabella W. Kinloch
52. Mr. George Kyle
53. Mr. Wm. Lawrie
54. Miss Jeanie Lawrence
55. Miss Williamina Leslie
56. Mr. John Liddell

57. Miss Eliz. McDonald
58. Mr. Duncan McFarlane
59. Mrs. Edith E. Macfarlane
60. Mr. Edward McFaul
61. Mrs. Mary McLennan
62. Rev. Arthur McLoone
63. Mr. Samuel McMullan
64. Mrs. Isabel K. McMullan
65. Miss Ada McMurtrie
66. Mrs. Mary McNab
67. Miss Jane H. McNab
68. Master Andrew McNab
69. Miss Rachel McNaught
70. Mr. James McNeill
71. Mrs. Elizabeth McNeill
72. Mrs. Cath. Mackie
73. Miss Isabella Manson
74. Mr. Donald Martin
75. Mrs. Agnes Mathison
76. Mr. Bennet Miller
77. Mrs. Margt. Millington
78. Master Albert Millington
79. Miss Eliz. Moody
80. Mrs. Bridget Mullen
81. Miss Amy E. Newell
82. Mr. James Ogilvie
83. Dr. Robertson Ogilvie
84. Mrs. Williamina Olsen
85. Miss Elizabeth Patterson
86. Miss Georgina N. Pow
87. Mr. Stanley Rivers
88. Mrs. Kathleen Rivers
89. Mr. Jose M. de Ruiloba
90. Mrs. Lavinia Shannon
91. Mrs. Sarah Simmons
92. Miss Janet C. Smith
93. Mrs. Jessie A. Spence
94. Mr. Alex. Stirling
95. Miss Marie Stirling
96. Mr. Maxwell Stone
97. Mr. Edward Sweeney
98. Mrs. Marie Sweeney
99. Miss Eliz. Thomson
100. Mrs. Annie Thomson
101. Mr. Duncan Thomson
102. Mrs. Hilda Thomson
103. Master Duncan Thomson
104. Mrs. Mary Trainor
105. Miss Mary L. Trainor
106. Master Robert J. Trainor
107. Mrs. Frances C. Waldie
108. Mr. Marcus J. C. Walker
109. Mr. Wm. R. Watson
110. Mrs. Emily Webster
111. Master William Webster
112. Master Robert Webster
113. Miss Margt. Welch
114. Miss Nellie White
115. Mr. James Williamson
116. Mrs. Eliz. Williamson
117. Mrs. Jane K. Wilson
118. Mrs. Jeanie Wilson

🌐 Notable Individuals Onboard

⛪ Religious Figures

Rev. W. Oliver Brackett – Likely responsible for spiritual care aboard the vessel. His presence in the Cabin Class suggests a role in formal Sunday services.

Rev. James Anderson – Traveling Tourist Third Cabin, possibly returning from missionary work or pastoral duty in Scotland.

Rev. Arthur McLoone – Another religious leader traveling third class, reinforcing the prominence of religious travelers in this era.

🧑‍⚕️ Doctors and Medical Professionals

Dr. Donald K. Acton – Cabin Class. Likely traveling for both professional and leisure purposes.

Dr. Robertson Ogilvie – Tourist Third Cabin. His travel in third class suggests a modest disposition or professional assignment.

🎓 Educators and Professors

No formal university affiliation is listed, but individuals like Miss Janet E. Leng, Miss Nell D. Graham, and Miss Anne Moore may have been teachers or governesses based on title conventions and travel class.

🎭 Entertainment and Cultural Figures

While no famous entertainers are specifically identified by name, the shipboard experience included music, cultural exchanges, and Scottish-American ties reflected in the monument on the cover.

🧳 Noteworthy Civilian and Family Travelers

Mr. Johnston de Forest, Mrs. de Forest, and Miss Priscilla de Forest – A prominent family group among Cabin passengers, possibly linked to the arts or upper social tiers.

Mrs. Anna B. Dennistoun – Her surname ties to notable Scottish families.

Mr. Jose M. de Ruiloba – Spanish surname suggests transatlantic cultural diversity among Tourist Third Cabin travelers.

Mr. Marcus J. C. Walker – Full name with multiple initials often denotes professional standing.

Passenger Information

Baggage Insurance.—Passengers are recommended to insure their baggage as, in the event of loss or damage, the Company cannot accept liability beyond the limit specified on the Steamer Contract Tickets. Rates and particulars on application.

Bar.—The Bars will not be open later than midnight, but it is within the discretion of the Commander to close them during the voyage at any time should he consider this course desirable.

Barber’s Shop.—There is a well-appointed Barber’s Shop on board. Ladies will be attended to by appointment.

Clothes Pressing.—Application should be made to the Barber, from whom rates and other particulars can be obtained.

Berthing of Passengers.—No changes can be made except on application to the Purser.

Cables and Telegrams for dispatch by ordinary land wire should be handed in at the Wireless Telegraph Office. The time of acceptance for cables and tele- grams to be sent by ordinary land wire will be intimated on the notice boards.

Wireless, cable and telegraph forms may be obtained from the Wireless office.

Complaints of incivility, carelessness or inattention on the part of any of the ship’s staff should be immediately reported to the Purser or Chief Steward, and failing satisfaction to the Captain.

The Daily Mail Atlantic Edition giving the latest news by wireless and the closing prices on the London and New York Stock Exchanges, is published on board. The paper will be delivered each morning to the passenger’s stateroom if an order is given to the Bedroom Steward.

Deck Chairs and Rugs may be hired on application to the Deck Steward. At the end of each voyage the rugs which have been in use are sent to the store and thoroughly cleaned before being re-issued.

Divine Service may be held (weather permitting) once every Sunday forenoon, and for those who so desire facilities are provided for the celebration of Mass.

Dogs and Cats cannot be landed in Great Britain unless a license has been procured from the Board of Agriculture, London. Forms of License can only be obtained by direct application to the Department before the dog or cat is taken on board.

Dogs and Cats can only be carried by special arrangement being made with the Company prior to embarkation. Whilst on board they are not permitted in any of the public rooms or staterooms.

Drafts are issued, free of charge, payable in currency at any of the offices of the Company in the United States and Canada, and, similarly, drafts are issued in the United States and Canada payable at any of the Company’s offices in the United Kingdom in sterling or at the Company’s offices in Europe in the currency of the country on which they are drawn.

Information.—If passengers are in doubt on any point appertaining to their ocean voyage, or railroad journey, they are advised to consult the Purser.

Kiosk.—Passengers can obtain confectionery, fruit, toys, souvenirs, novels, postage stamps, etc., in the Kiosk.

Landing Cards.—Passengers must obtain from the Purser a U.S. landing card. The hours at which these cards are obtainable will be posted on notice board. It should be noted that before leaving the vessel the holder must present this landing card to a U.S. Immigrant Inspector for endorsement.

Library.—Library books may be obtained on application to the Librarian. The books are issued free of charge.

Lifebelts must not be removed from staterooms, except in cases of extreme danger and necessity.

Meals.—Breakfast, 8 to 10 a.m. ; Luncheon, 1 p.m. ; Dinner, 7 p.m.

When two sittings are necessary, meals will be served as follows :—
Breakfast, 8 to 10 a.m. ; Lunch, 1st sitting, 12.30 p.m.; 2nd sitting, 1.30 p.m.
Dinner, 1st sitting, 6.15 p.m. ; 2nd sitting, 7.30 p.m.

Passengers may reserve seats at table for the voyage on application to the Chief Steward. Meals cannot be served in cabins or on deck unless with the Surgeon’s permission.

Children’s Meals—Breakfast, 9 a.m.; Dinner, noon ; Tea, 5 to 6 p.m.

Ports.—Passengers are requested not to open the ports. The Stewards will do this whenever practicable.

Postage Stamps are on sale at Purser’s Bureau and Kiosks. A notice will be displayed stating the latest time for posting mail matter on board.

British stamps must be used for correspondence posted on the High Seas.

Rates:—Letters to United Kingdom and United States of America, 12d. for the first ounce and Id. for each additional ounce. Postcards, lid. each.

Railway and Steamer Time Tables may be consulted on application to the Librarian.

Recovery of U.S. Head Tax.—To enable the refund of United States Head Tax to be secured, passengers who intend staying in the United States for less than sixty days must state so on Declaration Form at time of booking. They must also inform the Immigration Officer at the Port of Landing that they are returning within 60 days, and obtain from him Certificate Form 514.

It is also necessary for Transit Certificate Form 514 to be handed to the Company when completed, in time to allow same to be lodged with the American Authorities within 120 days of passenger’s arrival in the United States.

Unless this regulation is complied with the Tax cannot be recovered.

Passengers who declare at the Port of Landing their intention of remaining in the United States for a period longer than 60 days will not be refunded Head Tax by the United States Government, even although they eventually leave the country within the 60 days limit.

Redirection of Mail.—Passengers who expect letters or parcels to be delivered to the ship after they have disembarked should leave their full names and addresses at the Bureau in order that their mail may be forwarded to them.

Return Bookings.—The Purser and his staff will at all times be pleased to assist passengers to arrange their return passages, or to supply them with the name and address of the agent in the town to which they are proceeding.

Smoking.—Cigarette smokers are requested to be careful when smoking on deck to see that cigarettes are extinguished before being thrown away. Children are not allowed in the Smoking Room.

Storage.—The Company will undertake to store deck chairs and steamer trunks belonging to passengers at owner’s risk until they are required when returning. Chairs and trunks should have owner’s name painted on them, and they will not be re-shipped without instructions being sent to Baggage Master, Anchor Line, Yorkhill Quay, Glasgow. A description of the articles should be given, also name of steamer from which they were landed and date. No shawls, rugs, &c., to be attached to chairs. No charge for storage is made if the owners return by the Company’s vessels. If chairs or trunks are forwarded by rail this is done at owner’s risk and expense.

Table-Seating —The Chief Steward has the arrangement of table-seating.

The Surgeon is authorised to make customary charges for his service, subject to the approval of the Commander, to First Class, Cabin, Second Class and Tourist Third Cabin passengers.

Nurses—Trained and qualified hospital nurses are carried. Their services, under the direction of the Surgeon, are at the passengers’ disposal.

Through Bookings to Gibraltar, Marseilles, Egypt, and India.—The Anchor Line steamers engaged in this service have excellent saloon accommodation. Full particulars as to fares, etc., on application.

CUSTOMS.—The following is a list of the principal articles which are subject to duty on being brought into the United Kingdom, and the smallest quantities should be declared to the Customs Authorities :— Tobacco, Cigars, Cigarettes, Wines, Liqueurs, Spirits, Perfumery, Sugar and Goods containing Sugar, Silk and Artificial Silk, Lace and Embroidery, Musical Instruments, Gramophones and Gramophone Records, Clocks, Watches, Cameras, Field and Opera Glasses, Films, Wireless Sets and accessories, etc. & Reprints of Copyright Books and Music are subject to confiscation.

Valuables.—Money or valuables should not be exposed in staterooms. The Company will not be responsible for articles lost or stolen. Valuables may be deposited in ship’s safe, under care of the Purser, free of charge.

Passengers are warned that they should not on any account part with money or valuables to any persons representing themselves as members of the ship’s staff.

Wardrobe Trunks.—The attention of passengers is called to the fact that the steamer has a Baggage Room where trunks may be stored during the voyage. It is not always possible to have large wardrobe trunks placed in an accessible position in passenger staterooms.

WIRELESS TELEGRAPH RATES

SHIP TO SHORE MESSAGES

Via British Stations.—For messages to the United Kingdom the rate is 1ld. per word, inclusive of land line charges.

Via United States Stations.—The rate via New York, Chatham, Mass., East Moriches, is 9d. per word, plus land line charges. Via Canadian Station.—The rate via Louisburg, N.S., is 9d. per word, plus land line charges.

NOTE.—All charges must be prepaid. Every word in the address, text, and signature is counted and charged for.

Reserving Hotel Accommodation.— By arrangement with certain hotels, messages reserving accommodation may be sent by passengers free of charge. A list of these hotels is kept in the W.T. Office, and passengers should enquire there.

SHIP TO SHIP MESSAGES

The rate on ship to ship messages is 8d. per word,

WIRELESS LETTERS

A Wireless Letter consists of a message transmitted to a ship travelling in the opposite direction and posted on her arrival at destination by “ Registered Post.” These messages are only charged for at the rate of 5s. for the first twenty words with 2d. per additional word to a maximum of 100 words.

At certain times during the day a wireless operator is in attendance in the passenger quarters for the purpose of giving information and receiving messages for transmission. Notices giving time and place are displayed throughout the ship. At all times, however, passengers may conduct their business at the Wireless Office if they prefer to do so.

🧭 Relevance for Educators, Genealogists, and Historians

Genealogists: Track migration patterns, especially for Scottish and Irish families sailing to Boston or New York.

Historians: Insight into interwar maritime travel, class distinctions, and international mobility.

Teachers & Students: Valuable for immigration studies, 1930s culture, and transatlantic social ties.

Sociologists: Captures the intersection of class, religion, and professional identities aboard ship.

📕 Final Thoughts – Why This Passenger List Matters

The 10 July 1931 Passenger List for the TSS California offers a rare view of life aboard a transatlantic liner in the midst of the Great Depression. It reveals the resilience of immigrants, the dignity of clergy, the pursuit of opportunity, and the enduring bond between Scotland and America. The inclusion of religious leaders, medical professionals, and family groups paints a multidimensional portrait of those who crossed the ocean not merely in search of land, but in search of a new life.

Title Page, TSS California Cabin and Tourist Third Cabin Passenger List, 10 July 1931. | GGA Image ID # 22a33e3f1d

Anchor Line Fleet List, Services, Table of Distances, and Information for Passengers, Part 1. TSS California Cabin and Tourist Third Cabin Passenger List, 10 July 1931. | GGA Image ID # 22a34c3b3c

Information for Passengers, Part 2. TSS California Cabin and Tourist Third Cabin Passenger List, 10 July 1931. | GGA Image ID # 22a3751f81

Information for Passengers, Part 3. TSS California Cabin and Tourist Third Cabin Passenger List, 10 July 1931. | GGA Image ID # 22a37750bd

Information for Passengers, Part 4. TSS California Cabin and Tourist Third Cabin Passenger List, 10 July 1931. | GGA Image ID # 22a39620d7

Information for Passengers, Part 5. TSS California Cabin and Tourist Third Cabin Passenger List, 10 July 1931. | GGA Image ID # 22a3c59c4f

Information for Passengers, Part 6, Wireless Telegraph Rates, and Wireless Letters. TSS California Cabin and Tourist Third Cabin Passenger List, 10 July 1931. | GGA Image ID # 22a3cb2695

List of Senior Officers and Staff, Cabin Class Passengers. TSS California Cabin and Tourist Third Cabin Passenger List, 10 July 1931. | GGA Image ID # 22a3d0185c

Tourist Third Cabin Passengers, Part 1. TSS California Cabin and Tourist Third Cabin Passenger List, 10 July 1931. | GGA Image ID # 22a4299393

Tourist Third Cabin Passengers, Part 2. TSS California Cabin and Tourist Third Cabin Passenger List, 10 July 1931. | GGA Image ID # 22a4355829

Sailing Schedule, Glasgow-New York, 25 July 1931 to 14 November 1931. Ships Included the Caledonia, California, Cameronia, and Transylvania. TSS California Cabin and Tourist Third Cabin Passenger List, 10 July 1931. | GGA Image ID # 22a3250029

Anchor Line Offices and Agencies, TSS California Cabin and Tourist Third Cabin Passenger List, 10 July 1931. | GGA Image ID # 22a44a991f