Modernity at Sea: Second-Class Society on the TSS Cameronia, 31 August 1912
Front Cover, TSS Cameronia Second Class Passenger List from the Anchor Steamship Line, Departing 31 August 1912 from Glasgow to New York via Moville, Commanded by Captain Walter Baxter. Front Cover Shows a Large Illustration - a Colorful Painting of a 2-Funneled, 2-Masted Steamship at Sea. the Text “Anchor Line” Is in the Top Margin, “Second Saloon” Is Printed at the Bottom of the Illustration, and “Passenger List” Is on the Bottom Margin. Striking Color Painting of a Two-Funnel Steamship at Sea, With Elegant Typography and Placement of “Second Saloon” and “Passenger List” Text, Evoking the Prestige of Mid-Tier Ocean Travel. | GGA Image ID # 22a45172b9
🌊 Voyage Overview
- Ship Name: TSS Cameronia
- Line: Anchor Line
- Commanded by: Captain Walter Baxter
- Route: Glasgow → Moville → New York
- Departure Date: Saturday, 31 August 1912
- Class Covered: Second Saloon (Second Class)
- Voyage Context: A pre-WWI transatlantic voyage filled with family groups, religious figures, academics, and professionals, many likely emigrating or visiting family in North America.
⚖️ Key Features of the TSS Cameronia
- Launched: 1911 by D. and W. Henderson and Company, Glasgow
- Operator: Anchor Line (subsidiary of Cunard Line)
- Gross Tonnage: ~10,963 tons
- Length: 552 feet
- Speed: 16 knots
- Passenger Capacity: Over 1,700 (including 265 in Second Class)
- Features: Equipped with Marconi Wireless Telegraph system, formal dining rooms, dedicated stewardesses, and a spacious promenade deck
- Notable Innovation: One of the first large Anchor Line vessels to integrate second-class amenities rivaling first class on older liners
Senior Officers and Staff
- Commander: Captain Walter Baxter
- Surgeon: Samuel Alexander
- Purser: Thos. Tulloch
- Chief Steward: Charles Gordon
- Stewardess: Mrs. Bowie
- Stewardess: Miss McGregor
- Stewardess: Miss Shannon
- Stewardess: Mrs. Weir
- Stewardess: Miss Connell
Second Class Passengers
- Mr. William H. Aitken
- Mr. Robert Alexander
- Mrs. Alexander
- Mr. John Allan
- Mr. Alex. Allan
- Mr. Wm. Allan
- Mrs. Allan
- Master Norman Allan
- Miss Rachel Allan
- Miss Mary L. Allan
- Mr. Thos. W. Anderson
- Mrs. G. Armstrong
- Miss Dorothy Armstrong
- Miss Margaret Bain
- Miss Gertrude Baldwin
- Prof. J. M. Barker
- Miss emima Baxter
- Mr. William Bell
- Miss Margt. Bennet
- Miss Nellie Birnie
- Miss Birnie
- Mrs. Margaret Black
- Miss Margaret Black
- Mrs. Mary Black
- Miss Isa Black
- Miss M. J. Blair
- Miss Marcus H. Blair
- Mrs. Ruby Blair
- Miss Annie Blake
- Mrs. Margaret Bogie
- Miss Bolton
- Mr. A. Bowie
- Miss Margaret Bowman
- Miss Mary A. Boyle
- Miss Ella Brady
- Miss F. E. Buck
- Mr. Thomas Burns
- Miss Mary A. Caffney
- Mrs. Margaret Calderwood
- Master Wm. Calderwood
- Miss Isab. Calderwood
- Mr. Donald Cameron
- Miss M. M. Campbell
- Mr. Edward M. Campbell
- Mr. Patrick Campbell
- Mrs. Sarah Campbell
- Master Edmond Campbell
- Mr. Joseph Carney
- Mr. Charles Carrick
- Miss Sallie Carter
- Mr. Stewart L. Chapman
- Mr. Terence Clancy
- Mr. John Clark
- Mr. James Clark
- Mrs. Clark
- Mr. William Colville
- Miss Mary Conroy
- Mr. David Constable
- Miss Annie Coogan
- Mrs. Cook
- Miss Bessie Cook
- Miss C. Cormack
- Mr. James Cossar
- Mr. Robert Crichton
- Mrs. Crosby
- Miss Jemima Crosby
- Miss Nellie Crown
- Mr. John Crymble
- Mr. Thomas Coulter
- Mrs. Mary Ann Coulter
- Mrs. Byron Davies
- Miss Anna Degnon
- Mr. P. Denning
- Mr. James Dickie
- Mrs. Margaret Doane
- Miss Annie Dolan
- Miss Flora Donnelly
- Miss Agnes Duncan
- Miss Margaret Duncan
- Mrs. Mary Dunwoody
- Miss Sarah Eaton
- Miss Mary Eaton
- Miss Margt. Edington
- Miss Mary Fee
- Miss Sarah Fee
- Miss Mary Ferguson
- Miss Margaret Ferguson
- Mr. Wm. J. Fisher
- Miss Mary Fleming
- Mr. James Fleming
- Mr. Duncan Forbes
- Mrs. Caroline Forbes
- Mr. George L. Fowler
- Mrs. Sarah Fowler
- Mr. John Fraser
- Miss Minnie Fyffe
- Mrs. Lizzie Gallagher
- Miss Agnes Garvey
- Miss Rose Garvey
- Miss Mary Gibson
- Mr. David Gibson
- Miss I. B. Gorham
- Mrs. Graham
- Miss Annie Graham
- Mrs, Elizabeth Graham
- Miss Jeanette Graham
- Miss Ellen M. Graham
- Miss Marion Graham
- Mr. Albert Grain
- Miss Agnes Green
- Mrs. Greenland
- Mr. D. S. Gunn
- Mr. James Guy
- Miss Margaret Hannah
- Miss Caroline Harned
- Miss Ruth Harned
- Mr. James Haughey
- Mr. Peter H. Henderson
- Mr. William Hill
- Mr. John Hope
- Mrs. Annie Hostetter
- Mr. D. Hunt
- Miss Ella Hunt
- Miss Lucy Hunt
- Mr. Archibald W. Hunter
- Mr. Alfred E. Hutchinson
- Mrs. Nellie Inglis
- Miss Eliz. Irvine
- Mrs. Sarah Jack
- Mr. Robert Jackson
- Mrs. Mary Jackson
- Miss Jennie Jerger
- Mr. R. H. Johnson
- Mrs. Johnson
- Miss Edith Kane
- Miss Margaret Keenan
- Mr. John Kenmure
- Mrs. Eliza Kenmure
- Miss Mary Lacy
- Mr. William Lees
- Mrs. H. A. Lewis
- Mr. William Livie
- Mrs. Jessie Low
- Miss Jessie Low
- Miss Helen Lyell
- Mr. William Lyttle
- Miss Sara Lyttle
- Mrs. Mary McAlpine
- Mr. Win. T. McArthur
- Mrs. McArthur
- Mrs. J. McBeath
- Mr. David McBeath
- Master John McBeath
- Master Alex. McBeath
- Master Donald McBeath
- Miss Isabella McBride
- Mr. K McCaffrey
- Mr. A. McCullough
- Mrs. McCullough
- Miss Mary K. McDevitt
- Mrs. McDuff
- Miss Mary McFarlane
- Mr. John McFetridge
- Mrs. Floe McFetridge
- Mr. Frank McCarry
- Mr. Edward McGarry
- Mr. R. McGregor
- Miss Lizzie McGregor
- Miss Eliz. McLaren
- Mrs. McLean
- Mrs. Mary McLean
- Miss Annie McLean
- Mr. John McLennan
- Mrs. McLennan
- Miss M. A. McMenamin
- Miss Delia McMenamin
- Miss Jessie McMillan
- Miss Sarah McMillan
- Miss Minnie McNeill
- Miss Margaret McNiven
- Mr. John McTaggart
- Mrs. Margaret McTaggart
- Mr. Henry Mabin
- Mrs. Mabin
- Miss E. G. Mabin
- Miss Georgina Mathieson
- Miss Mary Ann Matheson
- Miss Cath, Mattimore
- Mr. William Mitchell
- Miss Sarah Moir
- Mr. Robert Montgomery
- Mrs. Montgomery
- Mr. Robert Moorhead
- Mr. H. Morrison
- Mrs. C. Morton
- Miss Mary Mulgwen
- Miss Mullan
- Mr. William Mulvey
- Mrs. Nellie Munro
- Miss Flora Murchison
- Miss Margaret Murphy
- Miss Annie Neil
- Miss Mary Neill
- Mr. Hugh Nicoll
- Rev. A. B. Nielson
- Mr. J. Noonan
- Mrs. Noonan
- Master Floyd Noonan
- Mr. Benjamin Norton
- Miss Mary Norton
- Miss Mary O’Connor
- Miss Jennie O’Connor
- Miss Mary O’Kane
- Miss Grace O’Kane
- Mr. David O’Neill
- Miss Mamie O’Rourke
- Miss Sarah O’Rourke
- Mrs. Alice Ogilvie
- Master Stewart Ogilvie
- Miss Olive Ogilvie
- Mrs. Margaret Orr
- Mrs. Paterson
- Miss Annie Perley
- Rev. R. S. Povey
- Rev. Jesse Povey
- Mrs. Annie Powell
- Miss Constance Powell
- Miss Beatrice Quinn
- Mrs. J. Ramage
- Miss Hannah Ramage
- Mrs. Jane Rawl
- Mrs. Annie Reeks
- Child Reeks
- Mrs. Reilly
- Master James Reilly
- Master Thomas Reilly
- Miss Anna Reilly
- Miss F. Reynolds
- Mr. John Rich
- Mrs. Rich
- Miss Agnes Richardson
- Miss M. Richardson
- Mrs. Ritchie
- Miss May Ritchie
- Mr. Kenneth Robertson
- Miss Kate Rooney
- Mr. John Ross
- Mrs. Ross
- Mrs. Margt. Rutherford
- Master Jas. Rutherford
- Mrs. E. H. Sawyer
- Mr. E. H. Sawyer
- Mr. Andrew Sawyer
- Miss Rebecca Shields
- Mrs. Agnes Slatten
- Miss Constance Slatten
- Miss Agnes M. Slatten
- Mr. Wm. Smith
- Mrs. Smith
- Mrs. R. Smullen
- Miss Jean Staig
- Mrs. Margaret Stalker
- Mr. William Stephen
- Mrs. Stephen
- Miss D. M. Stephen
- Miss Etta Stewart
- Miss Mary Stirton
- Rev. Joseph Sunter
- Mrs. Sunter
- Mr. Clinton Taft
- Mr. James H. Telford
- Mr. M. Thompson
- Mr. John Thompson
- Miss Edith Thorn
- Miss W. W. Tulloch
- Miss A. C. Tulloch
- Mrs. Tuthill
- Dr. A. E. Tuthill
- Miss Tyler
- Mr. Wilbur L. Varian
- Mrs. Varian
- Mr. W. Varian
- Miss Margaret Varian
- Mrs. Waddell
- Miss Joan Wallace
- Miss Eliza. Wallace
- Mrs. Elizabeth Walls
- Mr. Stephen Wark
- Mr. William Watson
- Mr. Robert Watt
- Mrs. Catherine Watt
- Mrs. James Webster
- Miss Bella Webster
- Master Alex. Webster
- Mr. William Wiley
- Mr. Samuel Wiley
- Mr. W. W. Wilson
- Mr. John Wilson
- Mr. J. Wilson
- Mrs. Wilson
- Mrs. Wilson
- Miss Wilson
- Miss Molly Wood
- Mr. John Wright
- Mr. Robert Wright
- Mrs. Wright
- Mr. James Wylie
- Mrs. Flora Wylie
📅 Notable Individuals Onboard
⛪ Religious Figures
Rev. A. B. Nielson – Possibly a minister of the Church of Scotland or Presbyterian tradition, traveling alone and representing clerical mobility within the transatlantic Scottish diaspora.
Rev. R. S. Povey and Rev. Jesse Povey – A likely father-son pair or close relatives involved in Protestant ministry; dual presence suggests collaborative missionary or congregational roles.
Rev. Joseph Sunter – Accompanied by Mrs. Sunter, indicating an established clergyman traveling with family. Possibly serving immigrant congregations in the U.S.
🏫 Professors and Academics
Prof. J. M. Barker – His title implies a university or college-level academic. While his specific institution is not listed, his inclusion indicates the flow of scholarly exchange between Europe and North America.
👩⚕️ Medical Professional
Dr. A. E. Tuthill – Likely a physician or surgeon. Given the era, he may have been traveling for research, a professional posting, or to join family abroad.
👑 VIPs and Noteworthy Families
Mr. Clinton Taft – Possibly related to the extended Taft family, which includes U.S. President William H. Taft. More research is needed, but his presence could indicate elite connections.
Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Sawyer and Mr. Andrew Sawyer – Traveling as an extended family group. The Sawyer name appears in New England business and legal circles.
Mr. Wilbur L. Varian and Family – Varian is a recognizable name in American industrial and engineering history. This family group may have ties to innovation or academia.
“Marconi” Wireless Telegraph System.
FITTED on BOARD the T.S.S. "CAMERONIA, "CALEDONIA," "CALIFORNIA," and "COLUMBIA."
Messages for Passengers on board of these Steamships can be handed in to any Post-Office in the United Kingdom to be sent through the “ Marconi" Station at Malin Head, Ireland.
FORM OF ADDRESS.
Name _________________________________________
Steamer. ______________________________________
Malin Head.
Messages can also be handed in at any Telegraph Office in the United States and Canada for transmission via " Marconi" Stations at Seagate New York, Sagaponack, Long Island, Siasconset, Mass., and Sable Island, Nova Scotia.
Name _____________________________________
Steamer. __________________________________
Station ____________________________________
RATES ON BOARD FOR WIRELESS TELEGRAMS.
The “ Marconi " Rate via Malin Head or through the medium of a passing Steamer and any Station in the United Kingdom, is rod. per word without minimum : every word in address, text, and signature counted : and line charges additional : all charges must be prepaid.
The " Marconi" Rate via Seagate, New York, and Sagaponack, Long Island, is 8s. 4d. for 10 words, each extra word 6d.: via Siasconset, Mass., 12s. 6d. for 10 words, each extra word 9d.: via Sable Island, Nova Scotia, 16s. 8d. for 1o words, each extra word IS. : text only counted, address and signature free : all charges must be prepaid.
Ship to Ship 8d. per word without minimum, each word in address, text, and signature counted : all charges must be prepaid.
Any further information can be obtained from the Purser, or the “ Marconi" Operator on board.
OFFICES OF THE COMPANY
HENDERSON BROTHERS 138 N. La Salle Street, Chicago, Ill. and 17 and 19 Broadway, New York.
ANCHOR LINE (Henderson BROTHERS) Ltd.—20 Foyle Street, Londonderry; Roya Liver Buildings, Water Street, Liverpool ; 4 St. Mary Axe, London, E.C. Dundee, Gibraltar, and St. Vincent Place, Glasgow.
Information for Second Class Passengers
Meals will be served in the Second Class Dining Saloon at the following times: Breakfast from 8 to 9 a.m.; Dinner at I p.m.; Tea at 6 p.m.; Supper, if required, will be served before 10 o’clock.
The Bar will be closed at 11 p.m. and the Smoke Room at 11-30 p.m.
The Chief Steward has the arrangement of the seats at table.
Music Room Steward is provided with Telegraph Forms, Stamps, &c. Telegrams and Letters for dispatch to be handed to this Official (fully prepaid) one hour before leaving Moville. This Official will also provide Railway Time Tables for use of Passengers.
Divine Service may be held (once) on Sunday.
Passengers are notified that dogs cannot be landed in Great Britain unless a license has been previously procured from the Board of Agriculture, London. Forms of license can only be obtained by direct application to the Department before the dog is taken on board. Dogs may be taken on certain dates and by special agreement only.
All enquiries regarding baggage should be made to the Second Cabin Steward ; and Trunks, Wraps, etc., will be received, stored and shipped by the Company for the return voyage. The Second Cabin Steward will provide Passengers with Initial Labels for Boxes, so as to facilitate examination of baggage on landing.
Steamer Chairs may be hired from the Deck Steward at a cost of S1.00 for the voyage. Printed receipt to be obtained by Passengers for this hire.
The Company is not responsible for the loss of money or valuables The Purser will be glad to place such in his safe, if passengers so desire. As no charge is made for carriage, the Company cannot accept any responsibility for loss or damage, however arising, but passengers can protect themselves by Insurance.
Passengers should obtain a receipt on the Company’s form for any additional Passage Money or Freight paid on board.
Passengers joining Steamers for New York at Londonderry must be at our Office there not later than 3 o’clock Afternoon on day Steamers leave Glasgow.
Tobacco, cigars, etc., wines, spirits and perfumery are liable to duty on being brought into the United Kingdom, and the smallest quantities should be declared to the Customs authorities when required. Reprints of copy- right books and music will be confiscated.
🔎 Engaging Aspects of the List
Rich Family Representation – Many multi-generational groups appear, such as the Allans, McBeaths, McMenamins, Ogilvies, and Tuthills, painting a vivid picture of migration patterns.
Religious Diversity – The presence of multiple ministers traveling together suggests institutional church migration or religious networking.
Academic and Professional Presence – Professors and doctors traveling in second class illustrate the accessibility of travel to upper-middle-class professionals.
Pre-WWI Global Connectivity – Passengers reflect diverse European and Anglo-American identities during a time of increasing global uncertainty.
🌐 Relevance for Educators, Genealogists, and Historians
Educators: Ideal for exploring migration patterns, class structure at sea, and maritime technology in the early 20th century.
Genealogists: Passenger list includes full names, family groups, and spouses, useful for tracing lineage or cross-referencing with Ellis Island/immigration records.
Historians: A snapshot of transatlantic social movement just before the Titanic disaster and WWI, highlighting shipping logistics, onboard culture, and technological features.
📖 Final Thoughts – Why This Passenger List Matters
The 31 August 1912 Passenger List of the TSS "Cameronia" offers a fascinating glimpse into second-class transatlantic travel shortly before the outbreak of WWI. With its blend of clergy, academics, professionals, and extended families, this manifest serves as a microcosm of upwardly mobile migration. The ship itself symbolizes the technological confidence of the Edwardian maritime world, while the document’s design and content reflect the Anchor Line’s ambition to deliver comfort, efficiency, and modernity at scale. A valuable resource for students, researchers, genealogists, and educators alike.
Sailing Schedule, Glasgow-New York, From 31 August 1912 to 14 December 1912. Ships Included the Caledonia, California, Cameronia, and Columbia. TSS Cameronia Second Class Passenger List, 31 August 1912. | GGA Image ID # 22a4606c0a
Title Page and List of Passengers, Part 1. TSS Cameronia Second Class Passenger List, 31 August 1912. Cleanly Organized Rosters Featuring Entire Family Groups, a Hallmark of Second-Class Travel for Emigrants and Professionals Alike. | GGA Image ID # 22a47a5836
List of Passengers, Part 1. TSS Cameronia Second Class Passenger List, 31 August 1912. | GGA Image ID # 22a4948766
List of Passengers, Part 3. TSS Cameronia Second Class Passenger List, 31 August 1912. | GGA Image ID # 22a49653b1
Marconi Wireless Telegraph System with Rates. TSS Cameronia Second Class Passenger List, 31 August 1912. Shows the Modern Amenities Available Onboard and Underlines the Importance of Communication at Sea in 1912. | GGA Image ID # 22a4f66b93
Information for Passengers, TSS Cameronia Second Class Passenger List, 31 August 1912. Outlines Onboard Policies, Meal Times, Lifeboat Instructions, and Other Period-Specific Travel Protocols. | GGA Image ID # 22a50ace1d
Back Cover Containing Anchor Line North Atlantic Track Chart and Memorandum of Log (Unused), TSS Cameronia Second Class Passenger List, 31 August 1912. Anchor Line’s North Atlantic Track Chart and Memorandum of Log (Unused), Inviting Passengers to Record Their Journey’s Progress. | GGA Image ID # 22a51c2344
📜 Research note: Some names and captions were typed from originals and may reflect period spellings or minor typographical variations. When searching, try alternate spellings and cross-check with related records. ⚓
Curator’s Note
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