A Floating Salon: Elite Passengers Aboard the SS City of Rome, 23 August 1884
Front Cover for a Saloon Passenger List for the SS City of Rome of the Anchor Line, Departing 23 August 1884 from Liverpool to New York, Commanded by Captain R. D. Munro. GGA Image ID # 15b681d8d8
🌍 Voyage Overview
- Ship Name: SS City of Rome
- Operator: Anchor Line
- Captain: R. D. Munro
- Route: Liverpool → Queenstown → New York
- Departure Date: Saturday, 23 August 1884
- Class Covered: Saloon Class (First Class)
- Purpose: Luxury transatlantic voyage carrying elite travelers, religious figures, government officials, professionals, and affluent families
This journey occurred during the golden age of steamship travel, with the City of Rome representing the ambition and engineering prowess of its era. It was a time when crossing the Atlantic in Saloon Class marked social distinction, intellectual exchange, and the movement of political, religious, and cultural influencers.
⚙️ Key Features of the SS City of Rome
- Launched: 1881 by Barrow Shipbuilding Company
- Length: 560 feet — among the longest ships of its day
- Tonnage: 8,415 gross tons
- Speed: Up to 17 knots
- Passenger Capacity: Over 1,000 (with approximately 300 in Saloon Class)
- Known For: Striking visual profile with three funnels, luxurious interiors, and artistic embellishments
- Fate: Scrapped in 1900 after serving multiple lines and routes
Senior Officers and Staff
- Commander: Captain R. D. Munro
- Purser: B. Newsom
- Assistant Purser: J. W. Corbett
- Surgeon: Dr. Edmond Murphy
- Chief Steward: McConnell
- Stewardess: Mrs. Cook
- Stewardess: Miss Laurie
- Stewardess: Mrs. Rome
Saloon Passengers
- Mr. J. E. Aldons
- Mr. Edward Arnold
- Mrs. S. Ashley
- Mr. Noel Abbott
- Mrs. W. C. Andrews
- Lt. W. E. Ayer, U.S.A
- Mr. M. F. Armington
- Rev. W. Angwin
- Mr. John Andrews
- Mr. J. C. Allan
- Mr. H. G. Anderson
- Mr. T. H. Armstrong
- Mrs. F. Baker
- Mr. J. Burn
- Mr. G. A. Bacon
- Mr. W. R. Bridgman
- Mrs. C. A. Bacon
- Miss Brittlebank
- Mr. Hugh Brittlebank
- Mr. George D. Bromley
- Miss Ellen Bromley
- Miss Ella Bromley
- Mrs. E. Blocksidge and Child
- Mrs. C. Blocksidge
- Mr. R. Barnes
- Mr. J. Brickwood
- Mr. B. Boorman
- Mrs. P. Britt
- Mr. M. M. Bowen
- Mrs. Bowen
- Miss Lilian Bowen
- Mr. H. Barron
- Mr. J. S. Bath
- Miss M. M. Bath
- Mr. O. G. Brooks
- Mrs. Brooks
- Mr. J. I. Blakslee
- Mrs. Blakslee
- Mr. C. A. Blakslee
- Mr. T. E. Brewster
- Mr. W. A. Briscoe
- Mrs. Briscoe
- Mr. G. W. Balch
- Mrs. Balch
- Miss Bessie Balch
- Miss Kate Balch
- Master Fred Balch
- Mrs. G. H. Barrett
- Miss L. A. Barron
- Mr. W. Bradford
- Mr. B. Bowron
- Rev. G. Beckett
- Mr. A. C. F. Boulton
- Mr. Guido Bossard
- Miss L. Barth
- Miss H. A. Biddle
- Rev. P. Brophy
- Rev. Ed. Cockburn
- Mrs. Cockburn
- Mr. G. C. Crane
- Mrs. C. Cook
- Miss Carrie Cook
- Mr. Fred. M. Crunden
- Mr. A. Cochrane
- Mrs. Cochrane
- Mr. S. T. Culp
- Mrs. Culp
- Mr. A. Coleby
- Mr. G. L. Curtis
- Mr. James Cumming
- Miss Crawford
- Mr. .J. H. Coit
- Mr. A. T. Clarke
- Miss Lou Clark
- Mrs. E. K. Clark
- Master A. F. Clark
- Mr. A. G. Cameron
- Miss S. Cheek
- Mr. H. M. Chester
- Mr. Jos. Culbert
- Miss Gertrude Culbert
- Mr. Wm. Crawford
- Mr. John Crawford
- Mr. D. Crawford
- Mr. W. J. Campbell
- Miss Cooper
- Rev. J. Cuckson
- Mrs. Cuckson
- Mr. A. Clarke
- Mr. W. V. Davis
- Mr. J. Doran
- Mrs. Doran
- Mr. A. Douglas
- Mr. D. W. Dickson
- Miss E. P. Dye
- Mr. Y. Druon
- Mr. P. N. Degerberg
- Miss E. Dodson
- Mrs. Mary C. Davidson
- Miss E. Down
- Mr. John Dawson
- Dr. Frank Donaldson
- Miss M. Dougall
- Miss L. Dougall
- Mr. James G. De Witt
- Rev. W. J. Darby
- Mr. P. R. Danby
- Mr. E. B. Dorsey
- Mr. L. E. Dyer
- Mr. Peter Eadie
- Mr. E. T. Ekey
- Mr. H. L. Edwards
- Mrs. J. B. Fisher
- Miss J. G. Fisher
- Mr. G. W. Fetter
- Miss A. E. Freeman
- Mr. Charles Forrest
- Miss Francis Fisher
- Miss H. H. Forsayeth
- Mr. J. M. Fitzgerald
- Mr. Thomas Farr
- Mr. L. T. R. Franca
- Mrs. Franca
- Miss Victoria Franca
- Miss Beatrez Franca
- Mr. F. T. Gates
- Mr. J. P. Green
- Mrs. Green
- Miss P. Green
- Miss Marie Green and Maid
- Master K. S. Green
- Mr. John Goldie
- Mrs. Goldie
- Miss Nellie Gunn
- Mr. W. T. Galey
- Mr. F. Gardner
- Miss Galey
- Mr. A. H. Greenawalt
- Mrs. Greenwalt
- Mr. Edward Gray
- Mrs. Gray
- Mr. John Gibson
- Mr. Guinness
- Mrs. Guinness
- Mr. M. Hagerty
- Mrs. Hagerty
- Miss Mary Hagerty
- Miss Kate Hagerty
- Mr. J. H. Hagerty
- Mr. G. Hoyt
- Mr. Chas. H. Hayes
- Mrs. Hayes
- Mr. J. Hay
- Miss J. L Hay
- Mr. J. E. Howard
- Don Manuel Herrerias
- Don Herrerias
- Mrs. E. M. Hattersley
- Mrs. Hughes
- Mrs. Dr. A. F. Hawkins and Child
- Miss May Hawkins
- Mr. John J. Hardy
- Mr. J. W. Haine
- Mr. T. Hughes
- Mrs, M. C. Hinman
- Mr. A. G. Howard
- Mrs. E. H. Habick
- Mr. F. G. Harvey
- Mrs. Hartley
- Mr. W. S. Hurry
- Mrs. D. Hynes
- Mr. J. H. Hudson
- Mr. W. B. Hislop
- Mrs. Hislop
- Mrs. W. H. Hornblower
- Mr. J. C. Hornblower
- Miss J. Izaguirre
- Mrs. C. Ingham and Child
- Mr. J. H. Irvine
- Mrs. R. Johnson
- Miss Mary Johnson
- Mr. R. James
- Mr. H. S. Johnson
- Mr. S. B. Joseph
- Miss R. P. Jacobs
- Mrs. R. L. Jones and Infant
- Miss Emma Jones
- Miss E. Jackson
- Mrs. Kimber
- Miss J. Kimber
- Mr. George Knowles
- Mrs. Knowles
- Mr. Walter H. Kent
- Miss Kenway
- Mr. P. Kenway
- Mr. H. C. Kroh
- Mrs. Kroh
- Mr. Peirse Kelly
- Mrs. W. T. Kitsell
- Mr. H. Kimber
- Mr. E. W. Kennedy
- Mr. Melville D. Landon
- Mrs. Landon
- Mr. Frank Land
- Mr. Ed. Lees
- Rev. W. Lloyd
- Mr. David Lyell, Senr
- Mr. David Lyell, Jr.
- Mrs. J. R. Laing
- Master W. J. Laing
- Miss Geneva Laing
- Mr. C. A. Liffiton
- Mr. C. Lecaille
- Rev. James Morton
- Mrs. Morton
- Mr. W. W. Montgomery
- Mr. Robt. Martin
- Dr. George Macloskie
- Mrs. Macloskie
- Mr. Chas. Macloskie
- Master G. Macloskie
- Mr. Wm. McGregor
- Mrs. McGregor
- Miss Anna McGregor
- Miss Maggie McGregor
- Miss Jessie McGregor
- Prof. Montgomery
- Mr. W. McCallum
- Mrs. McCallum and Child
- Mr. J. C. Mink
- Mrs. Mink
- Mr. W. J. Matthews
- Miss Maggie Mitchell
- Mr. P. McCallum
- Miss M McCallum
- Dr. A. H. McHatton
- Mr. Thomas H. Miller
- Mrs. Miller
- Mr. E. B. I, Müller
- Rev. C. D. Morris
- Mr. George Morgan
- Mrs. Morgan
- Mr. D. MacNiel
- Mrs. MacNiel
- Miss Bessie MacNiel
- Miss Carrie McNiel and Maid
- Mr. W. E. Mead
- Mr. J. E. Morris
- Mr. Craig A. Marsh
- Mrs. Marsh
- Mr. James Moore
- Judge F. A. Macomber
- Mrs. E. Maynard
- Mr. M. Maynard
- Mrs. Maynard
- Mr. R. F. Maynard
- Mr. James B. Murphy, Q.C.
- Mr. James Murphy
- Miss Marion Milne
- Mr. A. W. Mudge
- Mrs. Mudge
- Mr. E. F. Moloughney
- Mr. E. J. Moloughney
- Mrs. M. A. Moloughney
- Mrs. McIntosh
- Mr. A. J. Mitchell
- Mr. W. E. H. Massey
- Miss Massey
- Mr. R. J. Marden
- Mr. J. S. Morse
- Dr. M. Meigs
- Rev W. McDonald
- Mr. George M. Nichols
- Mr. W. D. Noyes
- Mr. C. P. Negroponte
- Mr. G. H. Norris
- Mrs. Norris
- Mr. J. Newman
- Mr. James Nichols
- Mr. Win. Nicholson
- Mr. G. A. Ovens
- Miss M. Ormerod
- Mr. Thos. Ogg
- Mr. T. H. O'Neill
- Mr. J. B. O'Brien
- Mr. E. L. Oppenheim, U.S. Consul at Cadiz
- Mr. N. Paulson
- Mrs. Paulson
- Mrs. Parnell
- Mr. Pollock
- Mr. G. F. Phillips
- Miss M. A. Platt
- Mr. J. Patterson
- Mrs. Patterson
- Miss E. J. Patterson
- Mr. J. Priddis
- Mrs. Priddis
- Miss Bessie Patterson
- Mr. Henry Parfitt
- Mrs. Parfitt
- Master A. Parfitt
- Miss E. Parsons
- Mr. C. Parsons
- Mr. Pesant
- Miss Parsons
- Miss Edith Pethick
- Mr. J. Pike
- Dr. J. Partridge
- Mr. R. Parker
- Mr. Louis D. Paldi
- Mr. J. J. Palmer
- Dr. T. M. Prudden
- Mr. Alex. C. Robinson
- Mr. Edward Rorke
- Mr. Edward A. Rorke
- Miss Mary Rorke
- Mr. F. Renaud
- Mrs. Renaud
- Honorable R. G.. Richards
- Senor Juan Rodriquez
- Mr. James Ridgway
- Mrs. Ridgway
- Lt. T. Ridgway
- Miss E. M. Ridgway
- Mr. Hugo Rosenberg
- Mr. B. O. Rodes
- Rev. E. H. Rutherford
- Mrs. Rutherford
- Mrs. J. W. Ricker
- Mr. G. H. Rout
- Mrs. Rout
- Miss C. Rout
- Rev. B. E. Reed
- Mr. Wm. Reid
- Mr. C. P. Robinson
- Mr. Frank Smyth
- Miss M. Stovel
- Mr. W. Stebbins
- Mr. F. W. Stephenson
- Mrs. Stephenson
- Mr. L. Sinsheimer
- Mrs. Sinsheimer
- Miss Hanna Sinsheimer
- Master H. Sinsheimer
- Master Benny Sinsheimer
- Master Alex. Sinsheimer
- Miss Sword
- Mr. H. E. Stockbridge
- Mr. R. Smith
- Senr. Mr. R. Smith, Jr.
- Mr. G. S. Smith
- Mrs. Smith
- Mr. Robert Smith
- Mr. Samuel R. Stott
- Mr. James Shea
- Mr. Thomas Shedd
- Senor D. Marco A. Soto
- Mr. C. F. Stewart
- Miss Louisa Scott
- Mr. H. Savile
- Mr. James Seeley
- Mr. W. E. Swentzel
- Mrs. Swentzel and Child
- Mr. F. A. Sayles
- Mr. E. J. Sanders
- Mrs. Sanders
- Mr. Alder Smart
- Mr. H. J. Schlaepfer
- Mr. T. J. Simmons
- Miss Symington
- Miss R. Sims
- Mrs. J. T. Smith
- Mr. Wm. T. Schaefer
- Mr. W. Sanderson
- Mr. J. C. Scott
- Mrs. Scott
- Mr. W. Smith
- Marquis De Piro Testaferrata
- Mrs. Thompson
- Mr. Walter Thompson
- Rev. J. G. Taylor
- Mr. E. Tapscott
- Mr. Julius Townsend
- Mr. Joseph Thompson
- Mrs. Thompson and Maid
- Mrs. Leah Thompson
- Miss Mattie Thompson
- Master John Thompson
- Mr. Thos. E. Turner
- Mr. Turner
- Mrs. Turner
- Mr. V. G. Thomas
- Mr. F. G. Thomas
- Mrs. Tait
- Mr. Parfitt Thomas
- Mrs. J. Traverse
- Mr. R. S. Van Cleve
- Mr. H. B. Western
- Mrs. Western and Child
- Miss S. Winslow
- Mr. P. H. Wickland
- Rev. G. K. Ward
- Mr. W. E. Whyte
- Miss Florence Woodward
- Mr. A. M. Wilcox
- Mr. A. White
- Mrs. White
- Mr. A. White
- Mr. G. G. Ward
- Mrs. Ward
- Mr. J. J. Wilder, Russian Consul. Savannah
- Mr. W. W. Williamson
- Mrs. E. Worthington and Child
- Miss Ella Warren
- Mr. Thos. Wilbraham
- Mrs. Wilbraham
- Mr. Thos. Whitridge
- Miss A. Waller
- Miss V. Waller
- Mr. R. T. Wright
- Mrs. Wright
- Mr. J. A. Walsh
- Miss A. B. Weir
- Mr. Williams
- Mr. Charltin Yornall
- Mr. E. B. Watson
- Mr. W. C. Young
- Mrs. Young
- Mrs. C. C. Young
- Miss E. Young
- Miss S. Young
👥 Notable Individuals Onboard (Saloon Class)
⛪ Religious Leaders
Rev. W. Angwin – Likely a Wesleyan or Anglican minister, traveling alone, possibly to serve or visit congregations in the United States.
Rev. G. Beckett – Another Protestant minister, indicative of missionary or ecumenical travel across the Atlantic.
Rev. P. Brophy – A name often associated with Irish Catholic clergy; his presence may suggest outreach to diaspora communities.
Rev. Ed. Cockburn – Traveling with his wife; possibly a Presbyterian minister of Scottish or Northern English origin.
Rev. J. Cuckson – Accompanied by Mrs. Cuckson, possibly a Unitarian minister or intellectual clergyman.
Rev. W. J. Darby – Known surname among English Methodists or Anglicans; the inclusion of multiple clergy indicates religious purpose behind travel.
Rev. W. Lloyd, Rev. C. D. Morris, Rev. W. McDonald, Rev. E. H. Rutherford, Rev. B. E. Reed, Rev. J. G. Taylor, Rev. G. K. Ward – This extraordinary concentration of clergy, spanning denominations, suggests a religious conference, mission effort, or spiritual diplomacy.
🎓 Academics and Scientists
Prof. Montgomery – While the full affiliation is not specified, the title of "Professor" in this era typically indicated affiliation with an American or British university.
Dr. George Macloskie – A naturalist and professor at Princeton University, known for contributions to biology and religious science discussions.
Dr. Frank Donaldson – A Philadelphia-based physician and pathologist, known for his expertise in lung disease.
Dr. A. H. McHatton – Possibly affiliated with a southern U.S. medical school, such as the Medical College of Georgia.
Dr. M. Meigs – Could be related to the Meigs family of Washington, D.C., known for contributions to medicine and engineering.
Dr. J. Partridge and Dr. T. M. Prudden – The latter was a prominent pathologist and early public health advocate from New York.
🎖️ Government and Diplomatic Figures
Lt. W. E. Ayer, U.S.A. – A lieutenant in the United States Army, representing military diplomacy and transatlantic defense ties.
Judge F. A. Macomber – A legal authority likely returning from official or personal travel; possibly connected to Massachusetts judicial history.
Mr. E. L. Oppenheim, U.S. Consul at Cadiz – A U.S. diplomat stationed in Spain, possibly returning on furlough or reassignment.
Mr. J. J. Wilder, Russian Consul, Savannah – A rare and notable entry; represents Russian diplomatic presence in the Southern U.S.
🏛️ VIPs, Nobility, and the Social Elite
James B. Murphy, Q.C. – A Queen’s Counsel (Q.C.), a distinguished legal rank in the British legal system.
Marquis De Piro Testaferrata – A member of Maltese nobility, part of the De Piro family, historically tied to diplomacy and Catholicism.
🎯 Most Engaging Aspects
Incredible Number of Religious Figures – The concentration of clergy—many traveling with family—suggests a moment of transatlantic spiritual collaboration or conference.
International Diplomacy on Display – With both U.S. and foreign consular officials aboard, the passenger list reflects political and diplomatic complexity.
Academic and Medical Talent – The presence of professors and doctors marks this as a floating salon of intellectual power.
Social Hierarchies and Mobility – The interplay of nobility, professionals, and wealthy families encapsulates the layered structure of late 19th-century elite travel.
🧭 Relevance for Educators, Historians, and Genealogists
📚 Educators:
A vivid teaching tool to explore Victorian-era globalism, religion and diplomacy, and elite migration.
Great for lessons in maritime history, social class, and Atlantic World networks.
👨👩👧👦 Genealogists:
High concentration of family units and titled individuals ideal for pedigree research, especially among British, Irish, and American elites.
Several surnames (e.g., Macloskie, Meigs, Cockburn) are historically traceable.
📜 Historians:
Valuable insight into 1880s transatlantic society, including clergy movements, medical exchange, and elite networking.
Reflects the maritime strength of the Anchor Line and the prestige of ships like the City of Rome.
📘 Final Thoughts – Why This Passenger List Matters
The 23 August 1884 Saloon Passenger List of the SS City of Rome stands as a rare archival window into the gilded corridors of transatlantic influence. With diplomats, doctors, professors, judges, nobles, and over a dozen religious leaders, it tells the story of a world on the move—one connected by faith, science, power, and curiosity. This isn’t just a list of passengers—it’s a floating symposium of the late 19th century.
Anchor Line Services on the Back Cover, SS City of Rome Saloon Class Passenger List, 23 August 1884. GGA Image ID # 15b76cfaec
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.
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📜 History is worth keeping. Thanks for visiting and keeping it alive with me.
