SS Columbia Saloon Passenger List – 17 August 1912, Glasgow to New York (Anchor Line)

Front Cover of a Saloon Passenger List for the SS Columbia of the Anchor Line, Departing Saturday, 17 August 1912 from Glasgow to New York via Moville, Commanded by Captain John Black. The ship arrived in New York on 25 August 1912. Front Cover has a large illustration of a 2-funneled, 2-masted Steamship at Sea. Top Maring has "Anchor Line" text, Bottom Margin has "Passenger List" text. and "Saloon" was placed at the bottom of the Illustration. Saloon Passenger List for the SS Columbia, Featuring a Striking Illustration of a 2-Funneled, 2-Masted Steamship Cutting Through the Atlantic. “Anchor Line” and “Passenger List” Frame the Scene, With “Saloon” Elegantly Scripted Below the Vessel. | GGA Image ID # 172ff2589c

🚢 Review & Summary – SS Columbia Passenger List (17 August 1912)

Ship & Voyage Overview

The SS Columbia of the Anchor Line embarked on her transatlantic voyage from Glasgow to New York via Moville on Saturday, 17 August 1912, under the command of Captain John Black. The vessel arrived in New York on 25 August 1912, completing an 8-day crossing. At the time, the Columbia was part of the Anchor Line’s premier transatlantic service, offering comfortable Saloon accommodations and a well-appointed staff.

Key Details of the Ship:

• Launched: 1902
• Operator: Anchor Line (British)
• Typical Route: Glasgow – Moville – New York
• Class Featured: Saloon (First Class) Passengers
• Notable Amenities: Fine dining saloon, music room, smoking room, deck promenades, and stewardess service.
• Unique Note: The voyage took place just four months after the Titanic disaster, a period when passenger confidence and safety measures were under heightened scrutiny.

Senior Officers and Staff

1. Captain: John Black
2. Surgeon: David Moffatt
3. Purser: A. C. McCall
4. Chief Steward: T. White
5. Stewardess: Mrs. Wright
6. Stewardess: Mrs. McMenamie

Notable Individuals & Social Context

The Saloon passenger list reveals a diverse collection of travelers—professionals, clergy, business leaders, and socialites—crossing the Atlantic in the summer of 1912. While not all passengers have recorded historical prominence, several stand out for their professions, affiliations, or cultural context.

Clergy

Rev. J. C. Mimms – A religious leader making the crossing, possibly linked to missionary or ecclesiastical duties in North America, contributing to the tradition of clergy traveling between Britain and America for conferences and pastoral work.

Rev. S. B. Wylie – Likely a prominent Presbyterian minister, traveling with his family, illustrating the social importance of clergy as respected community leaders.

Medical & Academic

Dr. J. L. Porteous – A physician whose inclusion reflects the trend of professionals traveling for both personal enrichment and practice opportunities abroad.

Dr. T. F. Wolfe – Possibly connected to medical teaching or private practice, traveling with a family member, Miss Mary F. Wolfe.

Business & Cultural Figures

Byron W. Benson – His presence suggests connections to commercial or shipping enterprises, a common passenger profile on Anchor Line’s Saloon deck.

Fredric A. Lucas – Potentially the noted American museum director and ornithologist, adding cultural significance to the passenger roster.

Family Groups & Social Travelers

Multiple family groups—including the Dewars, Lesters, Greene family, Landons, Moodies, Mortlands, Ritchies, Robinsons, Smiths, Swearengens, and Wylies—illustrate the Columbia’s role as a vessel not only for business travelers but also for leisure, family reunions, and social tourism.

Information for Passengers

SALOON

Meals will be served in the Saloon at the following times:

• Breakfast from 8 to 10:
• Luncheon at 1 p.m.;
• Dinner at 6:30.
• 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.

Seats at Table.—The Chief Steward has the arrangement of the seats at table.

Forms, Stamps, Etc.—Music Room Steward is provided with Telegraph Forms, Stamps, etc. Telegrams and Letters for despatch to be handed to this Official (fully prepaid) one hour before leaving Moville. This Official will also provide Railway Time 'Fables for use of Passengers.

Divine Service may be held (once) on Sunday.

Dogs.—Passengers are notified that dogs cannot be landed in Great Britain unless a license has been previously procure d from the Foard of Agriculture, London. Forms of license can only be obtained hv direct application to the Department before the dog is taken on board. Dogs may be taken on certain dates and by special agreement only.

Baggage.—All enquiries regarding baggage should be made to the Second Steward and Trunks, Wraps, etc., will be received, stored and shipped by the Company for the return voyage. The Second 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 $1.00 for the voyage. Printed receipt to be obtained by Passengers for this hire.

Valuables.—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.

Receipts.—Passengers should obtain a receipt on the Company's form for any additional Passage Money or Freight paid on board.

Glasgow to New York Passengers.—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.

Customs.—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 copyright books and music will be confiscated.

Surgeon.—Each Steamer carries an experienced Surgeon, who is authorized to make customary charges, subject to the approval of the Commander, for treating Saloon Passengers at their request for any illness not originating on board the ship. In the case of sickness contracted on board no charge will be made and medicine will be provided free.

Most Engaging Aspects of the Passenger List

Variety of Social Roles – From physicians and clergy to business executives and well-traveled families, the Saloon deck was a microcosm of Edwardian upper-class society at sea.

Historical Timing – Sailing mere months after the Titanic, the voyage reflects evolving passenger awareness of maritime safety, as seen in the ship’s published safety and service notices.

Family-Centered Travel – The high number of multi-generational travelers highlights the transatlantic shipping lines’ appeal to families seeking comfort and stability on long voyages.

📚 Relevance of This Voyage

For teachers, students, historians, genealogists, and researchers, this passenger list offers:

Genealogical value – Direct name listings allow descendants to trace travel movements, family groupings, and possible immigration or business connections.

Social history – Provides insight into the composition of upper-class maritime society in the pre-WWI years.

Educational resource – Excellent for classroom discussions on Edwardian travel culture, transatlantic commerce, and post-Titanic maritime safety.

Maritime studies – Reveals the role of the Anchor Line as a bridge between Scotland, Ireland, and North America.

Final Thoughts – Why This Passenger List Matters

The SS Columbia’s August 1912 voyage captures a moment in transatlantic history when travel was as much about experience as it was about destination. The passenger list reflects a world on the brink of transformation—socially, technologically, and politically. As such, it serves not only as a genealogical record but also as a cultural snapshot of Edwardian life at sea. 🌊⚓

Anchor Line Track Chart of the North Atlantic with a Memorandum of Log (Unused) on the Back Cover, SS Columbia Passenger List, 17 August 1912. Anchor Line Track Chart of the North Atlantic With an Unused Memorandum of Log, Underscoring the Era’s Fascination With Maritime Navigation. | GGA Image ID # 1da592e383