Across the Atlantic in Comfort: The SS Furnessia Second Class Passenger List, 16 March 1893

Front Cover of a Second Class Passenger List from the SS Furnessia of the Anchor Steamship Line, Departing Thursday, 16 March 1893, from Glasgow to New York via Moville, Commanded by Captain James Harris. This image describes a poster for second-class passengers traveling aboard the S.S. "Furnessia." The Visual Elements Likely Include Aspects of Transport, Watercraft, and the Sailing Experience. A Well-Preserved Passenger List. GGA Image ID # 1fc553c8be

🚢 Review & Summary — SS Furnessia Passenger List, 16 March 1893

Ship, Route, and Key Voyage Details

The SS Furnessia, operated by the Anchor Steamship Line, departed Thursday, 16 March 1893, from Glasgow, Scotland, bound for New York City via Moville, Ireland. This was a Second Class passenger manifest, reflecting the growing importance of middle-class transatlantic travel in the late 19th century.
Commanding the voyage was Captain James Harris, supported by an experienced senior staff including:

• Surgeon: Robert Robertson
• Purser: David Bruce
• Chief Steward: Samuel Hendry
• Matrons: Miss Brodie & Miss McFarlane

This sailing represented a well-timed seasonal crossing, just ahead of spring, often chosen by emigrants, students, clergy, and professionals seeking opportunities in North America.

The Ship: SS Furnessia

• Launched: 1880
• Operator: Anchor Line (Henderson Brothers, Glasgow)
• Tonnage: ~5,500 GRT
• Typical Route: Glasgow → Moville → New York
• Design: Built for both emigrant and cabin passenger traffic, but by the 1890s she had become popular for affordable second-class service.
• Notable Features: Twin-screw propulsion for stability, spacious second-class lounges, and an emphasis on meals and accommodations that rivaled many competitors’ first-class on smaller ships.

Senior Officers and Staff

1. Commander: Captain James Harris
2. Surgeon: Robert Robertson
3. Purser: David Bruce
4. Chief Steward: Samuel Hendry
5. Matron: Miss Brodie
6. Matron: Miss McFarlane

Second Class Passengers

1. Mrs. Margaret. Abercromby
2. Mr. Geo. M. Allan
3. Mr. Alex. Allan
4. Mr. Win. Allan
5. Mr. George Allan
6. Mr. John Anderson
7. Mr. R. Anderson
8. Mr. Anderson
9. Mr. James Archibald
10. Mr. Alex. Barclay
11. Mr. John Barron
12. Mr. Wm. A. Black
13. Mr. N. T. Black
14. Mrs. Isabella Black
15. Miss Ethel Black
16. Miss Lizzie Black
17. Miss Rachael Black
18. Mr. Chas. S. Booth
19. Mr. James Borland
20. Mrs. Borland
21. Miss Jane Borland
22. Mrs. Lily Bremmer
23. Mr. Allan Bremmer
24. Mr. Malcolm Bremmer
25. Master George Bremmer
26. Miss Jane Bremmer
27. Mr. Peter Brown
28. Mr. Geo. Brown
29. Mrs. Brown
30. Miss Margaret Brown
31. Mr. Robert Brown
32. Mrs. Brown
33. Miss Grace Brown
34. Master Robert Brown
35. Mr. Wm. Buchanan
36. Mr. Charles Buist
37. Mr. George Burnett
38. Miss Eliza J. Caldwell
39. Miss Eliz. Caldwell
40. Mr. Jas. Cameron
41. Mr. Alex. Cameron
42. Mr. James Cameron
43. Mr. John Campbell
44. Mr. John H. Campbell
45. Miss Elen Carlson
46. Miss Emma Carlson
47. Mr. II. Carruthers
48. Mr. Alex. Caven
49. Mr. Win. Charles
50. Mr. D. Charleston
51. Miss Lizzie Chestnut
52. Mr. Jens P. Christiansen
53. Mrs. Christiansen
54. Mr. Alex. Christie
55. Mrs. Ellen Christie And Infant
56. Miss Ellen Christie
57. Miss Mary Christie
58. Mr. William Cobban
59. Mrs. M. Collins
60. Miss Mary Collins
61. Miss Colville
62. Mr. Peter Cowieson
63. Miss Margaret Crichton
64. Mr. D. Cuming
65. Mr. Michael Curran
66. Miss Lizzie Daly
67. Mr. Alex. Davidson
68. Mr. Alex. Dick
69. Mr. Wm. Dick
70. Miss Mary Doherty
71. Mr. Charles Dongall
72. Mr. John Duncan
73. Mr. Matthew Dunn
74. Mr. Win. Elder
75. Miss Josephine Elder
76. Mr. Otto Enger
77. Mr. George Ewing
78. Mr. A. Farquharson
79. Mr. John A. Fee
80. Miss Rebecca Fields
81. Miss Maggie Fields
82. Mr. Charles Fisher
83. Miss Jessie Flynn
84. Master Gerald Flynn
85. Mr. Robert Forrest
86. Mr. Robert Forrest
87. Mrs. Forrest

88. Mr. Thomas Gadsby
89. Mr. George Gilpin
90. Mr. Win. J. Gilpin
91. Mrs. Mary Gilpin
92. Miss Mary A. Gilpin
93. Mr. Win. J. Gilpin
94. Mr. Jacob Gilpin
95. Mr. James Gordon
96. Mr. John T. Graham
97. Mr. John Grant
98. Miss Jane Grant
99. Mr. Wm. Gray
100. Mr. Robert Gray
101. Mr. John Grieve
102. Mr. Laughlan Grieve
103. Mr. Henry K. Grunson
104. Mr. Thomas B. Guthrie
105. Mr. William Guthrie
106. Mrs. Martha Guthrie
107. Miss Marion Guthrie
108. Mr. George Harkness
109. Mr. Hazlett
110. Mrs. Hazlett
111. Miss Annie L. Hazlett
112. Mr. Albert Hellstrom
113. Miss Ellen Henderson
114. Mr. Horn Mrs. Horn
115. Miss Ann Horn
116. Miss Sarah Hughes
117. Miss Rose Jackson
118. Mr. O. Jansen
119. Miss Bella Jennings
120. Mr. Kajus A. Jensen
121. Mr. J. Johnson
122. Mrs. Johnson
123. Miss Mary Kennedy
124. Mr. Hugh Ledlie
125. Mr. Joseph Lee
126. Mr. Robert M. Lemon
127. Mr. John Lightbody
128. Mrs. Light body
129. Mr. John D. Lockhart
130. Mr. Gilbert Logan
131. Mrs. Logan
132. Miss Mary Logan
133. Miss Maggie Logan
134. Mr. Hugh Logan
135. Mr. James Logan
136. Miss Jane Logan
137. Mr. Herbert H. Mann
138. Miss Martha Marshall
139. Mr. Jas. Mathie
140. Mr. Wm. Matthewson
141. Miss Annie Meehan
142. Mr. Jas. Melvin
143. Mr. Robt. Michie
144. Miss Mary Middleton
145. Mr. Jas. Milne
146. Mr. Arehd. Mitchell
147. Mr. Ranal Mitchell
148. Mr. Frank Mitchell
149. Mrs. Mitchell
150. Mr. Hugh Moffat
151. Mrs. Moffat
152. Miss Maggie Mohan
153. Mr. Win. Monro
154. Mr. Samuel Moore
155. Mr. William Morrin
156. Mr. Robert Muir
157. Miss Jane Muir
158. Mr. Arthur Muiry
159. Mr. Geo. Murray
160. Mrs. Eliza McCart
161. Miss Maggie McCart
162. Mr. James McCart
163. Miss Isabella McCart
164. Master William McCart
165. Miss Eliza McCart
166. Miss Sarah McCart
167. Mr. George McCordick
168. Mr. Joseph McCordick
169. Mr. John McDonald
170. Mr. James McFadden
171. Miss Catherine McGeown
172. Miss Bridget McGeown
173. Mr. Bernard McGhee
174. Mr. Win. McGinty
175. Mr. John McIntosh
176. Mr. Donald McIntosh
177. Mrs. McKerrow
178. Miss McKerrow
179. Mr. Donald McLachlan
180. Mr. James McLagan
181. Mr. Neil McMullan
182. Mr. Lachlan McRae
183. Mr. Alex. McRobb
184. Mr. Win. McRobbie
185. Mr. Win. McWilliam

186. Miss Louisa C. Nelson
187. Mr. W. H. Newman
188. Mr. Lars P. Nielson
189. Mrs. Nielson
190. Master Alfred Nielson
191. Miss Petra Nilson
192. Mr. Win. Nisbet
193. Mr. M in. Jas. Norris
194. Mr. Alex. Norval
195. Mrs. Norval
196. Miss Lizzie Park
197. Mr. Thos. Patter
198. Mrs. Patter
199. Master Stanley Putter
200. Miss Flora Patter
201. Mr. Robert Peacock
202. Mr. Win. Peacock
203. Mr. John Peany
204. Mr. Lars P. Peterson
205. Mr. James Picken
206. Miss Maggie Platt
207. Mr. Paul Pollok
208. Mr. Frederik Potter
209. Miss Janet P. Pow
210. Mr. Wm. Pringle
211. Mr. Allan Ramsay
212. Mr. Robert Rhynd
213. Mr. Geo. Robb
214. Mrs. George Robb
215. Miss Annie M. Robb
216. Mr. Hugh Roberts
217. Mrs. Robertson
218. Master Archd. Robertson
219. Miss Maggie Robertson
220. Master Bernie Robertson
221. Miss Kaie Robertson
222. Mr. D. W. Rock
223. Mr. Allen H. Rowley
224. Mr. Alex. Russell
225. Mr. James Rust
226. Mr. Samuel Sampson
227. Mr. James Sangster
228. Mr. Hugh Scogie
229. Mr. Andrew Scott
230. Mr. George Shepherd
231. Mr. John G. Sindair
232. Mr. Thomas Skevington
233. Mr. Henry Smalls
234. Mr. Robert W. Smart
235. Mr. Robert Smart
236. Mrs. Smart
237. Master John Smart
238. Mr. Thomas Smellie
239. Mr. Win. Smith
240. Mr. Chas. A. Smith
241. Miss Catherine Smith
242. Mrs. John Solloway
243. Mrs. Spence
244. Mr. Joseph Stark
245. Mr. Robt. K. Stevenson
246. Mrs. Barbara Stewart
247. Mr. Wm. Stewart
248. Mrs. Agnes Stewart
249. Mrs. Margaret Taylor
250. Miss Mary C. Taylor
251. Master James Taylor
252. Miss Lizzie Taylor
253. Mr. John Thomson
254. Capt. R. Titland
255. Mrs. Titland
256. Mr. Wm. M. Veitch
257. Mr. John S. Walls
258. Mr. C. W. Walker
259. Mr. Eb. Walker
260. Miss Lizzie Walker
261. Mrs. Julia Warren
262. Master James Warren
263. Miss Mary Warren
264. Mr. William Watson
265. Mrs. Watson
266. Mr. William J. Watson
267. Mr. Isaac Watson
268. Miss Sarah Watson
269. Mr. Watt Mrs. Watt
270. Mr. James Weir
271. Mr. W. J. White
272. Mr. Samuel Whittaker
273. Mrs. Eliz. Whittaker
274. Master John C. Whittaker
275. Master S. W. Whittaker
276. Mr. Alex. Wilkie
277. Mrs. Wilkie
278. Mr. John Williamson
279. Mrs. Williamson
280. Mr. Wilson
281. Miss Margaret Wilson
282. Mr. Alex. T. Wilson
283. Miss Mary Jane Woods
284. Mr. D. Wright

Notable Passengers & Historical Context

While this was largely a middle-class manifest, several passengers stand out for their professional or social prominence:

Maritime & Military

Capt. R. Titland — Likely a Norwegian or Scottish mariner traveling either for commercial shipping duties or family matters. His presence among second-class travelers may indicate a transfer to a vessel in New York or business within the maritime sector.

Religious Figures

Although no high-profile clergy dominate the list as in some saloon-class voyages, second-class travel frequently included missionaries, lay ministers, or theological students—especially on Anchor Line ships, which were popular with church-affiliated travelers.

Professionals & Skilled Workers

Several passengers, such as Mr. Charles A. Smith, Mr. Robert W. Smart, and Mr. Samuel Whittaker, likely represented the rising skilled artisan and merchant classes who could afford the more comfortable and spacious second-class accommodations.

The inclusion of Mr. Wm. J. Gilpin and family hints at small business owners relocating to or visiting America, as the Gilpin name is linked historically with merchant activity.

Family Migration & Transatlantic Links

Names like Mrs. Ellen Christie and Infant, the McCart family, and the Hazlett family suggest multi-generational travel or chain migration, in which relatives already in America sponsored others to join them.

The mix of Scottish, Irish, Scandinavian, and English surnames reflects Glasgow’s role as a transatlantic departure hub for multiple ethnic communities.

Notable International Passenger

Mr. Kajus A. Jensen — A name of possible Danish or Norwegian origin, illustrating the multi-national demographic of second-class transatlantic voyages.

A Note About Drafts

Drafts on the European Offices of Messrs. Henderson Brothers, Payable on Demand, for Any Amount, Can Be Obtained, Free of Charge, at the Principal Agencies of the Anchor Line Throughout America. Similar Drafts on New York Can Be Had at Any of the European Offices of Messrs. Henderson Brothers.

What Makes This Passenger List Engaging

Diversity of Backgrounds — From Scandinavian sailors to Irish agricultural workers, from Scottish craftsmen to English shopkeepers, the list is a living snapshot of the migration patterns of the 1890s.

Family Networks — Many group entries (same surnames traveling together) allow genealogists to trace familial relationships.

Ethnic Clues — Passenger surnames offer valuable insight for historians researching settlement patterns in American cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago.

Noteworthy Images 📸

Front Cover Artwork — An elegant lithograph capturing the Furnessia in profile, with visual nods to transatlantic travel and possibly New York Harbor.

List of Second Class Passengers — Provides a clear, well-preserved roll call, aiding in genealogical transcription.

Anchor Steamship Line Services Page — Outlines agency locations, ticketing procedures, and other services, offering historians a direct view of 19th-century passenger logistics.

Relevance for Teachers, Students, Historians, and Genealogists

For Teachers: This manifest can serve as a primary source for lessons on immigration, industrial-era transportation, and the socio-economic spectrum of late Victorian travelers.

For Students: Offers a tangible link between classroom immigration narratives and real individuals who made the journey.

For Genealogists: Provides critical departure and arrival data to connect with U.S. arrival records, naturalization documents, and census entries.

For Historians: Highlights the role of second-class travel as a bridge between elite saloon passengers and crowded steerage emigrants.

Final Thoughts – Why This Passenger List Matters ✨

The SS Furnessia’s 16 March 1893 sailing captures the transitional nature of transatlantic migration at the close of the 19th century. No longer exclusively the domain of the wealthy or the desperately poor, ships like the Furnessia facilitated the growth of an educated, mobile middle class crossing oceans for opportunity, education, or business.

This passenger list stands as a valuable historical record—not only for tracking individual journeys but also for understanding the broader cultural and economic forces shaping migration during the period.

Anchor Steamship Line Services. SS Furnessia Second Class Passenger List, 16 March 1893. GGA Image ID # 1fc578cecd

List of Second Class Passengers, SS Furnessia voyage of 16 March 1893. GGA Image ID # 22b529fea7. Click to View a Larger Image.

Purpose and Duties of a Matron on a Steamship in 1893

A Matron on a steamship in 1893 would have been responsible for a variety of duties to ensure the well-being and comfort of passengers, particularly women and children, during the often arduous transatlantic voyage. Her role would vary depending on the class of travel (steerage, second class, or first class) but generally included the following:

1. Supervising the Welfare of Female Passengers

• In Steerage: The Matron’s primary responsibility was to oversee and care for unaccompanied women, young girls, and families traveling in the steerage section. She ensured that proper behavior was maintained and that vulnerable women were protected from potential harassment or inappropriate behavior.
• In Second or First Class: While less common, a Matron in higher classes might assist women who were traveling alone or required additional help, such as elderly or infirm passengers.

2. Caring for Children

• The Matron often acted as a caretaker for children traveling without parents or those whose parents were overwhelmed or ill. She might supervise group play, ensure they were fed properly, and watch over their safety during the voyage.

3. Assisting with Medical Needs

• The Matron worked alongside the ship’s surgeon to care for sick passengers. This could include distributing medicine, ensuring passengers followed medical advice, and offering basic first aid. In steerage, where conditions were often overcrowded and unsanitary, the Matron’s role in monitoring hygiene and preventing the spread of illness was critical.

4. Monitoring Hygiene and Cleanliness

• In steerage, the Matron would ensure that the passengers maintained personal hygiene and that living areas were kept as clean as possible. This might involve inspecting the berths and common areas and encouraging passengers to use facilities like communal washrooms and fresh air on deck.

5. Distributing Meals

• In lower classes, the Matron might help with meal distribution, ensuring that women and children received food and that the process was orderly. She might also assist passengers in understanding how to access meals or adhere to shipboard schedules.

6. Providing Moral Guidance and Support

• The Matron acted as a moral authority, especially in steerage. She helped maintain decorum and often provided emotional support to passengers who were homesick, frightened, or uncertain about their future.

7. Handling Documentation and Immigration Preparation

• She might assist female passengers with their documents or provide guidance on immigration procedures to prepare them for inspections at the port of arrival, such as Ellis Island or Québec. This included ensuring that passengers had their belongings and paperwork ready for disembarkation.

8. Maintaining Order During Emergencies

• In case of emergencies, such as rough seas, illness outbreaks, or shipboard accidents, the Matron would help calm and organize women and children, ensuring they followed safety protocols and stayed in designated areas.

Skills and Qualities of a Matron:

• Firm yet Compassionate Leadership: The Matron needed to maintain order while being approachable.
• Good Communication: She often dealt with passengers from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
• Practical Knowledge: Basic medical training and knowledge of sanitation and hygiene practices were essential.

Importance of the Role:

The Matron’s presence was particularly vital in steerage, where conditions could be harsh and overwhelming for passengers. By focusing on the welfare of women and children, the Matron ensured that passengers were safer, healthier, and better prepared for the challenges they might face after their journey.