Elite Travelers at Sea: SS Minneapolis First Class Passenger List – 12 June 1909

Front Cover, SS Minneapolis First Class Passenger List, Departing 12 June 1909 from London to New York, Commanded by Captain Frank H. Claret, R.N.R. | GGA Image ID # 22c2b9a149

🚢 Review & Summary

On 12 June 1909, the SS Minneapolis of the Atlantic Transport Line departed London for New York, under the command of Captain Frank H. Claret, R.N.R. The voyage represented the height of Edwardian-era transatlantic travel, where First Class offered an exclusive roster of society figures, clergy, academics, and travelers of means.

The passenger list provides a window into the cultural and social composition of the Atlantic elite during the pre–World War I period, highlighting both prominent names and fascinating personal histories.

Explore the SS Minneapolis First Class passenger list from 12 June 1909. This voyage from London to New York included prizefighter Robert Fitzsimmons, educator Dr. William H. Davis, Rev. W. J. Dawson, and Florence Barbour—later a survivor of the Empress of Ireland.

⚓ About the SS Minneapolis

• Launched: 1900 by Harland & Wolff, Belfast
• Operator: Atlantic Transport Line (later part of International Mercantile Marine Company)
• Route: Primarily London–New York service
• Notable Features: Designed for First Class only, the ship carried no steerage passengers, offering exclusivity and privacy for an affluent clientele.

This positioned the Minneapolis as a preferred liner for wealthy families, academics, clergy, and figures from the cultural elite.

Photograph of the SS Minneapolis of the Atlantic Transport Line, 1901. Courtesy of the Gjenvick-Gjønvik Archives. A Rare Image Capturing Her Size and Profile Shortly After Launch, Reflecting the Grandeur of Early Atlantic Liners. | GGA Image ID # 22bea620f3

Senior Officers and Staff

1. Commander: Captain Frank H. Claret, R.N.R.
2. Surgeon: F. M. W. South
3. Chief Engineer: A. N. Cross
4. Purser: W. Blacklock
5. Chief Steward: N. Hart

First Class Passengers

1. Miss Frances Barbour
2. Miss Eliz. Barbour
3. Miss Florence Barbour (Note 1)
   
4. Miss Amy Calhoun
5. Miss G. V. Chaplin
6. Mr. C. W. Chase
7. Dr. William Henry Davis (Note 2)
   
8. Mrs. Susan D'Aintrey
9. Miss Laura D'Aintrey
10. Rev. W. J. Dawson, D.D
11. Miss Muriel Dawson
12. Miss Hilda Dawson
13. Mr. J. F. Day
14. Mrs. J. F. Day
15. Dr. Kirby Dwight
16. Mrs. Kirby Dwight
17. Mr. Robert Fitzsimmons
18. Mrs. Robert Fitzsimmons
19. Miss Florence Hays
20. Miss Fanny Hays
21. Miss Caroline Hays
22. Mrs. B. Ham
23. Miss Gladys Ham
24. Miss Ramona Ham
25. Miss Ada Hillier
26. Mr. Francis R. Kelly
27. Mr. Fred K. Keppel
28. Mr. Ernest E. Lloyd
29. Mrs. Ernest E. Lloyd
30. Dr. John C. Lynch
31. Mrs. John C. Lynch
32. Mr. William Henry Maxwell
33. Mr. K. McLeod
34. Mr. Louis McLaughlin
35. Miss McLaughlin
36. Miss Virginia Nourse
37. Miss P. E. Nares
38. Mr. James Phyfe
39. Dr. J. W. Purnell
40. Mrs. J. W. Purnell
41. Miss Phyllis Purnell
42. Miss Jane Rowland
43. Mr. Benjamin C. Starkins
44. Mrs. Benjamin C. Starkins
45. Miss Ruth Starkins
46. Miss Gladys Starkins
47. Miss Mary Starkins
48. Mr. C. George Spoerl
49. Mrs. C. George Spoerl
50. Miss Harriet Stone
51. Miss Isabelle Stone
52. Mr. Thomas O. Tracey
53. Mrs. Thomas O. Tracey
54. Mr. Frederick Taylor, F.R.C.S
55. Mrs. Frederick Taylor
56. Mr. A. E. Turner
57. Mrs. A. E. Turner
58. Master Robert Turner
59. Mr. Peter Tivnan
60. Miss Clara Whitson
61. Mrs. G. A. Yule

Notes About Passengers

1. Florence L. Barbour was rescued from the sinking of the RMS Empress of Ireland on the Saint Lawrence River, Quebec, May 29, 1914 by Robert W. Crellin of Silverstone, British Columbia
2. William Henry Davis was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on February 18, 1872. The son of former slaves Jerry and Susan Davis, Davis graduated from Louisville Colored High School in June 1888 at the age of 16, second in his class of eighteen students. Davis delivered the graduation address he titled, "The Dignity of Labor". In 1902 Howard University awarded Davis a Doctorate of Pharmacology

📜 Notable Individuals

🎓 Professors & Academics

Frederick Taylor, F.R.C.S. – A distinguished English physician and Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, Taylor was an authority in medicine and served as President of the Royal College of Physicians from 1915–1918. His presence on board speaks to the era’s medical leaders traveling between Britain and America.

William Henry Maxwell – Superintendent of New York City Schools (1898–1917), Maxwell was a leading figure in American education reform, shaping curricula and policy during a period of mass immigration and expansion. His travel underscores the professional exchange between Europe and America.

✝️ Religious Figures

Rev. W. J. Dawson, D.D. – A Congregationalist minister and writer known for his sermons and literary works. His inclusion highlights the role of clergy as both spiritual leaders and cultural commentators in early 20th-century transatlantic society.

🎭 Entertainment & Sports Figures

Robert Fitzsimmons – Legendary prizefighter, known as “Ruby Robert,” and the first three-division world boxing champion. By 1909, Fitzsimmons was already a sports icon, and his presence among the elite travelers made him one of the most recognizable names on board.

Florence L. Barbour – Later a survivor of the 1914 sinking of the RMS Empress of Ireland. Her name is particularly poignant, linking this voyage to another maritime tragedy.

🌍 Other Distinguished Passengers

Dr. William Henry Davis – Born in Louisville, Kentucky to formerly enslaved parents, Davis rose to prominence as an African American educator and was awarded a Doctorate of Pharmacology from Howard University. His story embodies resilience and achievement in the face of systemic racial barriers.

Information for Passengers

• Tea and Coffee... at 7 a.m
• Breakfast ... 8:30 a.m
• Lunch ... 1:00 pm
• Dinner ... 7:00 pm

Meals for Nurses and Children :—Breakfast, 8:00 am: Dinner, 12 noon, Tea, 5:00 pm

Please apply to Second Steward fen seating accommodation at Table.

Lights in the Saloon are extinguished at is pm, and in the Smoking Room at 11.30 pm.

Bar closes at 11:00 pm

Smoking is not allowed in the Saloon, State-rooms or Companion-ways.

The Saloon Steward will supply Stamps, Telegraph Forms, Books of Reference, and Railway Time Tables of the Principal Companies.

Divine Service.—Intimation regarding Divine Service will appear on the Notice Boards every Sunday morning.

Valuables.—Passengers are enjoined to be very careful in the disposal of small articles of baggage, more especially during Embarkation, when there are always strangers on Board.

The Atlantic Transport Line has provided a Safe in the office of the Purser in which Passengers may deposit Money, Jewels, or Ornaments for safe keeping. The Company will not be liable to Passengers for the loss of Money, Jewels, or Ornaments, by theft or otherwise, not so deposited.

For the convenience of Passengers the Purser is prepared to exchange a limited amount of English and American money. The rate of exchange will be $4.80 to the ,Cr when giving American in exchange for English currency, and 6C1 to $4.95 when giving English money for American.

Baggage.—Only hand-bags and trunks which will fit underneath the berths are allowed in the State-rooms; all large or heavy baggage must be placed in the Baggage Room, to which access can be gained by applying to the Officer in charge of Baggage.

Passengers will greatly expedite the disembarkation if they will have their Stateroom Baggage packed ready for removal directly on arrival, so that the transfer may at once be proceeded with.

Baggage Checked From Pier at New York To Destination.—Upon arrival in New York steamers are met by uniformed representatives of the Railroads, from whom tickets can be purchased and baggage checked from the pier to any point on the Lines of the Pennsylvania, New York Central, Lehigh Valley, and connecting Railroads.

Electric Bell Calls.—For Steward, one ring; for Stewardess two rings.

Passengers' Addresses should be left with the Purser, in order that any letters sent to the care of the Company may be forwarded.

Letters.—Passengers may have their letters addressed to any of the Company's Offices given below, where they will be retained until called for, or forwarded according to instructions.

The Surgeon is authorized to make customary charges, subject to the approval of the Commander, for treating any Passengers at their request for any illness not originating on board the ship. In the case of sickness developed on board no charge will be made and medicine will be provided free in all circumstances.

Wireless Telegram Rates.

United States.—The minimum Marconi Rate, via Seagate, or through the medium of a passing steamer and this station is 8s. 4d. for ten words. Each extra word 6d.; text only counted; address and signature free; land charges additional; all fees must be prepaid.

The minimum Marconi Rate, via Seagate, Sagaponack or South Wellfleet (Cape Cod), or through the medium of a passing steamer and one of these stations is 8s. 4d. for ten words. Each extra word 6d.; text only counted; address and signature free; land charges additional; all fees must be prepaid.

The minimum rate via Siasconsett or Cape Race, or through the medium of a passing steamer and these stations is 12s. 6d. for ten words. Each extra word 9d.; text only counted; address and signature free; land charges additional; all fees must be prepaid.

The minimum Marconi Rate via Sable Island, or through the medium of a passing steamer and this station is 16s. 8d. for ten words. Each extra word is.; text only counted; address and signature free; land charges additional 7 • all fees must be prepaid.

United Kingdom.—The Marconi Rate via Crookhaven, or other stations in the United Kingdom, or through the medium of a passing steamer is 10d. per word; every word in address, text, and signature counted; land charges additional; all fees must be prepaid.

Ship To Ship is 8d. per word; every word in address, text, and signature counted, and all fees must be prepaid.

🎯 Relevance of this Voyage

For teachers and students, this passenger list offers insights into the interplay of education, religion, and society in the early 20th century.

For historians, the presence of figures like Robert Fitzsimmons and Dr. William Henry Davis connects themes of sports history, African American advancement, and cultural exchange.

For genealogists, the detailed names, family groups, and survival notes (e.g., Florence Barbour) make this a vital resource for tracing lineage and maritime connections.

📝 Final Thoughts – Why This Passenger List Matters

The SS Minneapolis voyage of June 1909 reflects the diversity of transatlantic travelers at the dawn of the modern era. From prizefighters to professors, ministers to medical leaders, the list reveals the social fabric of those who moved between London and New York.

The survival story of Florence Barbour, the achievements of Dr. William Henry Davis, and the celebrity of Robert Fitzsimmons give this passenger list a unique richness that elevates it beyond a simple record. It is a snapshot of Edwardian society afloat, connecting history, culture, and individual stories.

ATL Sailing Schedule, London-New York Service, From 19 June 1909 to 15 January 1910. Ships Included the Minnehaha, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, and Minnewaska. Steamers Sail From New York on Pier S9, North River, Foot of West Houston Street. SS Minneapolis First Class Passenger List, 12 June 1909. | GGA Image ID # 22c35e2e4e

Title Page, Listing of Senior Officers, List of Passengers, Part 1 (Barbour-Ham). SS Minneapolis First Class Passenger List, 12 June 1909. | GGA Image ID # 22c37babb3

List of Passengers, Part 2 (Hillier-Yule). SS Minneapolis First Class Passenger List, 12 June 1909. | GGA Image ID # 22c42be8c4

Information for Passengers and ATL Offices. SS Minneapolis First Class Passenger List, 12 June 1909. | GGA Image ID # 22c442bff1

Back Cover. Atlantic Transport Line Track Chart of the North Atlantic Ocean and Memorandum of Log (Unused). A Map for Passengers to Follow the Ship’s Progress Across the Atlantic. SS Minneapolis First Class Passenger List, 12 June 1909. | GGA Image ID # 22c5165ded