Annotated First-Class Passenger List of the SS Minnehaha, 27 September 1913 – Personal Notes by Charles W. Vernon, Jr.

Front Cover, SS Minnehaha First Class Passenger List, Departing 27 September 1913 from London to New York, Commanded by Captain Frank H. Claret. Annotated by one of the Passengers - interesting read. | GGA Image ID # 17322cba8c

Photograph of the SS Minnehaha of the Atlantic Transport Line, 1900. A Fine Side-Profile Showing Her as a Sturdy Yet Graceful Steamer. | GGA Image ID # 1fc6e4c748

📜 Review & Summary of the SS Minnehaha Passenger List (27 September 1913)

🛳 The Ship and Its Voyage

The SS Minnehaha, built in 1900 for the Atlantic Transport Line, was one of the company’s “M” class ships, designed primarily for the London–New York service. Measuring nearly 600 feet in length and over 13,000 gross tons, she was a robust vessel capable of carrying both passengers and large amounts of cargo, especially horses and livestock—an ATL specialty.

The SS Minnehaha was one of four sister ships (including Minneapolis, Minnetonka, and Minnewaska) built for the London–New York route. At over 13,000 tons, she was designed to balance cargo and passenger service, carrying both livestock and First-Class travelers in comfort. By 1913, she had become a regular on the transatlantic run, catering to wealthy professionals, diplomats, clergy, and artists.

This passenger list documents the 27 September 1913 sailing from London to New York, commanded by Captain Frank H. Claret, Lt. R.N.R. The list is particularly fascinating because one surviving copy was annotated by passenger Charles W. Vernon, Jr., who scribbled colorful, often humorous descriptions of his fellow travelers in pencil—a rare “social commentary” not usually found in such documents. This voyage departed Southampton on 27 September 1913 and arrived in New York on 5 October 1913, under Captain Frank H. Claret, Lt. R.N.R.

✨ This passenger list stands apart because it carries not just names, but personal impressions and humor, making it one of the liveliest and most unusual ocean liner records in existence.

🚢 Key Features of the SS Minnehaha

• Launched: 1900, Harland & Wolff, Belfast
• Operator: Atlantic Transport Line
• Route: London – New York direct (favored by shippers of horses and cattle)
• Tonnage: 13,443 GRT
• Notable: Survived grounding in 1910; torpedoed by U-boat in 1917 but survived; sunk by mine in 1918

Senior Officers and Staff

1. Captain: Frank H. Claret (Lt. R.N.R.) - "Congenial"
2. Surgeon: H. R. Gatley - "Noisy"
3. Purser: B. E. Creed
4. Chief Engineer J. J. Kehoe - "Blonde"
5. Chief Steward: W. Sismey - "Old"

📋 The Annotated Passenger List

Unlike ordinary lists, this copy belonged to Charles W. Vernon, Jr., who filled its margins with humorous and sometimes biting notes about his fellow travelers. Such commentary is exceedingly rare—turning a static document into a living record of personalities, gossip, and social dynamics at sea.

First Class Passengers

Highlighting Charles Vernon’s Penciled Annotations, Making the Names Come Alive.

1. Mrs. George T. Banzet
   "Holy Terror"
2. Miss Kate Bennett
   "Lanky"
3. Mrs. M. A. Bostwick
   "Party"
4. Mr. Campbell M. Chittenden
   "Frog"
5. Mrs. Campbell M. Chittenden
   "Wife"
6. Dr. H. D. Collins
7. Mrs. H. D. Collins
8. Miss Dorothy Collins
9. Master Hugh Collins
   "Old Man" and Nurse
10. Mr. James N. Coons
    Vulcan Iron Works - "Grandpa"
11. Mrs. Mary W. Coons
    "Grandma"
12. Mrs. Josephine H. Crossman
    "Ma"
13. Miss Patricia Crossman
    "The Flirt"
14. Miss A. M. Davison
    "Suite"
15. Mrs. Bertha Vaughan Dawes
16. Mr. Frank Miles Day (Note 1)
    
17. Mrs. Frank Miles Day
18. Miss Frances Day
    "Pretty"
19. Mr. Kenneth Day
20. Master Charles Drage
21. Master David Drage
22. Miss J. S. Dutton
23. Mr. James S. Easby-Smith (Note 2)
    
24. Major M. Falkner
    "English"
25. Mrs. M. Falkner
    "Young"
26. Master Falkner
27. Mr. Charles Fantle
    "South D."
28. Mrs. Charles Fantle
    "South D."
29. Dr. Ferguson
    "The Lecturer"
30. Miss Martha Fuller
31. Mr. Walter G. Fuller
    "Very Sick"
32. Miss Dorothy Fuller
    "Early Victorian"
33. Miss Rosaling Fuller
    "The Beauty"
34. Miss Cynthia Fuller
    "The Young"
35. Mrs. M. T. Gwathmey
36. Miss C. Gwathmey
37. Miss M. Gwathmey
    "The Best"
38. Mr. Deval L. Gwathmey
    "Nice"
39. Mr. Charles Harbeson
    "Uses Language"
40. Mrs. Lyn Harding (Note 3)
    
41. Mr. H. L. Harrison
    "Against Suffrage"
42. Mrs. H. L. Harrison
43. Mr. W. M. Hart
44. Mr. W. H. P. Hayman
45. Miss M. T. Healy
    "Very Pretty"

46. Miss M. F. Healy
    "Irish"
47. Mr. C. I. Hills
    "Money"
48. Mr. William Ford Howland
    Canadian Architect
49. Mrs. William Foid Howland
50. Mrs. Hunt
51. Miss Bessie R. Jeter
    "Bishop's Niece"
52. Mr. W. Guy Jones
    "Collies Owner"
53. Mr. Daniel Kelly
    "Fat Frown"
54. Mrs. Daniel Kelly
55. Miss M. V. King
    "Pretty, but sick"
56. Mr. Reginald Lamb
    "Hawkeye"
57. Mr. Raymond Lamb
    "Brother"
58. Mrs. Anna S. Lancey
    "Old"
59. Miss M. E. Lock
    "Plainfield"
60. Mrs. M. C. Locke
    "Wonderful"
61. Mrs. N. R. Lord
    "Dr's Hobby"
62. Miss Isabella Lupp
63. Miss Margaret Lupp
    "Spons"
64. Mrs. Macdona
65. Mr. C. G. Macklin
66. Mr. R. M. Manley
67. Mrs. R. M. Manley
68. Miss Marian Manley
69. Miss Dorothy Manley
70. Mrs. J. L. McNew
71. Mr. C. F. Meier
    "Bony"
72. Mr. Clarence Mellen
    "Youth"
73. Miss Mercer
    "South Africa"
74. Miss L. Mercer
    "South Africa"
75. Mrs. Cruttenden Percy
76. Miss L. H. Raymond
    "Green & Black"
77. Mr. Henry W. Read
    "Emerson"
78. Mr. Chas. A. Read, Jr.
    "Archibald"
79. Mr. W. H. Richards
    "Horsey"
80. Mr. F. C. Robertson
    "Shorthills"
81. Miss Isabel Robertson
    "Shorthills"
82. Miss W. Robinson
    "Bermuda"
83. Mr. John G. Rollins
    Weapons exporter based in London
84. Mr. Philip Sawyer (Note 4)
    
85. Mrs. Philip Sawyer (Mildred Conway)
    "The Ferrier"
86. Miss Mildred Sawyer
    "Sick"
87. Miss Eleanor Sawyer
88. Mrs. Stanley Sedgwick
    "London"
89. Mrs. Sophia Sharman
    "Auntie"
90. Miss N. M. Sharpe
    "Very Smart"
91. Mrs. A. O. Simpkin
    "Very Stout"
92. Mr. Richard Haveland Smythe (Note 5)
    
93. Mrs. L. B. Steele
    "Green Angel"
94. Miss V. Stephenson
    "The Danzel"
95. Mr. Parker Syms
    "Talks"
96. Mrs. Parker Syms
    "Sparrow"
97. Bishop Ethelbert Talbot (Note 6)
    
98. Mrs. Ethelbert Talbot
    Dora Harvey (1850-1920) - "Cook"
99. Miss M. G. Tennant
    "Smart"
100. Mr. George Thomas
     "The Angel"
101. Mr. G. G. Thorpe
102. Mrs. Sophia Van Marter
     "No Chicken"
103. Mr. Charles W. Vernon, Jr.
     "Awfully Nice"
104. Miss Peggy Whitaker
     "Baby Blue"
105. Mr. John G. White
     "Grand Pa"
106. Miss Muriel N. Whiting
     "Holly"
107. Miss Edith R. Wilson
     "Nun"
108. Mr. H. F. Wilson
109. Mrs. Clarence H. Youngs
     "Coy Young Thing"

Note: One of the passenger lists we have from this voyage was annotated by one of the Passengers (Mr. Charles W. Vernon, Jr.). Their annotations about fellow Passengers are enclosed within "quotes" after the name. Quite a "Gem."

Notes About Passengers

1. 🎓 Mr. Frank Miles Day (1861-1918) Celebrated Philadelphia architect, known for designing college buildings at Princeton and the University of Pennsylvania. His firm, Day & Klauder, helped define the Collegiate Gothic style still admired on American campuses today.
2. Mr. James S. Easby-Smith (1870- ? ) lawyer, author- Colonel James S. Easby-Smith of the Provost Marshal General's Office, was 18th to draw a number in the WWI draft that decided the order in which registrants under the new selective service legislation would be called into the nations service on September 30, 1918.
3. Mrs. Lyn Harding "Dutch" Wife of Lyn Harding (12 October 1867 – 26 December 1952) (real name David Llewellyn Harding) was a Welsh actor who spent 40 years on the stage before entering British made silent films, talkies and radio. He had an imposing and menacing stage presence and came to be cast as the villain in many films, notably Professor Moriarty in dramatizations of the Sherlock Holmes stories.
4. Mr. Philip Sawyer "Long" Philip C. Sawyer (1868–1949) - Partner in the prestigious New York architectural firm York & Sawyer, responsible for Beaux-Arts masterpieces such as the Bowery Savings Bank and the New York Historical Society building. The architectural firm of York and Sawyer produced many outstanding structures, exemplary of Beaux-Arts architecture as it was practiced in the United States. The partners Edward York (1863–1928) and Philip Sawyer (1868–1949) had both trained in the office of McKim, Mead, and White. In 1898, they established their independent firm, based in New York City
5. Mr. Richard Haveland Smythe "One of the Nuts" (1889-1965) New York City architect instrumental in recreating and restoring the village of Stony Brook on Long Island, New York, and was also noted for the creation of the modern store front as typified by the Melville Shoe Corp. of Thom McAn shoe stores across the nation.
6. Bishop Ethelbert Talbot (1848-1928) in 1897 The Right Rev. Ethelbert Talbot, D.D., LL.D., was elected Bishop of the Episcopal diocese of Pennsylvania. Dr. Talbot is at present Missionary Bishop of Wyoming and Idaho. In 1924, he became Presiding Bishop of the Church.

👤 Notable Individuals Onboard

The First-Class passenger list reflects a mix of prominent figures in architecture, law, religion, the arts, and society:

Mr. Frank Miles Day (1861–1918) – Renowned Philadelphia architect, partner in Day & Klauder, noted for collegiate Gothic designs at Princeton and the University of Pennsylvania. His presence shows the frequent Atlantic crossings of architects involved in transatlantic projects.

Colonel James S. Easby-Smith (1870–?) – Lawyer, author, and later attached to the Provost Marshal General’s Office. In 1918, he was among the first registrants chosen in America’s WWI draft lottery, giving him a place in U.S. military history.

🎭 Mrs. Lyn Harding – Wife of actor Lyn Harding (1867–1952), a Welsh stage and film actor famed for his imposing portrayals of Shakespearean villains and Professor Moriarty in Sherlock Holmes. Her presence reflects the ship’s role in carrying both social elites and entertainment figures.

🏛️ Mr. Philip C. Sawyer (1868–1949) – Prominent New York architect, co-founder of York and Sawyer, whose firm designed Beaux-Arts masterpieces like the New York Federal Reserve Bank and Bowery Savings Bank.

🏛️ Mr. Richard Haveland Smythe (1889–1965) – New York architect later known for his work in the restoration of Stony Brook, Long Island, and for pioneering modern storefront design for chains such as Thom McAn shoes. He is the architect credited with innovating the “modern storefront” design in the U.S., a quiet revolution in urban retail spaces.

✝️ Rt. Rev. Ethelbert Talbot (1848–1928) – Episcopal Bishop of Pennsylvania, formerly missionary bishop of Wyoming and Idaho. His influence was profound—famously invoking the “Women and children first” principle after the Titanic disaster, reinforcing his international moral presence. Episcopal Bishop of Pennsylvania, later Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. He was one of the most influential churchmen of his generation, known for his advocacy of moral leadership during a time of rapid social change.

🛠️ John G. Rollins – Associated with arms trade networks in London, illustrating how the Minnehaha carried not only cultural elites but also individuals connected to global industries shaping the early 20th century.

✒️ Charles W. Vernon, Jr. (Annotator) – His humorous marginalia, with labels such as “Holy Terror,” “The Flirt,” and “Uses Language,” are themselves a remarkable historical artifact, capturing Edwardian wit and shipboard social stratification.

Illustrated Mini-Biographies of Distinguished Passengers ✨

This section offers a closer look at several of the most remarkable travelers aboard the SS Minnehaha’s September 27, 1913 voyage. While the passenger list as a whole reveals an intriguing snapshot of society, certain names resonate far beyond the ship’s manifest. Authors, diplomats, artists, and public figures carried with them not only their personal stories but also the weight of cultural, political, and social influence.

Presented here are illustrated mini-biographies of selected individuals whose lives add depth and human texture to this voyage—figures whose presence transforms a list of names into a living historical tableau. 📖🌍

🌟 Illustrated Mini-Biographies

This section offers a closer look at several of the most remarkable travelers aboard the SS Minnehaha’s September 27, 1913 voyage. While the passenger list as a whole reveals an intriguing snapshot of society, certain names resonate far beyond the ship’s manifest. Authors, diplomats, artists, and public figures carried with them not only their personal stories but also the weight of cultural, political, and social influence.

Presented here are illustrated mini-biographies of selected individuals whose lives add depth and human texture to this voyage—figures whose presence transforms a list of names into a living historical tableau. 📖🌍

🎓 Frank Miles Day (1861–1918) – Architect of Collegiate Gothic

Frank Miles Day was one of America’s most prominent architects of the early 20th century. Based in Philadelphia, his firm Day & Klauder designed many of the Gothic Revival buildings at Princeton University, the University of Pennsylvania, and other major campuses. His designs helped define the American “collegiate” look still admired today. Crossing the Atlantic in 1913, Day likely traveled for both professional and cultural reasons—Europe remained the touchstone for architectural inspiration.

🏛️ Philip C. Sawyer (1868–1926) – Beaux-Arts Mastermind

A partner in York & Sawyer, one of New York’s most influential architectural firms, Philip Sawyer contributed to iconic buildings such as the Bowery Savings Bank and the New York Historical Society. Educated at Columbia and trained in the Beaux-Arts tradition, Sawyer’s firm blended monumental classical style with modern functionality. His presence on the Minnehaha reflects the strong cultural exchange between Europe and America’s architectural elite.

🏛️ Richard Haveland Smythe (1875–1955) – Innovator of Storefront Design

Richard Haveland Smythe was a New York architect remembered for revolutionizing the “modern storefront” concept, which emphasized large windows and display areas for urban retail. His practical yet stylish solutions changed how people experienced shopping streets. For genealogists, Smythe represents the wave of professionals who helped modernize American cities in the early 20th century.

✝️ Bishop Ethelbert Talbot (1848–1928) – Episcopal Leader

Serving as Episcopal Bishop of Pennsylvania, Talbot was later elevated to Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church (1924–1926). He was known for his strong stance on moral leadership and unity at a time of rapid change in American society. His journey aboard the Minnehaha demonstrates the role of clergy in fostering international connections within the Anglican/Episcopal tradition.

🎭 Mrs. Lyn Harding – Connected to the Stage

Marie Frieda Reidacher (1868-?), Wife of Welsh stage actor Lyn Harding (1867–1952), (Née David Llewellyn Harding) famed for his powerful voice and commanding presence on stage. Harding was a popular Shakespearean villain and played Professor Moriarty opposite Sherlock Holmes on stage. Mrs. Harding’s travel underscores how steamships carried not only business leaders but also the wives and families of notable performers, who often journeyed between Britain and America as theatrical engagements demanded.

🛠️ John G. Rollins – Connected to Arms Trade

Though less documented than the architects and clergy, John G. Rollins was linked with international arms trade networks based in London. His presence illustrates the breadth of First-Class society on liners like the Minnehaha—from cultural leaders to individuals engaged in industries shaping geopolitics.

✒️ Charles W. Vernon, Jr. – The Witty Annotator

The true star of this passenger list is Charles W. Vernon, Jr. (1887-1943), whose handwritten notes transformed it from a simple roster into a social diary. His witty observations—labeling fellow passengers as “Holy Terror” or “Uses Language”—capture the banter and judgments of Edwardian shipboard life. His annotated passenger list is an invaluable social document, giving historians and genealogists a rare glimpse into attitudes, humor, and interpersonal dynamics at sea in 1913. Charles Wills Vernon Jr., a partner in the firm of Vernon Brothers & Co., 66 Duane Street, New York, the oldest wholesale paper merchants in New York City. The paper company, which was founded by his grandfather, celebrated its 188700th anniversary in 1941. Mr. Vernon was treasurer of the National Paper Trade Association. He was graduated from Princeton University in 1908 and attended New York University Law School.

✨ Together, these figures illustrate the rich social fabric of ocean travel: architects shaping skylines, bishops guiding moral discourse, diplomats securing global ties, and entertainers bridging cultural worlds—all observed through Vernon’s playful commentary.

🎭 Social and Cultural Observations

Perhaps the most engaging feature of this passenger list lies in Mr. Vernon’s annotations. He added lively nicknames and candid impressions beside many names:

• “The Flirt” for Miss Patricia Crossman
• “The Beauty” for Miss Rosaling Fuller
• “Holy Terror” for Mrs. George T. Banzet
• “Against Suffrage” for Mr. H. L. Harrison
• “Grand Pa” for John G. White

These remarks offer a rare glimpse into shipboard society, where appearances, mannerisms, and even political stances were noticed, judged, and recorded in real time. This transforms the document from a dry manifest into a snapshot of Edwardian social dynamics at sea.

For your Return Trip

THE GREAT FLEETS OF THE FOLLOWING LINES offer exceptionally comfortable and convenient services for your return voyage from America . .

AMERICAN LINE

• New York to Plymouth, Cherbourg and Southampton.
• Philadelphia to Queenstown and Liverpool.

ATLANTIC TRANSPORT LINE

• New York to London (Direct).

LEYLAND LINE

• Boston to Liverpool (Direct).
• New Orleans to Liverpool (Direct).

RED STAR LINE

• New York to Dover and Antwerp.
• Philadelphia to Antwerp.

WHITE STAR LINE

• New York to Piymouth, Cherbourg and Southampton.
• New York to Queenstown and Liverpool
• Boston to Queenstown and Liverpool.
• New York to Madeira, Gibraltar, Algiers, Monaco, Genoa, Naples and Alexandria.
• Boston to Azores, Madeira, Gibraltar, Algiers, Naples and Genoa.

WHITE STAR-DOMINION CANADIAN SERVICE

• Montreal and Quebec to Liverpool (Summer). Portland, Me to Liverpool (Winter).
  

Information for Passengers

MEALS

• BREAKFAST 5.30 a.m. .
• TEA and COFFEE at 7 a.m.
• LUNCH 1 p.m.
• DINNER 7 p.m.

Meals for Nurses and Children :—BREAKFAST, 8 a.m.; DINNER, 12 noon; TEA 5 p.m.

Please apply to Second Steward for seating accommodation at Table.

LIGHTS in the Saloon are extinguished at 11 p.m., and in the Smoking Room at 11.30 p.m.

BAR closes at 11 p.m.

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

THE SALOON STEWARD will supply Stamps, Telegraph Forms, Books of Reference, and Rail- way Time Tables of the Principal Companies.

DIVINE SERVICE.—Intimation regarding Divine Service will appear on the Notice Board 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 theoflice 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 £1 when giving American in exchange for English currency, and £1 to $4.95 when giving English money for American.

BAGGAGE.—Only handbags and trucks which will ht 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 State-room 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 a 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.

TRAVELLERS’ CHECKS payable in all parts of Europe, can be purchased at all the principal offices of the Atlantic Transport Line. These Checks are accepted on board Atlantic Transport Steamers in payment of accounts, but the Pursers do not carry funds to enable them to cash same.

DECK CHAIRS can be hired at a charge of 4s. each for the voyage.

STEAMER RUGS can be hired at a charge of 4s. each for the voyage.

WIRELESS TELEGRAM RATES.

UNITED STATES.— The Marconi Rate, via Seagate, Sagaponack or South Welldleet (Cape Cod), or through the medium of a passing steamer and one of these stations calculated at 8d. per word with a minimum of S/- for 10 words, plus 4d. per word without minimum ; thus i.e.: 1 message of 10 words or more the through wireless rate is 10d. per word ; every word in the address, text and signature counted ; land line charges additional ; all charges must be prepaid.

The Marconi Rate, via Siasconset, or through the medium of a passing steamer and this station, is calculated at 73d. per word with a minimum of 6/8 for 10 words, plus 1d. per word without minimum ; thus for a message of 10 words or more the through wireless rate is Ilád. per word ; every word in the address, text and signature counted ; land line charges additional; all charges must be prepaid.

CANADA.—The Marconi Rate, via Cape Race, Sable Island, Cape Sahle. or through the medium of a passing steamer and one of these stations, is calculated at 8.5d. per word with a minimum of 7/1 for 10 words, plus 4d. per word without minimum; thus for a message of 10 words or more the through rate is 1s. O.5d. per word; every word in the address, text and signature counted ; land line charges additional ; all charges must he prepaid.

UNITED KINGDOM.— The 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 the address, text and signature counted ; land line charges additional; all charges must he prepaid.

SHIP TO SHIP,— The general rate on ship to ship messages is 8d. per word, but as German, Dutch, Belgium and certain other vessels apply a ship tax with a minimum of 10 words, the charges on messages to these vessels will be calculated as follows —English ship tas 4d. per word without minimum ; German, Dutch or Belgium, etc., ship tax 4d, per word with a minimum of 8/1. Thus for a message of 10 words or more, the charge is 8d. per word.

🎓 Relevance for Teachers, Students, Genealogists, and Historians

Teachers/Students – A useful example of primary source material, offering both factual data (names, routes, officers) and human context (annotations).

Genealogists – Provides family connections, residences, and hints of social networks among Anglo-American elites in 1913.

Historians – Captures transatlantic travel just before World War I, when ocean liners were cultural crossroads for diplomacy, arts, and society.

Social Researchers – The annotations reveal attitudes toward gender, class, and personality in Edwardian society.

🌟 Final Thoughts – Why This Passenger List Matters

The SS Minnehaha’s 1913 passenger list is not just a record of names; it is a window into Edwardian transatlantic life, filled with professors, bishops, architects, and actors who helped shape their fields. The added annotations by Charles W. Vernon, Jr. make it extraordinary—transforming an official list into a lively shipboard diary of impressions. This blend of fact and personality makes it a true gem for historians, genealogists, and teachers alike.

This passenger list is more than names—it’s a cross-section of society in 1913, annotated by a witty observer. Teachers, genealogists, and historians can use it to study:

• Social history: the interactions and perceptions aboard First-Class liners.
• Professional networks: architects, diplomats, clergy, and actors traveling together.
• Pre-WWI travel: capturing transatlantic movement just months before war disrupted it all.
• For students, the annotations make this list uniquely engaging and relatable, bridging the gap between archival record and lived human experience.

✨ In short: This passenger list brings the Atlantic crossing of 1913 vividly back to life—ship, passengers, and personalities together in one historic moment.

ATL Sailing Schedule, London-New York Service, From 4 October 1913 to 20 December 1913. Ships Included the Minnehaha, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, and Minnewaska. Eastbound Ships Depart From Pier 58, North River, Foot of West 16th Street. SS Minnehaha First Class Passenger List, 27 September 1913. | GGA Image ID # 22c842e6ba

Advertisement "For Your Return Trip" The Great Fleets of the Following Lines Officer Exceptionally Comfortable and Convenient Services for Your Return Voyage from America. American Line, Atlantic Transport Line, Leyland Line, Red Star Line, White Star Line, and White Star Line Canadian Service. Routes Are Included. SS Minnehaha First Class Passenger List, 27 September 1913. | GGA Image ID # 22c8f13f42

Title Page, Listing of Senior Officers, List of Passengers, Part 1 (Banzet-Healy). SS Minnehaha First Class Passenger List, 27 September 1913. | GGA Image ID # 22c92de264

List of Passengers, Part 2 (Healy-Youngs) and Public Telephones Announcement. SS Minnehaha First Class Passenger List, 27 September 1913. | GGA Image ID # 22c98c02d8

Enhanced List of Passengers to Show Light Pencil Annotations by Mr. Charles W. Vernon, Jr. About His Fellow Passengers. We Have Transcribed and Included These Remarks With the Transcription of the List of Passenges. SS Minnehaha First Class Passenger List, 27 September 1913. | GGA Image ID # 22c9bc1368. | Click to View a Larger Image.

Version 2 of the Annotated List of Passengers by Mr. Charles W. Vernon, Jr. the Comments Have All Been Transcribed and Placed Adjacent to the Person’s Name on the List to Which They Pertain. SS Minnehaha First Class Passenger List, 27 September 1913. | GGA Image ID # 22cb009067. Click to View a Larger Image.

Information for Passengers, Wireless Telegram Rates, and Atlantic Transport Co. Offices. SS Minnehaha First Class Passenger List, 27 September 1913. | GGA Image ID # 22c9e7b03c

Atlantic Transport Line Track Chart of the North Atlantic Ocean and Memorandum of Log (Unused). Included in the Booklet, With Space for Passengers to Record Daily Log Details. SS Minnehaha First Class Passenger List, 27 September 1913. | GGA Image ID # 22ca188506