SS Minnetonka Passenger List – 31 August 1912 | Atlantic Transport Line London to New York

Front Cover, SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, Departing 31 August 1912 from London to New York, Commanded by Captain E. O. Cannons. GGA Image ID # 17363d2b71

🚢 Review and Summary: SS Minnetonka Passenger List – 31 August 1912

🌍 Ship, Route & Voyage Context

The SS Minnetonka, operated by the Atlantic Transport Line, departed London on 31 August 1912 under the command of Captain E. O. Cannons, bound for New York. This voyage took place just a few months after the Titanic disaster (April 1912), at a time when transatlantic safety and luxury travel were under intense public scrutiny.

The Minnetonka, part of the “M” class of the Atlantic Transport Line, was built for both freight and passenger service, particularly catering to First Class travelers. On this sailing, the ship carried prominent social figures, diplomats, professors, writers, and military officers—making this passenger list a valuable historical record.

⚓ Key Features of the SS Minnetonka

Launched: 1902 by Harland & Wolff, Belfast.

Operator: Atlantic Transport Line (part of IMM, International Mercantile Marine Co.).

Route: London – New York (exclusive First Class passenger service).

Notable Feature: Carried no steerage, only First Class passengers—making it a vessel of elite travel.

Senior Officers and Staff

1. Commander : Captain E. O. Cannons
2. Purser: Basil C. Evans
3. Chief Engineer: Carl Schneider
4. Surgeon: E. S. Perkins
5. Chief Steward: N. Hart

List of Passengers, Part 1 (Mrs. William E. Allen-Mr. Harry S. Ferguson)

1. Mrs. William E. Allen (Note 1)
   
2. Miss May Allen
3. Miss Sarah D. Allen
4. Mrs. C. S. Babcock
5. Mrs. J. B. Babcock
6. Master C. E. Babcock
7. Master Chas. P. Babcock
8. Mrs. Frank Bacon
9. Miss Mary Bacon
10. Miss F. L. Barber
11. Miss A. C. Barton
12. Mr. L. S. Bayliss
13. Mrs. L S. Bayliss
14. Mr. Stephen Belcher
15. Mr. R. C. Boesel
16. Miss Helen Bowman
17. Mr. Robert Burgess
18. Mrs. Robert Burgess
19. Miss Mary C. Chalmers
20. Mr. W. Burns Charlesworth
21. Mr. George L. Cheney
22. Mrs. George L. Cheney
23. Miss Sarah Cheney
24. Miss Barbara Cheney
25. Miss Julia de Forest Cheney
26. Miss Harriet Crawford Cheney
27. Mr. Joseph Thacher Clarke
28. Mr. William Miller Collier (Note 2)
    
29. Mrs. William Miller Collier
30. Miss Helen Gray Cone (Note 3)
    
31. Mr. Philip R. Corell
32. Miss Nellie Crooks
33. Mr. E. J. D. Cross, Jr.
34. Mrs. E. J. D. Cross, Jr.
35. Miss Carrie Crowell
36. Mrs. U. de B. Daly
37. Miss Daly
38. Mr. Joseph A. Dennison
39. Mrs. Joseph A. Dennison
40. Miss Carolyne Depenthal
41. Miss Mary Devennie
42. Miss M. Dickey
43. Mr. Louis Dietrich
44. Mrs. Louis Dietrich
45. Mr. George E. Dixon
46. Miss Bertha Dobson
47. Mr. H. Hy. Douglas
48. Mrs. H. Hy. Douglas
49. Mr. Wm. A. Drayton
50. Miss Jennie C. Duncan
51. Miss Minnie E. Duncan
52. Mr. Edgar J. Fannon
53. Mr. Edwin Forrest
54. Mrs. Edwin Forrest
55. Mr. William Fowkes
56. Mr. Harry S. Ferguson

List of Passengers, Part 2 (Prof. Geibel-Miss Katherine Stoddard)

1. Prof. Geibel
2. Mr. H. H. Gilkyson
3. Mrs. Helena Lawrence Grant
4. Mr. Thos. Greims
5. Mrs. Thos. Greims
6. Miss Marjorie Greims
7. Mr. W. H. Harries
8. Miss Kathrine H. Hasbrouch
9. Miss Cornelia Hasbrouch
10. Miss K. I,. Hayden
11. Mr. George Henshaw
12. Mrs. Charles F. hill
13. Mr. A. B. Holbert
14. Mr. Holbert
15. Mrs. Sylvester Husch
16. Mr. Walter W. Hyde
17. Mr. Thos. W. Jenks
18. Mrs. Thos. W. Jenks
19. Miss Winifred Jones
20. Mr. Milton Jones
21. Mrs. Milton Jones
22. Master Milton Jones
23. Master Milton Jones
24. Miss Marie B Joyner
25. Mr. Thos. W. Kelly
26. Mr. Robert Kennedy
27. Miss E. T. Keyson
28. Mr. Edward S. Kinley
29. Miss Dorothy M. Kinley
30. Mr. Jas. B. Kinley
31. Mrs. Jas. B. Kinley
32. Miss Emma A. Klause
33. Mrs. George A. Krause
34. Master George H. Krause
35. Miss Dorothy J. Krause
36. Mrs. Lucy T. Lewis
37. Mr. A. L. Lothridge
38. Miss Frances Lothridge
39. Mr. Thos. Lukyn
40. Mrs. Thos. Lukyn
41. Mrs. E. A. Mayo
42. Miss Ida Mead
43. Mr. Max Mueller
44. Mr. Harry K. Nier
45. Miss M. Louise Olsson
46. Mr. E. P. Palmer
47. Mrs. A. K. Payne
48. Mr. F. S. Peer
49. Mrs. F. S. Peer
50. Miss F. Mildred Perrine
51. Mr. W. W. Polk
52. Major Edgar P. Putman
53. Miss Amy Rainey
54. Miss Virginia Rhodes
55. Miss Julia Richardson
56. Miss E. Riegel
57. Mrs. Robson
58. Mrs. Mary E. Rodgers
59. Miss Rodgers
60. Mr. F. R. Ross
61. Miss Agnes Saunders
62. Mr. Robert Savage
63. Mrs. Robert Savage
64. Miss Margaret Savage
65. Miss H. de Schweinitz
66. Mr. R. A. Shebbeare
67. Mrs. R. A. Shebbeare
68. Master Charles Shebbeare
69. Master Robert Shebbeare and Maid
70. Miss Blanche Simpson
71. Mr. H. W. Simpson
72. Mr. Leonard S. Smith
73. Mrs. Leonard S. Smith
74. Miss S. Franklin Smith
75. Mrs. Steele
76. Miss Katherine Stoddard

List of Passengers, Part 3 (Mr. Brunel Thomas-Mr. Courtney Young)

1. Mr. Brunel Thomas
2. Mr. Gilbert G. Thorne
3. Mrs. Adam Tindel
4. Mr. Harris E. Tindel
5. Miss Frances Toby
6. Miss C. E. Ward
7. Miss Florence E. Ward
8. Mr. Jules Wellens, Jr.
9. Mr. Francis A. Westbrook
10. Mrs. Francis A. Westbrook
11. Miss Barbara Wierauch
12. Mrs. John Wigmore
13. Miss Eleanor Wilkinson
14. Mr. Ed. J. Willis
15. Mrs. Ed. J. Willis
16. Mr. Ott N. Wilson
17. Mr. George E. Woods
18. Mrs. George E. Woods
19. Mr. W. H. Wright
20. Mrs. W. H. Wright
21. Mrs. C. W. Wyman
22. Miss Helen F. Young
23. Mrs. Richard Young
24. Miss Mathilde Young
25. Mr. Courtney Young

Notes About Passengers

1. Mrs. William E. Allen, Wife of William E. Allen, an Acting Director of the U.S. Bureau of Investigation (BOI). During 1919, the BOI was a predecessor of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
2. William Miller Collier (November 11, 1867 – April 15, 1956) was United States Ambassador to Spain from 1905 to 1909, the president of George Washington University from 1918 to 1921, and United States Ambassador to Chile from 1921 to 1928.
3. Helen Gray Cone (March 8, 1859 – January 31, 1934) was a poet and professor of English literature. She spent her entire career at Hunter College in New York City.

Notable First-Class Passengers 🌍

👩‍🎓 Professors & Academics

Prof. Geibel – Though details are scarce, his presence highlights the Minnetonka’s role in facilitating transatlantic intellectual exchange, with professors often lecturing or conducting research in Europe before returning to the U.S.

Helen Gray Cone (Hunter College, New York City) – A poet and Professor of English Literature, Cone represents the growing number of women in academia in the early 20th century. She spent her entire career at Hunter College, shaping literary studies for a generation of students.

🏛️ Diplomats, Leaders & Public Figures

William Miller Collier (1867–1956) – Former U.S. Ambassador to Spain (1905–1909) and later Ambassador to Chile (1921–1928). At the time of this voyage, he was a distinguished diplomat and later President of George Washington University (1918–1921). His presence underscores the ship’s importance in carrying figures tied to U.S. foreign policy.

Mrs. William E. Allen – Wife of William E. Allen, Acting Director of the U.S. Bureau of Investigation (BOI), the agency that would later become the FBI. This connection to early American intelligence history adds weight to this voyage’s roster.

🎭 Writers, Artists & Cultural Figures

Helen Gray Cone (also highlighted above) – Renowned poet and academic. Her dual role as both writer and educator makes her one of the most culturally significant passengers.

Edwin Forrest & Mrs. Edwin Forrest – Possibly connected to the family of the famous 19th-century American actor Edwin Forrest (1806–1872). Though later in date, the recurrence of the name in theatrical circles suggests a lineage of cultural engagement.

🎖️ Military Figures

Major Edgar P. Putman – A clear representative of the military class. His presence highlights the continuing exchange between U.S. and European military thought in the pre–World War I era.

🙏 Religious & Humanitarian Figures

Divine Service on Board was noted in the passenger guide, though specific clergy are not named in the list. This indicates the importance of religious observance in transatlantic crossings of the time, often led by distinguished ministers traveling with their congregations or on missions.

⭐ The Most Engaging Aspects of This List

Intersection of Diplomacy and Academia – Few passenger lists bring together diplomats of Collier’s stature alongside cultural figures like Helen Gray Cone.

Early FBI Connection – The link to Mrs. William E. Allen and the emerging Bureau of Investigation (soon to be the FBI) makes this voyage particularly notable.

Passenger-Plotted Logbook – The Memorandum of Log, filled in by a passenger, offers a first-hand record of weather and conditions, providing a personal touch to the voyage experience.

Information for Passengers

MEALS

• TEA and COEFEE at 7 a.m
• BREAKFAST 8.30 a.m.
• LUNCH 1 p.m.
• DINNER 7 p.n.

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 Railway 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 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 LI when giving American in exchange for English currency, and 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 Staterooms ; 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’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.

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 minimum Marconi Rate, via Seagate, or throngh 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 charges 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 charges 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 gd. ; text only counted ; address and signature free ; land charges additional ; all charges 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 ; all charges 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 l0d. per word ; every word in address, text and signature counted ; land charges additional ; all charges must be prepaid.

SHIP TO SHIP is 8d. per word ; every word in address, text and signature counted, and all charges must be prepaid.

Memorandum of Log

The Memorandum of Log was Filled in by a Passenger)

🖼️ Noteworthy Images

Front Cover – Illustrated with the Atlantic Transport Line insignia, emphasizing transatlantic prestige.

Title Page – Listing senior officers and the first set of passengers.

Passenger Lists (3 Parts) – Showing prominent names including Collier, Cone, and Allen.

Information for Passengers & Wireless Telegram Rates – A fascinating look at onboard life and communications in 1912.

Atlantic Transport Line Track Chart – With the voyage course plotted by passengers, complete with handwritten weather notes.

📚 Relevance for Teachers, Students, Historians & Genealogists

Teachers & Students – Provides insight into early 20th-century travel, international relations, and cultural exchange.

Historians – Offers connections to U.S. diplomatic history, literary scholarship, and the evolution of federal law enforcement.

Genealogists – Supplies invaluable data for tracing families and reconstructing life stories of distinguished passengers.

💭 Final Thoughts – Why This Passenger List Matters

The 31 August 1912 SS Minnetonka Passenger List stands out not merely as a travel document but as a cross-section of early 20th-century American diplomacy, academia, and culture. With figures such as William Miller Collier and Helen Gray Cone, alongside individuals tied to the FBI’s origins, this voyage reflects the intersections of politics, literature, and social transformation just before World War I.

For genealogists, it preserves names and connections; for historians, it illuminates a moment of continuity and change in transatlantic life. More than a century later, it remains a remarkable artifact of social history. 🌍✨

ATL Sailing Schedule, London-New York Service, From 31 August 1912 to 19 December 1912. Ships Included the Minnehaha, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, and Minnewaska. SS minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 31 August 1912. | GGA Image ID # 22e8ca5d8a

Title Page, Listing of Senior Officers, List of Passengers, Part 1 (Mrs. William E. Allen-Mr. Harry S. Ferguson). SS minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 31 August 1912. | GGA Image ID # 22e900ce9e

List of Passengers, Part 2 (Prof. Geibel-Miss Katherine Stoddard). SS minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 31 August 1912. | GGA Image ID # 22e94ad61b

List of Passengers, Part 3 (Mr. Brunel Thomas-Mr. Courtney Young). SS minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 31 August 1912. | GGA Image ID # 22e9b55b9b

Information for Passengers, Wireless Telegram Rates, and a Listing of Atlantic Transport Company Offices. SS minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 31 August 1912. | GGA Image ID # 22e9b701a7

Atlantic Transport Line Track Chart of the North Atlantic Ocean with Course Plotted by Original Passengers and Memorandum of Log, Filled in by the Passenger Including Day of Week, Date, Latitude, Longitude, Distance Traveled, and Remarks (Weather). Complete for 1-8 September, 1912. SS minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 31 August 1912. | GGA Image ID # 22e9bd9b0a. Click to View a Larger Image.