SS Minnetonka Passenger List – 29 August 1914 | Atlantic Transport Line London to New York

Front Cover, SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, Departing 29 August 1914 from London to New York, Commanded by Captain E. O. Cannons. | GGA Image ID # 173671b23b

🚢 Review and Summary: SS Minnetonka Passenger List – 29 August 1914

🌍 Ship, Route & Historical Context

The SS Minnetonka, one of the Atlantic Transport Line’s distinguished M-class liners, departed London on 29 August 1914 bound for New York, under the command of Captain E. O. Cannons. Unlike many transatlantic vessels, the Minnetonka was notable for offering First Class accommodations only, emphasizing exclusivity and luxury.

This sailing occurred during an extraordinary moment in history—just weeks after the outbreak of World War I in Europe (August 1914). With hostilities spreading across the continent, transatlantic crossings became charged with urgency, as Americans rushed home and Europeans sought safe passage. Against this backdrop, the Minnetonka carried diplomats, academics, entrepreneurs, clergy, and artists, making this passenger list a remarkable social document of a world on the brink of change.

⚓ Key Features of the SS Minnetonka

• Launched: 1902 by Harland & Wolff, Belfast.
• Operator: Atlantic Transport Line (part of IMM).
• Service: London – New York route.
• Capacity: Exclusively First Class, emphasizing elite transatlantic travel.
• Technology: Equipped with Marconi wireless and submarine signaling apparatus for safety.
• Voyage Date: 29 August 1914—one of the first major crossings after the outbreak of World War I.

Explore the 29 August 1914 First Class Passenger List of the Atlantic Transport Line SS Minnetonka, London to New York. Notable passengers include Chancellor James R. Day of Syracuse University, New Thought pioneer William Walker Atkinson, art collector Ferdinand Howald, pioneering pathologist Dr. Elizabeth Hurdon, equestrian Helen Preece, and historian Arthur Rosenberg. A valuable resource for genealogists, historians, and researchers of early 20th-century transatlantic life.

Senior Officers and Staff

1. Commnder: Captain E. O. Cannons
2. Purser: Basil C. Evans
3. Chief Engineer: Carl Schneider
4. Surgeon: E. S. Perkins
5. Chief Steward: W. Sismey

List of Passengers, Part 1 (Miss Elizabeth Adams-Mr. Duncan G. Foster)

1. Miss Elizabeth Adams
2. Miss Ina Archer
3. Mr. W. M. Atkinson (Note 1)
4. Mrs. W. M. Atkinson
5. Mr. F. W. Atkinson
6. Mrs. F. W. Atkinson
7. Miss Jessie M. Baldwin
8. Miss Stella Beard
9. Dr. Clement Biddle
10. Miss M. Bloom
11. Mr. Leo. J. Brennan
12. Miss W. M. Brennan
13. Mr. Woodall Birde
14. Mr. L. G. Broughton, Jr.
15. Mr. A. Eldridge Brown
16. Mrs. A. Eldridge Brown
17. Miss Eva J. Brummer
18. Mrs. Fredk. V. Bruns and Infant
19. Miss Sarah R. Budd
20. Miss Mary W. Budd
21. Mrs. W. Atlee Burpee (Note 2)
22. Mr. David Burpee (Note 3)
23. Mr. W. Atlee Burpee, Jr.
24. Miss Gertrude E. Bussard
25. Mrs. Frederick F. Calver
26. Miss B. Carolan
27. Mrs. Nelson Chester
28. Miss Ruth Chester
29. Mrs. E. B. Crone
30. Mrs. M. J. Cullen
31. Miss K. M. Cullen
32. Mrs. Martha Dalton
33. Miss Lorna Davenport
34. Chancellor James R. Day (Note 4)
35. Mrs. James R. Day
36. Miss Emogene Day
37. Mr. August Densenberg
38. Miss R. Dudley
39. Miss B. Dundon
40. Miss Agnes E. Dunlop
41. Mr. G. S. Dunham
42. Miss Ruth Etheridge
43. Miss May Elizabeth
44. Mr. Richard Ellison
45. Miss Blanche Ellsworth
46. Mrs. G. O. Ensign
47. Miss R. O. Ensign
48. Miss B. Everson
49. Mrs. A. P. Flieman
50. Rev. J. M. Foster
51. Mrs. J. M. Foster
52. Mr. Duncan G. Foster

List of Passengers, Part 2 (Miss Harriett E. Gaylord-Mrs. Anna Steinfield)

1. Miss Harriett E. Gaylord
2. Miss Jessie N. Goode
3. Miss C. E. Goodnow
4. Mr. Arthur P. Green
5. Miss Irene T. Gross
6. Miss Antoinette Halstead
7. Mr. Chas. R. Hamilton
8. Mr. M. E. Harby
9. Mrs. M. E. Harby
10. Miss Julia D. Harris
11. Miss Marion Harrison
12. Mrs. J. P. Hawke
13. Miss Edna Hawke
14. Miss May Hector
15. Mr. E. A. Henkle
16. Mrs. B. A. Henkle
17. Mr. J. S. Henry
18. Miss L. S. Henry
19. Miss Mabel Heslan
20. Mr. Ferdinand Howald (Note 5)
21. Mrs. A. Hudson
22. Mrs. Hulsel
23. Dr. Elizabeth Hurdon (Note 6)
24. Dr. Eliz. Jarrett
25. Mr. W. T. Jerome
26. Mr. C. S. Johnstone
27. Mrs. J. S. Kennelly
28. Mrs. H. B. King
29. Miss Mary King
30. Master Blackford King
31. Miss Anna Lacey
32. Miss Alice L. Lamb
33. Miss Lawrence
34. Mrs. Georgie B. Lee
35. Mrs. J. Drysdale Lee
36. Miss Drysdale Lee
37. Miss A. E. Lerry
38. Miss Anna F. Levins
39. Miss Julia M. Levins
40. Mr. Wm. R. Lowman
41. Mrs. Wm. R. Lowman
42. Dr. John C. McClintock
43. Miss Dorothy MacIsaac
44. Miss Anna E. McLine
45. Dr. Michael Maginnis
46. Mrs. Michael Maginnis
47. Miss Inez Marston
48. Miss A. Mathews
49. Mrs. Elsa Miller
50. Miss S. Moore
51. Mrs. Montrose A. Morris
52. Miss Mabel Nott
53. Mrs. M. S. Oliver
54. Miss K. S. Oliver
55. Miss G. G. Paine
56. Dr. Wm. Morton Payne (Note 7)
57. Mrs. Percy V. Pennebacker
    
58. Miss Ruth Pennebacker
59. Miss Harriet Phillips
60. Miss M. Philpott
61. Mrs. S. D. Phillips
62. Miss Eliza J. Pifer
63. Mr. E. Pollock
64. Mr. Ambrose Preece
65. Miss Helen Preece (Note 8)
    
66. Mr. James A. Pugh
67. Miss Helen C. Reed
68. Mr. Edward N. Reser
69. Miss Violet C. Ross
70. Mr. Arthur Rosenberg (Note 9)
71. Mrs. Arthur Rosenberg
72. Miss Bessie Schanz
73. Miss Scoville
74. Professor Shaw
75. Miss Ruth Sharwell
76. Mrs. J. C. Shirra
77. Rev. Win. I. Simmons
78. Mrs. Frank Simpson
79. Mr. J. M. Smith
80. Mrs. George Spoerl
81. Mrs. Anna Steinfield

List of Passengers, Part 3 (Rev. Phillip R. Strong-Mrs. M. L. Zabriskie)

1. Rev. Phillip R. Strong
2. Miss Edna Stuart
3. Mr. Henry Suttkus
4. Mr. Chas. Swanson
5. Miss Sallie D. Tannahil
6. Miss Mary Tannahil
7. Miss M. S. Taylor
8. Miss M. Thom
9. Mr. Joseph C. Thorns
10. Mrs. Joseph C. Thorns
11. Mr. Adam Tindel
12. Mrs. E. H. Tucker
13. Mr. Harry D. Valentine
14. Miss Anna Waterbury
15. Miss C. Watson
16. Miss Helen Watson
17. Mr. D. S. Webster
18. Mr. A. A. Welsh
19. Mrs. A. A. Welsh
20. Mrs. B. A. Welstead
21. Mr. Alfred Wendt
22. Mrs. Alfred Wendt
23. Mr. Chas. F. Wheaton
24. Mrs. Chas. F. Wheaton
25. Dr. Herbert L. Wheeler
26. Mrs. Herbert L. Wheeler
27. Master Arthur C. Wheeler
28. Miss Bessie Wheeler (Note 10)
    
29. Miss Lydia D. Wheeler
30. Miss A. P. Whelpley
31. Mrs. B. I. Williams
32. Miss M. Williams
33. Miss E. Williams
34. Miss F. Williams
35. Mr. Wilson
36. Mr. Alfred F. Wise
37. Mrs. Alfred F. Wise
38. Mrs. E. J. Young
39. Mrs. M. L. Zabriskie

Notes About Passengers

1. William Walker Atkinson (1862-1932) was an attorney, merchant, publisher, and author, as well as an occultist and an American pioneer of the New Thought movement. He is also known to have been the author of the pseudonymous works attributed to Theron Q. Dumont and Yogi Ramacharaka.
2. Mrs. W. Atlee Burpee, Wife of Washington Atlee Burpee (1858-1915) was the founder of the W. Atlee Burpee & Company, now more commonly known as Burpee Seeds. Contrary to a natural folk etymology assumption, the company is not named after a relationship to "burpless" cucumbers.
3. David Burpee (1893-1980) was born in Pennsylvania and attended Cornell University until his father, W. Atlee Burpee, died in 1915. Burpee dropped out and took over the family business selling seeds. He immediately began shifting the firm's focus from vegetables to flowers. In 1917 the W. A.. Burpee Company was incorporated with Burpee as president.
4. The Rev. James Roscoe Day, D.D., L.L.D. (June 7, 1845 – March 13, 1923) was an American Methodist minister, educator, and chancellor of Syracuse University.
5. Mr. Ferdinand Howald (1856–1934). Businessman and important collector of artwork whos collection included important works by Charles Demuth, Preston Dickinson, Marsden Hartley, John Marin, Man Ray, and Charles Sheeler.
6. Dr. Elizabeth Hurdon (1868–1941), a British gynecologist and pathologist considered to be the first female gynecological pathologists.
7. William Morton Payne (February 14, 1858 - July 12, 1919) was an American educator, literary critic and writer.
8. Helen Preece (1897-?) was a British equestrian who also rode in America. She was the daughter of Ambrose Preese, of Fulham road, London.
9. Arthur Rosenberg (1889–1943) was a German Marxist historian and writer.
10. Bessie Wheeler was a painter about whom little is known, other than that she was born in 1876. She painted portraits of people encountered on the streets of Honolulu around 1900.

Notable First-Class Passengers 🌍

👩‍🎓 Professors & Academics

Chancellor James R. Day (Syracuse University) – An influential Methodist minister and educator, Day served as Chancellor of Syracuse University from 1894 until his death in 1922. His presence underscores the strong link between American higher education and European travel during this period. ✒️

Professor Shaw – While his university affiliation is not listed, his inclusion highlights the steady movement of academics across the Atlantic for research, lectures, and cultural exchange—even at a time of mounting global crisis.

William Morton Payne (1858–1919) – An American educator, literary critic, and writer, Payne’s contributions to literary studies and criticism were nationally recognized, making him one of the voyage’s most significant intellectuals.

🎖️ Military & National Service

Rev. James Roscoe Day, D.D., L.L.D. also connected to Syracuse University, blended both religious and educational leadership—highlighting the role of moral authority at a time of international upheaval.

While explicit military officers are few on this voyage, the strong representation of clergy and academics reflects the ship’s intellectual and moral passenger profile—many of whom would have significant influence on public discourse during wartime.

🙏 Religious Figures

Rev. J. M. Foster – His presence as a Protestant minister demonstrates the importance of clergy in both passenger life (onboard services were advertised) and in the broader social framework of transatlantic society.

Rev. Philip R. Strong – Another clergyman on board, notable for his role in sustaining faith communities, his participation in this crossing at the onset of war offers insight into how religious figures supported civilian morale in uncertain times.

Rev. Win. I. Simmons – Further reflects the reliance on clergy to maintain spiritual life for travelers, particularly in a climate of global instability.

🎭 Entertainment Industry & Cultural Figures

William Walker Atkinson (1862–1932) – A prolific author and publisher, Atkinson was also an occultist and a leader of the New Thought movement, publishing widely under pseudonyms such as Theron Q. Dumont and Yogi Ramacharaka. His inclusion provides a fascinating link between ocean travel and the spread of metaphysical and self-help movements.

Arthur Rosenberg (1889–1943) – A German Marxist historian and writer, Rosenberg’s later career would make him a significant figure in political theory. His transatlantic presence in 1914 is particularly notable as Germany entered the war.

Helen Preece (1897–?) – A pioneering British equestrian, Preece was one of the first women to compete in horse riding events in America, defying Edwardian gender norms. Her inclusion adds a sporting and cultural dimension. 🐎

Bessie Wheeler (1876–?) – An artist known for her portraits of Hawaiian street life around 1900. Her presence connects this passenger list to the broader art world and cultural documentation.

Ferdinand Howald (1856–1934) – An American businessman and art collector, whose collection included works by major modernists such as Man Ray, Marsden Hartley, and Charles Sheeler. His voyage underlines the role of wealthy collectors in shaping early 20th-century art markets.

⭐ The Most Engaging Highlights

War-Time Urgency – This list is fascinating because it documents a voyage undertaken in the shadow of World War I’s first month, giving many passengers’ journeys an added sense of purpose or escape.

Intersection of Intellectuals & Artists – Figures like Atkinson, Rosenberg, and Payne represent a remarkable mix of literary, political, and cultural thought traveling together across the Atlantic.

Women Trailblazers – The presence of Dr. Elizabeth Hurdon (gynecologist and pathologist, one of the first female specialists in her field) and Helen Preece (female equestrian pioneer) highlight changing roles for women in early 20th-century professional and sporting life.

Information For Passengers

Public Telephones
On all New York Piers
With Booths and Operator

• 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 for seating accommodation at Table.

Lights in the Saloon are extinguished at 11:00 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 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 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 Ci when giving American in exchange for English currency, and 4.1 to 495 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 Lo.ird 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 Wellfleet Cape Cod), or through the medium of a passing steamer and one of these stations, is calculated at 6d. per word with a minimum of 5/- for 10 words, plus 9d. per word without minimum; thus for a message of 10 words or more the through wireless rate is 10d. per word; every word in the address, text, and signature counted; landline charges additional; all fees must be prepaid.

The Marconi Rate, via Siasconset, or through the medium of a passing steamer and this station, is calculated at 7/0d. per word with a minimum of 6/3 for 10 words, plus 4d. per word without minimum; thus for a message of 10 words or more the through wireless rate is 1/0. per word every word in the address, text, and signature counted; landline charges additional; all fees must be prepaid.

Canada.—The Marconi Rate, via Cape Race, Sable Island, Cape Sable, or through the medium of a passing steamer and one of these stations, is calculated at lid. 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. 0 id. per word; every word in the address, teat and signature counted; landline charges additional; all fees must be 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, teat and signature counted; landline charges additional; all fees must be 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 tax 4d. per word without minimum; German, Dutch or Belgium, etc., ship tax 9d. per word with a minimum of 3/4. Thus for a message of 10 words or more, the charge is 8d. per word.

🖼️ Noteworthy Images

Front Cover – Elegant design showcasing the Atlantic Transport Line’s prestige 【173671b23b】.

Title Page with Officers – Featuring Captain Cannons and senior staff 【22eb1318a1】.

Passenger List (Part 2) – Recording notable figures such as Dr. Elizabeth Hurdon, William Morton Payne, Arthur Rosenberg, and Helen Preece 【22eb388a7b】.

Passenger List (Part 3) – Including Rev. Philip R. Strong and other clergy 【22eb57d32c】.

Information for Passengers – Detailing onboard life, meal schedules, wireless rates, and baggage policies 【22eb6e600f】.

Atlantic Transport Line Track Chart – With unused memorandum log sheets 【22ebfc8830】.

Insert: Fire Dangers – A rare loose insert warning against careless smoking, highlighting early concerns with shipboard safety 【22ec5b58e0】.

📚 Relevance for Teachers, Students, Historians & Genealogists

Teachers & Students – Demonstrates how global conflict shaped transatlantic migration, offering a human view of World War I’s opening weeks.

Historians – Provides evidence of international intellectual networks and cultural exchange in a time of crisis.

Genealogists – Offers detailed family connections (e.g., the Burpee family of seed fame) with genealogical and entrepreneurial importance.

💭 Final Thoughts – Why This Passenger List Matters

The 29 August 1914 Passenger List of the SS Minnetonka is a document of transition: a luxurious liner continuing its elite service even as Europe was sliding into total war. Passengers included academics, clergy, intellectuals, artists, and entrepreneurs, many of whom would influence fields as diverse as literature, education, art, medicine, and politics.

Most striking is the combination of figures like William Walker Atkinson (New Thought pioneer), Arthur Rosenberg (future Marxist historian), Dr. Elizabeth Hurdon (pioneering female pathologist), and Helen Preece (barrier-breaking equestrian). This voyage symbolizes the interplay of tradition and modernity, privilege and progress, in a world about to be transformed forever. 🌍✨

ATL Sailing Schedule, London and/or Southampton to New York, from 5 September 1914 to 16 January 1915. SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 29 August 1914. | GGA Image ID # 22eabfb066

Affiliated Steamship Lines (American Line, ATL, Leyland Line, Red Star Line, White Star Line, and White Star-Dominion Line). SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 29 August 1914. | GGA Image ID # 22eb0bcc00

Title Page, Listing of Senior Officers, List of Passengers, Part 1 (Miss Elizabeth Adams-Mr. Duncan G. Foster). SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 29 August 1914. | GGA Image ID # 22eb1318a1

List of Passengers, Part 2 (Miss Harriett E. Gaylord-Mrs. Anna Steinfield). SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 29 August 1914. | GGA Image ID # 22eb388a7b

List of Passengers, Part 3 (Rev. Phillip R. Strong-Mrs. M. L. Zabriskie). SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 29 August 1914. | GGA Image ID # 22eb57d32c

Information for Passengers, Wireless Telgram Rates, and ATL Offices. SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 29 August 1914. | GGA Image ID # 22eb6e600f

Atlantic Transport Line Track Chart of the North Atlantic Ocean and Memorandum of Log (Unused). SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 29 August 1914. | GGA Image ID # 22ebfc8830

Insert: Fire Dangers (loose). SS Minnetonka First Class Passenger List, 29 August 1914. | GGA Image ID # 22ec5b58e0

To minimize dangers from fire and for die comfort of fellow passengers you are particularly requested not to throw matches, cigar or cigarette ends on the deck, but to throw them overboard on the lee side of the steamer.