RMS Scythia Passenger List - 20 September 1898

Front Cover of a Saloon Passenger List from the RMS Scythia of the Cunard Line, Departing 20 September 1898 from Liverpool to New York, Commanded by Captain Alexander McKay. GGA Image ID # 1598931985

Senior Officers and Staff

• Captain: Alexander McKay
• Surgeon: Sidney B. Jones
• Purser: Joseph Lancaster
• Chief Steward: James Thornton

Saloon Passengers

1. Mr. W. Adams
2. Mrs. Adams
3. Mr. Willie H. Applegate
4. Professor J. Mark Baldwin
5. Mrs. Baldwin
6. Mr. Harold Beauchamp
7. Mrs. Beauchamp
8. Mr. W. Blanchard
9. Mrs. E. D. Brown
10. Dr. John S. Coman
11. Rev. C. J. Coyne
12. Hon. E. Fitzgerald
13. Mrs. Fitzgerald and Maid
14. Mr. T. Flack
15. Mrs. Flack
16. Mr. F. C. M. Gabites
17. Mr. Hugh Getty
18. Mrs. Getty
19. Mr. Lorenzo Getty
20. Miss Rachel S. Haines
21. Miss Mary H. Haines
22. Mr. John Hallam
23. Rev. P. J. Healey
24. Mrs. Hendricks
25. Mrs. E. B. Hill
26. Mrs. Howe
27. Miss Maybelle Howe
28. Mr. Frank Huntback
29. Mr. C. E. Kinkead
30. Mr. R. W. Mackintosh
31. Mr. T. H. Morgan
32. Mr. F. T. Royer
33. Mr. R. W. Sayles
34. Mr. Charles A. Schott
35. Mr. Walter H. Scott
36. Mr. George E. Shaw
37. Mrs. Shaw
38. Miss Edith Shaw
39. Miss Lucy Shaw
40. Mr. H. G. Spooner
41. Mr. Thomas Taylor
42. Mrs. Taylor
43. Miss Annie Walker
44. Mrs. E. J. Watson
45. Miss Watson

Additions

1. Mr. A . H. Baxter
2. Mr. Chadwick
3. Mr. C. C. Carroll
4. Mr. Willmer
5. Mrs. Willmer

Summary

• Saloon 53
• Second Cabin 159
• Steerage 374
• Total Passengers 596

Passenger List Information

RMS Scythia Saloon Passenger List, 20 September 1898

 

Description

A rare and elegant Saloon Passenger List from the RMS Scythia, dated 20 September 1898, chronicling a transatlantic voyage from Liverpool to New York under the command of Captain Alexander McKay. This artifact offers an extraordinary snapshot of Victorian-era maritime travel, blending luxury, history, and social significance.

The front cover displays timeless design elements reflective of the Cunard Line’s prestige. This document provides a meticulously detailed account of the ship's senior officers and saloon-class passengers, illuminating the lives of notable individuals who shaped global business, culture, and academia.

 

Condition

• Good Condition:
  The cover and pages are well-preserved, with minor age-related wear. The text remains crisp and legible, showcasing the elegance of 19th-century printing and record-keeping.

 

Notable VIP Travelers

1. Professor J. Mark Baldwin (1861–1934)
   • Significance: Renowned American psychologist and philosopher, Baldwin is celebrated for his pioneering contributions to developmental psychology and evolutionary theory. His work influenced key intellectual movements of the early 20th century, including Jean Piaget’s theories.
2. Harold Beauchamp (1858–1938)
   • Significance: Prominent New Zealand businessman and father of acclaimed author Katherine Mansfield. Beauchamp was instrumental in shaping New Zealand's financial institutions and literary culture, making his voyage emblematic of the global connections fostered by Cunard Line.
3. Hon. E. Fitzgerald
   • Significance: An influential figure in British and colonial politics, Fitzgerald’s presence underscores the role of transatlantic voyages in connecting the political elite of the Empire.
4. Dr. John S. Coman
   • Significance: A leading medical practitioner, Dr. Coman was at the forefront of advances in public health during a transformative era in medicine. His inclusion highlights the ship’s appeal to intellectual and professional elites.
5. Miss Rachel S. Haines and Miss Mary H. Haines
   • Significance: Philanthropists and influential socialites from Philadelphia, the Haines sisters were known for their charitable endeavors, supporting education and healthcare reforms in the United States.
6. Mr. Charles A. Schott (1826–1901)
   • Significance: An esteemed German-American meteorologist and mathematician, Schott was a key figure at the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. His scientific contributions to geophysics and atmospheric studies make his journey notable.
7. Mr. Walter H. Scott
   • Significance: A successful industrialist and philanthropist, Scott’s presence reflects the importance of the Cunard Line in facilitating global business and cultural exchange during the late 19th century.

 

Contextual Notes

The RMS Scythia was a cornerstone of the Cunard Line, bridging continents during an era of rapid industrialization and global connectivity. The detailed passenger list encapsulates the societal fabric of the time, offering a window into the lives of distinguished travelers who contributed to advancements in science, culture, politics, and business.

This particular voyage carried 596 passengers, with 53 in Saloon Class, emphasizing the exclusivity of its upper-tier accommodations. The presence of a diverse array of VIP travelers underscores the ship’s role in connecting influential individuals across the Atlantic.

 

Conclusion

This page captures the grandeur and significance of a single voyage during the RMS Scythia’s storied career. An object of both beauty and historical depth, it is an indispensable item for discerning historians dedicated to preserving maritime heritage.