Voices Across the Atlantic: Notable Passengers and Stories from the SS Servia's 1887 Voyage
Front Cover of a Saloon Passenger List for the SS Servia of the Cunard Line, Departing Saturday, 18 June 1887 from New York to Liverpool, Commanded by Captain Horatio McKay. | GGA Image ID # 17504359ec
🛳️ Ship & Voyage Overview
- Ship Name: SS Servia
- Operator: Cunard Line
- Launch Year: 1881
- Voyage Date: Saturday, 18 June 1887
- Route: Departed New York ➡️ Destination Liverpool
- Captain: Horatio McKay
- Passenger Class Highlighted: Saloon (First Class)
🏗️ Key Features of the SS Servia:
- Among the first steel-hulled transatlantic liners.
- First passenger ship to be lit by electric lighting throughout.
- Designed to compete with the White Star Line's Britannic and Germanic.
- Known for luxury and speed, serving elite transatlantic travelers.
A number of notable passenger were on this voyage including Dr. Emily Blackwell, Victor G Bloede, Charles E. Carryl, George Fiske, William Kelly, Charles Mair, Mary Peck, Tony Pastor, Lord and Lady Stafford, Hugh D. Scott, Annie Wright.
Saloon Passengers
- Mr. Robt. F. Armstrong
- Mr. and Mrs. George W. Arundel
- Mr. and Mrs. T. F. Agar
- Mr. J. J Asch
- Mr. Henry H. Atkins
- Mr. W. Allison
- Mr. George Arkley
- Mrs. George Arkley
- Mr. John R. Arkley
- Sister Augustine
- Mr. Thos. H. Burchell
- Mrs. H. J. Burchell
- Miss Emma Burchell
- Miss Helen Brown
- Miss Flora Brown
- Dr. Emily Blackwell,
- Miss Alice Blackwell
- Miss Anna Blackwell
- Mr. Alfred Bullion
- Mr. Victor G Bloede,
- Mr. John Bancroft
- Mr. and Mrs. Bowron
- Miss Blake
- Mrs. Ten Bosch
- Mrs. F. J Byrnes
- Miss E. Buxton
- Miss M. L. Baird
- Mr. R. Bingham
- Miss Linda Bergan
- Mr. F Bird
- Mr. Chas. Brown and Son
- Miss Isabel Beard
- Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Bain
- Mrs. Herbert Beech
- Mr. Considine
- Mr. Robert J. Chapman
- Mr. James Clarkson
- Mr. W. O. Callender
- Miss M. P. Callender
- Mr. Salvador Chamoro
- Miss Eliz. Cushier
- Mr. and Mrs. Chas. E Carryl
- Master Guy W. Carryl
- Miss Constance Carryl and Maid
- Miss Bessie Carryl
- Mr. Charles Champion
- Mrs. S. N. Carter
- Carrall
- Miss Mary L. Dunnell
- Mr. and Mrs. John Duncan
- Mr. Sam'l Dysart
- Mr. Alex. Del Mar
- Mr. John C. Dalton
- Mr. and Mrs. Ellerton L. Dorr
- Miss Dorr
- Miss Elsie Dorr
- Mr. John Eborall
- Miss Elliotte
- Mr. Oliver Ellis
- Mr. Augustus Eller
- Miss Elkins' Maid
- Miss J. Einstein
- Miss Sallie Elkins
- Mr. Robert W. Ferguson
- Mrs. George Fiske
- Mr. H. C. Field
- Mr. and Mrs. Chas. J. Fiske
- Miss Fiske
- Mr. F. B. Fogg
- Mr. B. W. Frazier
- Mrs. Frazier
- Mr. Kenneth Frazier
- Mr. A. H Frazier
- Mr. Herbert Frazier
- Mies Alice Frazier
- Miss Isabel Frazier
- Miss Fasnacht
- Mr. C. N. Fenner
- Prof. and Mrs. A. F. Fleet
- Mrs. Fisk's Maid
- Mr. Fearin
- Mr. Gray
- Mr. and Mrs. Chas. A. Greeve
- Mr. C. E. Granniss
- Miss Gaston
- Mrs. Thos. B. Gresham
- Mr. Herbert Garside
- Sir Alex. Galt,
- Lady Galt
- Miss Gait
- Mr. Thomas B. Gresham
- Miss Eugenie L. Gray
- Mrs. Carrie Hoyt
- Capt. W. F. Hurndall
- Miss Helen Hitchcock
- Mr. W. C. Hall, .Ir.
- Mr. Egbert C Hambley
- Mr. Thomas Howe
- Mrs. Thos. Howe
- Master Samuel Howe
- Mrs. A. J. Hardenbergh
- Mrs. M. L. Hudnut
- Mrs. C. A. Hill
- Miss Mabel Hill
- Mr. C Hunter
- Mr. E. F. Hatfield
- E. F. Hatfield
- M. Hatfield
- Hatfield
- Miss Edith N. Hastings
- Mr. D. Henning
- Mr. and Mrs. L. G. Hollberg
- Mies Margaret Hollberg
- Miss Mary Hollberg
- Mr. Francis S. Hinkle and Servant
- Mr. H. Harrison
- Mr. W. I. Irwin
- Mr. S. Isaacs
- Miss Amy Johnson
- Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Jackson and Three Children
- Miss Mary W. Johnson
- Mr. H. L. Janeway
- Mr. H. H. Janeway
- Miss Emily Janeway
- Mr. Chas. E. Johnson
- Mr. Jensen
- Miss Jennie
- Miss Jones
- Mr. E. Jennings
- Mrs. Jerrems
- Miss May Jerrems
- Miss Annie Jerrems, Infant and Maid
- Mr. Sam'l E. Jones
- Mr. S. Nicholson Kane
- Mr. Chas. S Knox
- Mr. Jas. C. Knox
- Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Kelly,
- Mr. Paul A. Kunkel
- Miss Kelly
- Miss Kate Kelly
- Mrs. E. 1W Kemp
- Miss Kerrison
- Mr. Roland Kursheedt
- Rev. Win. Kieran
- Mrs. Albert Keep
- Miss Keep
- Mrs. C. B. King
- Miss Harriet R. King
- Miss Alice G. King
- Mr. George A. Laubach
- Mr. A. W. Lilienthal
- Mr. D. Liddle
- Mrs. D. Liddle
- Master James Liddle
- Mr. Louis Loeske
- Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Lancaster
- Mr. W. M. Leeper
- Master D. C. Leeper
- Mrs. J. N. Leeper
- Mr. and Mrs. Fred N. Lewis
- Mr. Hamilton Lewis
- Mr. F. 'I'. Luqueer, Jr.
- Miss Carrie N. Libbey
- Mrs. Sarah C. Longstreth
- Miss Helen 'I'. Longstreth
- Miss Susan Lovering
- Miss Caro Lloyd
- Miss Mary B. Little
- Rev. Arthur Little, D. D
- Mr. F. A. Leland
- Rev. R. W. Miller
- E. C. Moore
- Mr. and Mrs. H. Morley
- Mr. and Mrs. Edward McFadden
- Mr. B. R. Merwin
- Mr. Reginald H. Harden
- M. Hubert Mitchell
- Miss Annie McArdle
- Mr. C. P. MacCarthy
- Prof. Eugene MacChesney
- Mr. and Mrs. C. W. McKeehan
- Master Chas McKeehan
- Miss Florence McKeehan
- Mr. John McGuire
- Mr. Chas. Maguire
- Mr. John MacCarthy
- Mr. Walter S Maxwell
- Mr. George Herbert Mitchell
- Mr. G. E. Miles
- Mrs. Munro
- Mr. Alexander McEwen
- Miss K. Mann
- Miss Mary Marsh
- Miss Lida Morris
- Mr. and Mrs. Chas A. Mair
- Miss Meeker
- Mr. T. McDougall
- Miss Mutter
- Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Miller and Infant
- Sister Nicholas
- Miss Louise Neil
- Miss Adele Norcom
- Mr. Alex Nicoll
- Miss G. Ogilvie
- Mr. R. C. Oldfleld
- Miss Oldfield
- Mr. C. E. Orr
- Mr. D. A. Orr
- Mr. Thos. Orr
- Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Ock ers
- Mr. P. B. O'Brien
- Mr. George O'Hea
- Miss Lydia L. O'Hea
- Mr. F. O'Hea
- Mr. and Mrs. Chas. H. Phillips
- Mr. D. Parrish
- Mr. Jos. Packard
- Mr. C. C. Peck
- Miss Mary Peck
- Miss Fannie Peck
- Mr. C. H. Pix
- Mr. L. Puddicomb
- Mr. J. Perriman
- Mrs. Adeline L. Poillon
- Mr. John Parkinson
- Mr. and Mrs. Tony Pastor
- Mr. and Mrs. A. N. Prentiss
- Mr. James H. Parsons
- Miss Alice M. Parsons
- Miss Margaret Parsons
- Mr. Harry A. Playle
- Mr. Nathan Powell
- Mr. Pirie
- Mrs. Henry A. Playle and Infant
- Mr. and Mrs. Joint Playle
- Miss Ethel Parton
- Mrs. F. P. Parry
- Miss K. Parry
- Mrs. Pattulo
- Miss M. H. Reid
- Mrs. M. E. Robinson
- Miss Julia Ryle
- Miss Georgie A. Read
- Mrs. Wm. Ryle
- Mr. Earnest Ryle
- Mr. and Mrs. James P. Ryan
- Mr. Rockwell
- Mrs. R. H. Rush
- Mr. Arnold Ran
- Master Arnold Rau
- Master Horatio Rau
- Master Nicander Rau
- Miss Rau
- Miss Anna Ropes
- Miss Ropes
- Mr. F. W. Ramsay
- Miss Mary Richey
- Miss Caroline A. Russell
- Mrs. R. G. Rieman
- Miss Fannie A. Root
- Miss Helen W. Root
- Hon. W. R. Sanford
- Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Strange
- Miss Blanche Strange
- Master A. B. Strange
- Miss Mary E. Sumner
- Mr. Chas. H. Spang
- Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Schneider, three children and Nurse
- Mrs. E. Schmidt
- Mr. C. H. Shinkle
- Lord and Lady Stafford. Maid and Manservant
- Miss Alice Starbuck
- Mr. Wm Stubbs,
- Mr. W. H. Staynes
- Mr. F. W. Spurgin
- Miss Sue Sadtler
- Mr. Wilson L. Smith
- Mrs. Horace J. Smith
- Mr. H R. Symonds
- Mr. Chas. H. Symonds
- Miss Mary Saxton
- Miss Caroline Stallbohm
- Mr. and Mrs. Jas. P. Scott
- Master Hugh D. Scott, Maid, and Man Servant
- Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Southworth
- Miss I. M. Southworth
- Miss Emily Seymour
- Mr. Jacob Silloway
- Mr. C L. True
- Mr. John K. Tibbits
- Mr. A. Loftus Tottenham, M.P
- Mrs. A. S. Thomson
- Mr. C. H. Tindal
- Mrs. Thayer, Two Children, Two Infants, and Nurse
- Rev. Chas. M. Tyler
- Mr. S B. Turner
- Mr. Benj. Thornton
- Miss Minnie Thomason
- Miss Anna Thomason
- Mr. Frank L. Unger
- Mr. T. H. Urwick
- Mr. S. Voelkel
- Mr. and Mrs. Louis Voight
- Miss Florence Voight
- Master Lewis Voight
- Mlle. Bertha Vincens
- Mlle. Marie Vincens
- Mr. A. J. Valentine
- Mr. Thos. C. Watkins
- Mrs. Newman Williams
- Master Norman Williams
- Miss Cornelia Williams
- Miss Annie Wright,
- Mr. and Mrs. Chas. W. Wells and Child
- Mr. Parker L. Walter
- Mr. Arthur Whitelaw
- Mr. F. A. Wilber
- Mrs. F. A. Wilber
- Mr. and Mrs. George Wiley
- Mr. W. D. Williams
- Mrs. Delia Williams
- Mr. Lee H. Williams
- Mr. C A. L. Walter
- Mr. Horace Whitney
- Miss Walzer
- Mr. and Mrs. A. Ward
- Miss Wilcox
- Mr. Wheeler
- Mr. Wittekind
- Mr. II C. Wilson
- Miss Margaret Wingate
- Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Wharton
- Mr. J. S. L. Wharton
- Miss M. N. Withington
- Miss Annie Withington
- Miss Eloise Wood
- Mr. H. Wilber
- Mr. John M. Welsh
- Mrs. John M. Welsh
- Col. and Mrs. , Wm. A. Williams
- Mr. Freman A. Walker
- col. Henry Walker
- Mr. Charlton Yarnell
🌟 Notable Individuals Onboard
👩⚕️ Dr. Emily Blackwell
One of the first female physicians in the U.S. and co-founder of the New York Infirmary for Women and Children.
A tireless advocate for women in medicine.
Traveled with her sisters Alice and Anna Blackwell.
⚗️ Victor G. Bloede
German-American chemist and inventor, pioneer in aniline dye manufacturing.
Established one of the first successful American dye factories, helping end reliance on European imports.
📚 Charles E. Carryl
American financier and children’s author; wrote Davy and the Goblin and The Admiral’s Caravan.
Traveling with family, including his literary-minded daughter Constance Carryl.
📷 George Fiske
Renowned landscape photographer, especially known for his images of Yosemite National Park.
Mentored Ansel Adams, whose photographic legacy reshaped American environmentalism.
🎭 Tony Pastor
Icon of 19th-century American entertainment and often called the "Father of Vaudeville".
Traveled with his wife, possibly to arrange tours or scout talent in Europe.
📜 Lord and Lady Stafford
British aristocracy with full entourage; presence signaled the SS Servia’s prestige.
Likely Lord Francis Molyneux, 7th Earl of Stafford, known for civic leadership in England.
🎖️ Col. William A. Williams & Col. Henry Walker
Distinguished American military officers.
Their presence underscores the post-Civil War era's transatlantic diplomatic and commercial exchanges.
🧑🎓 Prof. A. F. Fleet & Prof. Eugene MacChesney
Likely affiliated with American or British universities; specifics unlisted.
Possibly involved in academic exchanges or lecture tours.
⛪ Rev. Arthur Little, D.D. & Rev. Charles M. Tyler
Religious leaders likely returning from or heading to ecclesiastical duties abroad.
Dr. Little was a prominent Congregationalist pastor, noted for religious publications.
List of Saloon Passengers on board the RMS Servia, 18 June 1887. Note the Missing Section that had been Torn Away. Let us know if you have this passenger list and can provide the missing names. Thank you. Passengers marked * land at Queenstown. | GGA Image ID # 17505e30e2
Back Cover of a Saloon Passenger List for the SS Servia of the Cunard Line, Departing Saturday, 18 June 1887 from New York to Liverpool. | GGA Image ID # 1750eec8fd
📸 Noteworthy Images from the Archive
📖 Front Cover | 🖼️ GGA Image ID #17504359ec
Saloon Passenger List for the SS Servia of the Cunard Line, departing 18 June 1887 from New York to Liverpool, under Captain Horatio McKay.
🧾 List of Saloon Passengers | 📜 GGA Image ID #17505e30e2
Original manifest document with partial section torn away; request for missing names shared by GG Archives.
🧳 Back Cover | 📘 GGA Image ID #1750eec8fd
Classic Cunard Line branding showcasing the ship’s elegant transatlantic service.
📚 Relevance for Educators, Genealogists, Historians, and Students
Teachers & Students can explore themes such as gender roles in medicine (Dr. Blackwell), immigration patterns, and 19th-century literary culture.
Historians benefit from insights into elite transatlantic networks post-Civil War.
Genealogists can trace familial ties, lineage of cultural icons, and patterns of class-based migration.
Sociologists & Cultural Scholars can study the evolving roles of entertainment, science, and religion in global society.
💬 Final Thoughts – Why This Passenger List Matters
This manifest from the SS Servia’s 1887 voyage offers a rare window into a moment in time when the Atlantic Ocean linked—not divided—American and European society. Aboard were scientists, artists, political elites, writers, and visionaries. It reflects a globalizing elite, from American women doctors challenging gender norms to photographers capturing natural wonders and entertainers shaping mass culture.
Preserved by the Gjenvick-Gjønvik Archives, this document is an invaluable asset for deep archival research, narrative history, and cross-disciplinary education. 🌐
📜 Research note: Some names and captions were typed from originals and may reflect period spellings or minor typographical variations. When searching, try alternate spellings and cross-check with related records. ⚓
Curator’s Note
For over 25 years, I've been dedicated to a unique mission: tracking down, curating, preserving, scanning, and transcribing historical materials. These materials, carefully researched, organized, and enriched with context, live on here at the GG Archives. Each passenger list isn't just posted — it's a testament to our commitment to helping you see the people and stories behind the names.
It hasn't always been easy. In the early years, I wasn't sure the site would survive, and I often paid the hosting bills out of my own pocket. But I never built this site for the money — I built it because I love history and believe it's worth preserving. It's a labor of love that I've dedicated myself to, and I'm committed to keeping it going.
If you've found something here that helped your research, sparked a family story, or just made you smile, I'd love to hear about it. Your experiences and stories are the real reward for me. And if you'd like to help keep this labor of love going, there's a "Contribute to the Website" link tucked away on our About page.
📜 History is worth keeping. Thanks for visiting and keeping it alive with me.
