This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/Zk.2ADE/945.1.2.1.1.2.1.1.1.2.1.1.1 Message Board Post: Gail, As far as I know, it was spelled with only "s." At least that is the way my ex-husband and his father (Stanley) spelled it, and on all of the obituaries, it was spelled with one "s." I have not seen it with two "s's", although maybe several generations back they did it that way, then dropped the extra "s" somewhere down the line. This family line is Norwegian, at least from Betsey Olson's side. I do not know if the Douglases were Norwegian, but the area where they settled north of New Hampton was a Norwegian community, so it would not be out of bounds to think that they were. If that is the case, I can only imagine that the name may have originally been Douglasson or something like that, as the Norwegian (and other Scandanavian families) used such terminology for their surnames. This is speculation, of course, but could explain the spelling with two "s's" if they tried to Americanize the names, and then they may have ultimately dropped the extra "s." Like I said! , I am speculating on this, and without any further documentation on Hamilton Douglas, which is as far back as I have found any information, there is no proof. Yes, Maynard was married to a woman named Fay. I had not previously known her maiden name. I can also get you information on the spouses of the rest of Louie and Josie's children, but it'll take me a little time to put it together. Stanley, my father-in-law, was married to Mabel Mildred Zipse. I'll get their marriage date for you and a list of the children. I believe I can also get some information about Lowell, Andrew, and Bud (Bernard), at least their spouses' maiden names and a list of children, although I probably don't have birthdates on the kids. Same with Elaine and Irene. I tried to e-mail you, but the e-mail was returned undeliverable. It is certainly nice to collaborate, because you have filled in some info that I did not have, and I hope I have done the same for you. Looks like there is a lot of work to do on this family. I think I will contact a couple of former in-laws and see if anyone has any pictures. There might be some pictures of Louis and Josie floating around. It would be so nice to put together an album of information, including pictures, for my kids and grandkids. The pictures bring the family history to life! Connie