My 2018 French ChallengeAZ in 100 Words: D for Douglass

French Canadians’ surname variations could either give you a headache or a thrill. At first sight, “Douglass” may sound like just another English surname. Never assume anything! A man called Casimir Douglass was indeed originally known as Casimir Daudelin. I was also forever trying to connect one John Douglass to this Casimir. It turns out John’s surname is Guedesse in Québec—a surname I applied myself so hard to track in censuses. No wonder I could not find the guy. The Vermont church repertoires are such a treasure, thanks to the relentless work of the Vermont French-Canadian Genealogical Society!


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