All Blog Posts (919)

Does anyone know when the distinction happened and why between those who spelt our last name as Douglas versus those who spelt it Douglass??? 
Gene Douglass

On 11th April 2025, HM the King, as Royal Patron of the Regimental Association of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, planted a tree in the grounds of Balmoral Castle. Prayers of dedication, led by The Rev Col G A Douglas OBE, Regimental Chaplain, were offered along with thanksgiving for all that the late Queen did for the Regiment as Colonel in Chief,…

Luigi Scotti Douglas: A Life of Honour and Service

Born in Naples on June 23, 1796, Luigi Scotti Douglas dedicated his life to the military. In 1816, he joined the Royal Guard, embarking on a path of discipline and duty that would define his legacy. Over the years, he built a life alongside his wife, Maria Giuseppina Carlier, and saw his…

Continuing my research into the arrival of the Douglas families into southern and mid American states.

Among the waves of settlers shaping the interior of South Carolina, the Douglas families stood as part of a larger Scots-Irish migration. Driven by the promise of affordable land and a fresh start, they journeyed southward from Virginia and…

The wind whispers through the heathered hills, carrying echoes of battles fought and loyalties sworn. Here, in the very soil of Scotland, lie the bones of our bone, the flesh of our flesh. To trace the lineage of the Douglas Clan is not merely an academic exercise; it is a visceral connection to the very essence of who we are. It ignites a profound pride in…

File:Sasine deed 1484 for Robert Elwald (Elliot), Redheugh, Larriston, Hartsgarth.jpg – Wikipedia

Gilbert Douglas, a West India merchant from Glasgow, left a legacy that intertwines the complexities of colonial enterprise, familial bonds, and acts of liberation. Born on May 28, 1749, Douglas played a prominent role in the transatlantic economy as the owner of multiple plantations, including the Mount Pleasant sugar plantation in St. Vincent and the Fairfield cotton plantation in Demerara. Though remembered for his wealth and social standing, a significant chapter of his life unfolded in…

In a newsletter in July 2022 (See link below), we exlored the possibility that the Douglases were decended from ancient Egypt. This was not the first time that the story had surfaced, but as I was then researching the Douglases in Italy, and the story also surfaced there, it seemed appropriate to investigate.

Of course, this is many centuries ago, and although the Egyptians have records going back that far in time, the Europeans do not, so the story has passed verbally from generation…

Around three centuries ago, a significant endeavor was undertaken in parts of Ulster by a remarkable gentleman named [Thomas] Raven. His task was nothing short of extraordinary—a meticulous and comprehensive survey of the lands granted by King James [I] to his loyal subject and planter, James Hamilton.

According to Mr. John Stevenson, Hamilton "lives on in the portrait preserved at Castle Ward, and, fortunately, Raven's surveys of his extensive estates from 1625, as the land became…

My father claimed Ghengis Khan as an ancestor.  After a long conversation with Jackie Stoddard today, I decided to investigate.

Human history weaves a rich tapestry of interconnected lineages and shared legacies, from the ancient migrations of Haplogroup R-M269 to the towering influence of Genghis Khan and the proud heritage of Clan Douglas. When we know that members of Clan…

Someone has very kindly sent me a copy of The Heraldry of the Douglases.

But I have no idea who I should be thanking.  Please get in touch so that I can respons appropriately.

This is beyond my budget:…

An old friend died recently, and as I was researching our family connections, as I do, I came across the following story.

A Legacy of Loyalty and Honor: The Jardine Family's Complex History

The Jardine family, hailing from the picturesque town of Applegarthtown in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, has a rich and complex history that spans centuries. At the heart of this tale is Alexander Jardine of Applegirth, a Scottish landowner and soldier who played…

Genealogy holds significant value in modern family life for several reasons:

Connecting with Roots: Discovering family history provides a sense of identity and belonging. Knowing where you come from can strengthen family ties and create a sense of pride in your heritage.

Understanding Health Risks: Tracing family medical history can reveal patterns of inherited health conditions. This information can be crucial for preventative healthcare and making informed medical…

When you think about it, family truly is everything. When times are good, we want to celebrate with those who mean the most to us. When the daily grind is over, it's family that we come home to. If times are tough, it’s the comforting support of family that we crave. And at the end, it’s family we wish to have by our side. So much of who we are and what we achieve stems from our ancestors; it's natural to turn to family because it's simply in our nature.

Preserving…

As some will know, I have been struggling with my webhost for a few months to provide an efficent service for all Douglas history and genealogy researchers. The site will be moving to a new host, so there will be some loss of service in the meantime.