What does the "S" stand for in Harry S. Truman's name?

Harry S. Truman was born on May 8, 1884, in Lamar, Missouri, the oldest child of John Anderson Truman (1851–1914) and Martha Ellen Young Truman (1852–1947). His parents chose the name Harry after his mother's brother, Harrison "Harry" Young (1846–1916). While the "S" did not stand for any one name, it was chosen as his middle initial to honor both of his grandfathers, Anderson Shipp Truman and Solomon Young. The initial has been regularly written and printed followed by a period.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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48 Comments

Robert Janse

There is not to be a period after the "S" as it is not an abbreviation.

shootit

wandajaneburlinson, They said it was to honor both of his grandfathers.

Cheryl Love

wandajaneburlinson, his family couldn’t decide between 2 relatives names, so they just put an “S” there. Weird, I know.

Monty Mathias

galambos, do you think that should apply to serving in the military, owning a gun and a license to operate motor vehicles as well?

wandajaneburlinson

Why have an initial that stands for nothing?

Susanne Jones Koontz

There is actually no period after the S

joycekingsmith

I heard about a man whose only name was Chum. When he went in the military they asked his name. He replied, "WE ___". They said," what do you want your name to be"? That day he chose his name. William Everett ___. .

Jim Mascair

I knew a man named H L Tucker. His parents figured he could choose his name as he aged, but he chose to be H L.

galambos

Peter Robertson, and the buck stops here. I really liked him.

galambos

our school bus stayed late so we could go down to the railroad station to see Mr. Truman when he made his cross country trip campaigning. though a junior in High School I did not see it as a big deal. In those days you had to be 21 to vote. We need to bring that age back for voting.

littledick

stellaclaude, You must be referring to the famous Chicago Tribune with the headline, "Dewey Defeats Truman", in 1948. Newspapers hesitate to make such statements quite so early because of the electoral college.