I can't read this name: Marriage Record?

Question

The first letter starts, near the top with a line going horizontally leftwards that curls upwards, rightwards, and downwards crossing over the original leftward line; then it continues down and looks like a 2 (the written kind with a loop at the bottom).

According to a book, it looked like a Q; but that makes no sense since the next letter is possibly "y" or "i" (or "e"); the rest is too indistinguishable to match to any rare surname that starts with q and then not u. It ends with "ss" fairly clearly.

Answer 1

There are quite a few websites on deciphering old handwriting-perhaps they can shed some light on your mystery. In the meantime, here's a basic guide:

Commonly Confused Upper Case Letters

F - H

J - I

K - R

S - L

O - Q

P - R

U - V

W - M, UU

Commonly Confused Lower Case Letters

b - f

d - el

j - i

k - t

s - l

t - c

ss - fs, ps

w - vv

y - g

Answer 2

If you could include a link to a picture of it, it would aid in identification.

Answer 3

Could you possibly  post the image so that we can have a look at it, your description is quite confusing. I am sure you will have the answer within moments if you can post the image.