My earliest known ancestor is Edward HOWELL, master mariner merchant service, b. ca 1820 and d. before 1869. He was married to Hester MULHOLLAND, (1823 - d. 1871, Glasgow) daughter of Frederick MULHOLLAND, butler and Margaret McCULLOCH. I do not know where Edward HOWELL or Hester MULHOLLAND were born, married, nor where Edward died; I suspect Ireland. Though I do have a photo taken of Edward HOWELL and he appears in what looks like a Scottish mariner's hat. They had at least 2 children born in Ireland: 1. Alfred HOWELL (1843 - 1927) born in Belfast and died in Glasgow, married to Elizabeth McLay BROWN (1845 - 1907) They had the following children, all born in Scotland: i. Edward (1871-1925) ii. Clara Elizabeth (1872-) iii. Julia E. (ca1879-) iv. Sidney (Died as Infant) (1880-1881) v. Ralph Vincent (Twin) (1880-1951) vi. Lydia (1881-) vii. Emelie (ca1883-) viii. Ella B. (ca1884-) ix. Maud A. (ca1885-) x. Lily (ca1886-) 2. Henry James HOWELL (1849 - 1894) born in Ireland, died in Glasgow, married Rachel JOHNSTON (1852 - ) They had the following children, born in Scotland: i. Catherine Hester (ca1885-) ii. Bessie (ca1888-) Edward HOWELL and his marriage to Hester MULHOLLAND is my brick wall, maybe a lister can help! Any other HOWELL's out there that connect with mine? Thanks, Jackie, Vancouver Island