I am forwarding to the list this message which I received yesterday in hopes that at least one of two individuals mentioned might still be subscribed and be able to help this researcher. (Mary is not currently a subscriber to the MIMUSKEG-L) If any of the below info. rings a bell, or you or someone you know is researching the SOULE surname please let me know and I will put you in touch with her. Thanks! Jill (Syers) Clark MIMUSKEG-L&D admin. Good afternoon, Jill, I was born and grew up in Muskegon. I read of interest about the research day held in Muskegon in 1999 (a while ago, I know). One of the families being researched was Soule/Sowle. Since my great-great grandmother was a Sowle, I am very interested in this study. There is no email listed for either of the two women who worked on this part of the research: Marilyn Eek & Carolyn Gabris. I have been researching the history of my family (Ward and Sowle) for some time now. Persis Sowle was born in Middlebury, NY, in 1828. She married Randolph Ward there in 1849. They moved to Muskegon County sometime between 1853 and 1858. It was probably in 1855 or 1856. She had several brothers who also moved to Muskegon County: Daniel Sowle (from about 1851-1857; he then went to the eastern side of the state); Orrin Sowle (or Oren Soule – several variations) who probably arrived in late 1860. He was named a constable in Oceana Township in April 1861; and David, who arrived in 1867. His family lived on a farm in White River Township. His wife died in 1883/4 (I have the date, just not taking the time to look it up). He then moved back to New York then went to Sacramento, CA, where his oldest daughter lived. He died there in 1893. Only 2 daughters of the 5 children survived to adulthood. The other daughter married. Persis Sowles Ward moved to Barry County before 1880 & died there in 1887. My family were Pioneers (although we haven’t applied for this status) in Muskegon County. Solon Ward, the oldest son of Persis & Randolph, was born in Bethany, NY, in 1850. After they moved to Michigan, he lived in the Montague-Whitehall-Muskegon area the rest of his life. His son John was my grandfather. He was born in 1878 in Montague. He married in Dodge City, Kansas, in 1901. He and my grandmother had 4 children, Lucille, Rose, Dennis B. and Leonard. My father, Dennis B. Ward, who was born in Whitehall, MI, in 1908, was the Muskegon Fire Chief from 1957-1965. He died in Muskegon in June, 1991. My maiden name was Mary Ward. I was one of 6 children born to Dennis and Betty Mongeau Ward. I hope you will be able to put me in touch with the researcher who was working on the Soules/Sowles. We may be able to mutually help each other. Thank you. Mary Ward MacDonald **************Get the Moviefone Toolbar. Showtimes, theaters, movie news & more!(http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1212774565x1200812037/aol?redir=htt p://toolbar.aol.com/moviefone/download.html?ncid=emlcntusdown00000001)