Ruler Family History

The variant of Rowley (or Rooley) features -ley pronounced as -ler, similar to some other northern surnames like Huller instead of Hulley. A comparison can be drawn with records such as Wm. Rowley from 1752 and William Ruler from 1766, found in the IGI database (Riccall, ER Yorks).

Further examples include Abraham Rooley from 1747, John Rooller from 1773, and John Rowley from 1776, as recorded in the IGI (Campsall, WR Yorks). In another instance, Mary Rowler was noted in 1774 alongside George Ruler in 1776 and Samuel Rouley in 1779, also from the IGI (Snaith, WR Yorks).

Additionally, John Ruler from 1776 and Robert Rowley from 1785 appear in the IGI (Hatfield, WR Yorks), with Hannah Rowley from 1788 and William Ruler from 1791 noted in IGI (Whitkirk, WR Yorks). The data also includes William Roolah from 1797 and Ann Rooley from 1802, recorded in the IGI (Hemsworth, WR Yorks).

It appears that this variant predominantly originates from Rowley near Bardsey (WR Yorks), situated close to Riccall and Skipwith. However, an example from Surrey indicates a presence in Rowly (Surrey), located about five miles from Shalford.