Sowell Family Genealogy & History

Thomas Sowell, born on June 30, 1930, is a renowned American economist, economic historian, and political commentator. As a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, Sowell has become a prominent voice in the American conservative movement, authoring over 45 books on politics, economics, education, and race. His distinguished career includes professorships at Cornell, Brandeis, and UCLA, as well as influential roles in think tanks like the Urban Institute. Sowell's impact on public policy during the Reagan era and his libertarian-conservative views have solidified his status as a key figure in economic and social discourse.

Thomas Sowell was born into a poor family in Gastonia, North Carolina. His father died shortly before his birth, leaving his mother, a housemaid with four other children. Sowell was adopted by a great-aunt and her daughters after his mother's passing. At age nine, his family moved to Harlem, New York City, seeking better opportunities. Despite financial hardships and family quarrels, Sowell's educational journey took him from Stuyvesant High School to Harvard University, where he graduated magna cum laude in economics.

Anthony Edward Sowell, infamously known as The Cleveland Strangler, was an American serial killer and rapist. Convicted in 2011 for the murder of 11 women, Sowell's heinous crimes came to light after the discovery of the victims' bodies in his Cleveland, Ohio, home in 2009. Before his arrest, Sowell served in the United States Marine Corps, earning several commendations during his seven-year service. His criminal activities escalated after his release from a 15-year imprisonment for attempted rape in 2005. Sowell's horrifying legacy continues to be a significant point of interest in criminal history.

Anthony Sowell was born on August 19, 1959, in East Cleveland, Ohio, to Claudia "Gertrude" Garrison, a single parent. He grew up in a tumultuous household as one of seven children. His upbringing was marked by extreme abuse and trauma, largely attributed to Garrison, who subjected the children to physical abuse. Sowell's family environment was further strained by the presence of seven other children, who moved in after the death of Sowell's sister. This chaotic family context played a significant role in shaping Sowell's troubled life.

Dawn Sowell, born on March 27, 1966, in Philadelphia, is a former American sprinter renowned for her exceptional speed in the 100 meters and 200 meters. In 1989, she became the fastest woman globally, clocking 10.78 seconds in the 100m and 22.04 seconds in the 200m. These achievements ranked her third on the US and world all-time 100m lists at that time. Sowell competed for the LSU Lady Tigers, holding the collegiate record in the 100m until 2019. Her career highlights include winning the 1989 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships 100m title and earning a bronze medal with the US 4 × 100-meter relay team at the 1989 IAAF World Cup.

Dawn Sowell was born as one of seven children in Philadelphia. Her father worked as an electrician while her mother initially juggled three jobs before transitioning to a career in real estate.

Jerald Monye Sowell, born on January 21, 1974, is a former prominent American football fullback known for his ten-season career in the NFL with the New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A Tulane University standout, Sowell made history with a 98-yard run against Alabama in 1993, marking him as a formidable player. Although initially drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1997, he was traded to the Jets, where he excelled, particularly in the 2003 season with 47 catches. Sowell holds a Jets record with 135 career special team tackles, showcasing his versatility and impact on the field.