Rufus Soule

Rufus Soule (July 16, 1785 – September 22, 1867) was a boat builder in Maine and served for several years in the state legislature.

Early life Rufus Soule was born July 16, 1785, in North Yarmouth, Cumberland County, Maine, the fourth son of Captain John Soule (1740–1814) and Elizabeth Mitchell (1747–1794).

Career Soule bought the yard at Porter's Landing in 1834 and became one of the most eminent shipbuilders in Maine. He built eighty-five vessels during his career. His son, Rufus C. Soule, joined him in the trade.

Soule served as a representative in the Maine Legislature from 1832 until 1838. A Democrat, he was a State Senator from Cumberland County in 1838. He also served as a justice of the peace. where the Soule name was used for one of the education tracks for students. The former Soule School location now houses the École Française du Maine.

In 2018, the Freeport Historical Society purchased a painting of Soule and his wife at auction.