By Angela Grant
Tierra Studios
Bryan Harkness’ roots in Texas run really deep.
His family first came to Texas in the 1830s, when Spain still controlled the territory. They had front-row seats on history when war forced Spain to give up Texas to Mexico. At least 30 of Bryan’s ancestors settled in East Texas, specifically the Nacogdoches area, and most worked as farmers. But they didn’t hesitate to take up arms in their local militias when the need arose. They fought in battles that helped win Texas’ independence.
The Battle of San Jacinto
They were among the few citizens of the Republic of Texas, until 1845 when they became United States citizens because Texas joined the union.
I know all this because Bryan’s mom, Pat Harkness, has done extensive genealogical research into their family. She’s traced her clan all the way back to England’s American colonies in the 1600s! The family mainly immigrated from England, Ireland and Scotland, and many of them originally settled in Virginia. About 20 of Bryan’s ancestors fought in the American Revolution for the country’s independence.
Then in the 1860s, some of his family members fought in the Civil War for the confederates.
Because of Bryan’s ancestors, he is qualified to join some interesting historical organizations:
The Sons of the American Revolution
The Sons of the Republic of Texas
United Sons of Confederate Soldiers Association
I’m not sure if Bryan will go that far, but I will say this: He seems very proud of his American and Texan heritage.
