Although more research is needed, the following information found at www.familysearch.org, seems to correlate withs the names and birthdates we have been given for the Edward Harkness/Margaret Byres family. Also there is no trace of this family being in Dumfries-shire, Scotland during the 1841 census period(FreeCEN - Search). One could extrapolate that they emmigrated to Canada between March 29, 1840 and 1841. However, a quick search of passenger lists has yet to show anything conclusive. Family legends hold that Edward worked in the construction of the Bytown jail(constructed in 1842 on Nicholas Street, by Thomas Mackay, and later destroyed by fire) as well as the construction of the Rideau Canal. Richard's brothers who were twins (John and James) from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada visited Arnprior, Ontario, Canada in the early part of the last century. James and John, listed below did share a birthdate.(see Chapter 9 of Sarah Christena Lawlor Kearn's Family History).

Edward Harkness (son of David Harkness and Helen Adam)was christened July 10, 1803 in Gretna, Dumfries, Scotland. He died March 31, 1842, in Bytown, Upper Canada, N. America. According to family lore the cause of death was malaria. This was prevalent in the area at that time, due to the swamps being unearthed for the building of the Rideau Canal. ( See Malaria on the Rideau)
He married Margaret Byers (born about 1807, in Kirkpatrick-Fleming, Dumfries, Scotland), October 30, 1829 in Gretna, Dumfries, Scotland.

Children of Edward Harkness and Margaret Byers are:
i. David Harkness, christening: September 12, 1830 Nelsfield-Gretna, , Dumfries, Scotland.
ii. James Harkness,christening: May 14, 1832 Nelsfield-Gretna, , Dumfries, Scotland .
iii. John Harkness, christening: May 14, 1832 Nelsfield-Gretna, , Dumfries, Scotland .
iv. Elenor Harkness, christening: April 27, 1834 Nelsfield-Gretna, , Dumfries, Scotland .
v.Mary Harkness, born March 24, 1836, christening: March 24, 1836 Nelsfield-Gretna, , Dumfries, Scotland .
vi. Isabella Harkness, christening: September 25, 1837 Nelsfield-Gretna, , Dumfries, Scotland .
vii. Richard Harkness, christening: March 29, 1840 Nelsfield-Gretna, Dumfries, Scotland .

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