Harris, August Watkins, 1893-1968

Born in Austin, Texas, August Watkins Harris, Sr. (1893-1968), attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he founded the Theta XI fraternity. An architect and artist by profession, Harris worked with Bertram Giesecke (1892-1950) in an architectural firm in Austin. He and Giesecke designed several building in Austin, including Stephen F. Austin High School, the Norwood Tower, and St. Mary’s Cathedral. In addition, Harris wrote on the subject of architectural history, such as Minor and Major Mansions in early Austin (1955). Harris served in both World War I and World War II and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Army. In 1922, he married Loula Harris, with whom he had four children, including August Watkins Harris, Jr. (1925-2010), also an Austin architect.

From the guide to the Harris, August Watkins, Papers 89-127., 1959, (Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin)

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