2A-C: Jane Guthrie

JANE GUTHRIE & JOHN VAIL
of New Castle County, Delaware

JANE GUTHRIE
Parents: Samuel Guthrie b.1680-1700 – d.1746DE & Mary (MNU)
Birth: Est. 1714-1724 (likely), Before 1746 (definitely)
Birth Location: Unknown, probably Chester County, Pennsylvania or New Castle County, Delaware
Marriage: Unknown Date & Location, likely in the late 1730s or early to mid 1740s
Death: 1780-1783
Death Location: St George’s Hundred, New Castle County, Delaware
Burial: Unknown
Notes:
This Guthrie branch is a tough one because there are very few details and the documentation is fairly sketchy. Jane was named in the Last Will and Testament of her father, Samuel Guthrie, in 1746. Based on a very broad estimate her DOB was probably around 1710-20. Since her father was documents in London Britain, Chester, PA in 1825, it is possible that Jane was born in Pennsylvania rather than Delaware. There is no record of Samuel Guthrie in New Castle County, Delaware until 1737 when he purchased 100 acres of land. However, making things a little more confusing is the fact that New Castle County was technically still claimed by Pennsylvania at that time, so PA/DE may be correct either way.

Samuel Guthrie’s will names his children only by their given names, therefore we can’t tell by that date if Jane Guthrie was already married. Jane’s sister Mary Guthrie married Thomas Vail a year later in 1747 DE. Her brother Samuel married Margaret Knox in 1745 DE. Jane lists herself after Adam and Robert in 3rd order during her petition to divide her mother’s estate when naming the children of Samuel & Mary Guthrie, so presumably she is older than Mary or Samuel and most likely married before them.

Mary Guthrie, widow of Samuel, died in 1774. Her estate had been administered by Jane’s husband, John Vail. John died in 1775, and so James Matthews, administrator of John Vail, came to court to produce John’s account of the administration of Mary Guthrie’s estate. (New Castle Co., Del. Orphans Court, Records, liber E., Folio 39)

Calendar of Delaware Wills:
John Vail. St. Geo. Hd. Mcc 7 1753. Apr 22 1774. K.222. Wife, Jane. Exc. David Stewart. Letters of adm. granted to James Matthews.

JOHN VAIL
Parents: Unidentified (Needs Research)
Birth: Unknown
Birth Location: Unknown
Occupation: Unknown
Death: 1773-1775, Before 16 August 1775
Death Location: St George’s Hundred, New Castle County, Delaware
Burial: Unknown

CHILDREN: 4 or 5

JOHN VAIL JR
Notes: Since Jane Guthrie’s husband is documented as John Vail Sr it is possible that there was a son styled as Jr, however it is sometimes used for differentiation when there is another younger man in the community. There is no son identified in the will of Jane Vail. If they did have a son by that name he died sometime prior to 1780.

THOMAS VAIL
Named in his mother’s 1780 will. Along with his brother Isaac Vail received all of the lands and tenements in her possession with the understanding that if they had no issue that the property would be inherited by Thomas Culbertson, the eldest son of their sister Jeany Culbertson. Also received a feather bed and bed clothes with half a dozen pewter plates and half of the rest of Jane’s household goods.

ISAAC VAIL
Named in his mother’s 1780 will. Along with his brother Thomas received all of the lands and tenements in her possession as described above. Also received a horse and mare, two cows, and a heifer, with a feather bed and bed clothes, likewise a half dozen pewter plates and half of the rest of Jane’s household goods.

MARGARET VAIL
Named in her mother’s 1780 will. Received a blue damask gown, blue worsted gown not made up and Tile (?) dress calico and half of the remainder of her wearing apparel.

JEAN VAIL
Named in her mother’s 1780 will as Jeany Culbertson. Received a double gown and black & white calico gown with a gold ring, and half of the remainder of her wearing apparel.

Primary Sources

Primary sources in genealogy consist of original records created at or near the time of the events they document, such as wills, court proceedings, tax lists, land warrants, and probate records. These provide direct evidence of Jane Guthrie’s existence, family relationships, and life events. Jane Guthrie (estimated birth 1714–1724, death 1780–1783) is explicitly named as the daughter of Samuel Guthrie (c. 1680–1700 to 1746) and his wife Mary (maiden name unknown) in several of these documents. Below is a compiled list of relevant primary sources, drawn from historical archives, with full citation details where available. I’ve included context for each, such as how it references Jane or her family, any nuances (e.g., spelling variations like “Guthrey” or “Guttery”), and implications for genealogical research (e.g., estate divisions highlighting inheritance patterns or family disputes). Sources are listed chronologically for clarity.

  1. Chester County, Pennsylvania Tax Lists, 1725
    • Details: Lists “Sam’l Guttery” in London Britain Township. This is an early record of Jane’s father, Samuel Guthrie, prior to his relocation to Delaware. No direct mention of Jane, but establishes the family’s presence in the region.
    • Repository/Access: Unpublished manuscript; abstracted in secondary sources like Laurence R. Guthrie’s American Guthrie and Allied Families (p. 691, footnote 95).
    • Context and Nuances: Tax lists were annual assessments for property owners, often undercounting women and children. This implies Samuel was a landowner by 1725, possibly migrating from Ireland or Scotland. Edge case: Spelling variations may complicate searches; cross-reference with land records. Implications: Supports theories of the family’s Scotch-Irish origins and early colonial settlement.
  2. Pennsylvania Property Warrant, 8 April 1737
    • Details: Warrant for 100 acres in New Castle County, Delaware, signed for Samuel Guthry.
    • Repository/Access: Pennsylvania Archives, Series 3, Volume 1, p. 90, Minute Book K.
    • Context and Nuances: This marks Samuel’s acquisition of land in St. George’s Hundred, where the family resided. No direct reference to Jane, but it documents the family homestead inherited by his children. Implications: Land warrants were crucial for establishing colonial claims; delays in surveying could lead to disputes, as seen in later Orphans’ Court records. Related consideration: Border disputes between Pennsylvania and Delaware affected record locations.
  3. Pennsylvania Property Record, 1 June 1737
    • Details: Confirmation of 100 acres in New Castle County, Delaware, for Samuel Guthrie.
    • Repository/Access: Pennsylvania Archives, Series 3, Volume 1, p. 90.
    • Context and Nuances: Complements the April warrant, showing completion of the process. Family implications: This property was the basis for the estate divided among Jane and siblings after 1746. Edge case: Pre-1740 records may be split between Pennsylvania and Delaware archives due to jurisdictional changes.
  4. Last Will and Testament of Samuel Guthrie, 1 September 1746
    • Details: Written in St. George’s Hundred, New Castle County, Delaware. Names wife Mary as executrix (with son Robert); sons Adam, Robert, and Samuel; daughters Jane, Mary, Elizabeth, and Rachel. Bequeaths personal property and land divisions. Probated 5 September 1746, proved 13 September 1746.
    • Repository/Access: Delaware, Wills and Probate Records, 1676–1971; Wills of New Castle County, Delaware, 1682–1854; Index to Wills, 1682–1885; Miscellaneous Will Records, Vol. 1–2, 1727–1788. Available via Ancestry.com (Provo, UT: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015). No full transcript widely available online, but abstracts confirm details.
    • Context and Nuances: Direct evidence of Jane’s parentage and inheritance rights. The will’s contingency on Mary’s lifetime use delayed full division until her death. Implications: Wills often omitted birth orders or exact ages; Jane’s position suggests she was unmarried or recently married at the time. Edge case: If Jane predeceased her father, she might not be named—here, her inclusion confirms survival.
  5. Will of Robert Guthrie (Son of Samuel), 4 September 1750
    • Details: Leaves estate to mother Mary Guthrey as executrix. Witnesses: John Guthrey, John McCabe. Proved 13 October 1750.
    • Repository/Access: New Castle County, Delaware Wills, Liber G, Folio 427.
    • Context and Nuances: Indirectly supports Jane’s family structure, as Robert was her brother. No mention of Jane, but highlights Mary’s role in managing family assets. Implications: Early deaths of sons like Robert concentrated inheritance among surviving siblings, including Jane.
  6. New Castle County, Delaware Orphans’ Court Records, Liber E, Folio 39 (Post-1753)
    • Details: Administration of Mary Guthrie’s estate by John Vail (Jane’s husband); subsequent account by James Matthews as administrator of John Vail.
    • Repository/Access: New Castle County Orphans’ Court Records (original manuscripts at Delaware Public Archives).
    • Context and Nuances: Ties Jane to her mother’s estate through her husband. Implications: Orphans’ courts handled minors’ inheritances, but here applied to adult heirs post-parental death. Edge case: Records may be incomplete if petitions were verbal.
  7. Letters of Administration for Mary Guthry’s Estate, 17 February 1773
    • Details: Granted to John Neal; inventory due 17 August 1773, account by 17 February 1774. Triggers division of Samuel’s estate.
    • Repository/Access: New Castle County, Delaware Probate Records.
    • Context and Nuances: Mary’s death (c. 1773) allowed Jane and siblings to petition for shares. Implications: Delays in estate settlement were common in colonial America due to lifetenancies.
  8. Orphans’ Court Proceedings of New Castle County, Delaware, April 1761–July 1777
    • Details: Petitions for division of Samuel Guthrie’s estate after Mary’s death (1773). Jane (married to John Vail Sr.) petitioned in 1774 and 1775 alongside siblings.
    • Repository/Access: Colonial Roots (published transcription by Margaret Deakyne Mealy).
    • Context and Nuances: Direct evidence of Jane’s marriage and survival. Nuances: Siblings’ deaths (e.g., brothers Adam, Robert, Samuel) shifted shares. Implications: Court records reveal family dynamics, like alliances in petitions.
  9. Will of John Vail (Jane’s Husband), 7 March 1753 (Proved 22 April 1774)
    • Details: Bequest to wife Jane; executor David Stewart; letters to James Matthews.
    • Repository/Access: Calendar of Delaware Wills, New Castle County, 1682–1800, p. 36 (abstract). Original in New Castle County Wills, K.222.
    • Context and Nuances: Confirms Jane’s marriage (pre-1753) and widowhood post-1774. Implications: Spousal wills provide indirect evidence of children’s legitimacy.

Secondary Sources

Secondary sources are interpretations, compilations, or analyses of primary records, such as books, websites, DNA projects, and family trees. These offer context but should be verified against primaries due to potential errors (e.g., conflicting parentage claims). I’ve included examples of how they reference Jane, nuances like biases in family histories, and implications for further research (e.g., DNA confirming lines). Sources are listed by type for organization.

Books and Published Compilations

  1. A Calendar of Delaware Wills, New Castle County, 1682–1800
    • Details: Abstracts Samuel Guthrie’s 1746 will (p. 36), naming Jane and family.
    • Author/Publisher: National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Delaware, Historical Research Committee (1911).
    • Repository/Access: Genealogical Publishing Co. (reprint).
    • Context and Nuances: Useful abstract but omits full text; errors in transcription possible. Implications: Calendars bridge to originals; cross-check for Jane’s birth estimate.
  2. American Guthrie and Allied Families
    • Details: Discusses Samuel’s family (p. 159), theorizes origins; lists Jane (b. 1714–1724, d. 1780, m. John Vail Sr.) and siblings (p. 691, footnote 95, tax lists).
    • Author/Publisher: Laurence R. Guthrie (Chambersburg, PA: Kerr Printing Company, 1933).
    • Context and Nuances: Relies on primaries but adds speculation (e.g., links to John Guthrie of PA). Biases: Author-focused on allied families. Implications: Valuable for branches, but verify DNA; explores migration patterns.

Online Databases and Family Trees

  1. WikiTree Profile: Samuel Guthrie (abt.1680–1746) (Guthrie-6747)
    • Details: Biography with sources; lists Jane as daughter, marriage to John Vail, death 1780–1783.
    • Repository/Access: WikiTree.com (collaborative, last edited March 2025).
    • Context and Nuances: User-edited; potential inaccuracies (e.g., estimated dates). Implications: Good for leads; includes DNA links. Edge case: Conflicting profiles elsewhere (e.g., WeRelate.org notes parentage debates).
  2. WikiTree Profile: Samuel Guthrie (bef.1725–bef.1773) (Guthrie-1938)
    • Details: Jane’s brother; references family will and court petitions involving Jane.
    • Repository/Access: WikiTree.com (last edited March 2025).
    • Context and Nuances: Focuses on male lines; Jane mentioned peripherally. Implications: Highlights sibling deaths affecting Jane’s inheritance.
  3. FamilySearch: Samuel Guthrie (1720–1773)
    • Details: Pedigree listing Jane as sibling.
    • Repository/Access: FamilySearch.org (user-submitted).
    • Context and Nuances: Crowdsourced; prone to merges/errors. Implications: Links to images if available; use for hypotheses.

Blogs and DNA Projects

  1. Guthrie Genealogy Blog: 2A-C: Jane Guthrie
    • Details: Dedicated page; references primaries like Orphans’ Court and Vail’s will. Estimates Jane’s life events.
    • Author/Publisher: Guthrie Genealogy Blog (ongoing, accessed via https://guthriegenealogy.blog/2a-c-jane-guthrie/).
    • Context and Nuances: Family-focused; may include unverified lore. Implications: Visual timelines; cross with DNA.
  2. Guthrie Genealogy Blog: C: Samuel Guthrie & Mary (MNU)
  3. Guthrie DNA Project
    • Details: Y-DNA (Haplogroup R-M269, subclade R-FTD49641) and autosomal kits confirming Group 2A lineage through Samuel Jr.; implies Jane’s paternal line. Kits include 22098, 113050, etc.
    • Repository/Access: FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA), administered by Ann Guthrie.
    • Context and Nuances: Genetic evidence; no direct test for Jane (female), but sibling/descendant matches. Biases: Limited to participants. Implications: Rules out conflicting families; explore mtDNA for Mary’s line. Edge case: Adoptions or non-paternity events could skew results.

This list is comprehensive based on available records, but genealogy is iterative—new digitizations (e.g., at Delaware Public Archives) may reveal more. For completeness, consider related families (e.g., Vail, Stewart) for cross-references. If pursuing, prioritize primaries for proof arguments, as secondaries can introduce errors from transcription or assumption.

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