Guthrie Family Group 5 – Branch A
JOHN GUTHRIE 1757 VA – 1821 NC and ANNA SMITH
of Hanover County VA, Warren County GA, and Halifax & Buncombe Counties NC

The Family of John Guthrie and Anna Smith

JOHN GUTHRIE
Parents: William Guthrie 1722VA-1798KY and Eleanor Harris Abbott
Birth: 1757
Location: Hanover County, Virginia
Marriage: Unknown date, probably about 1775
Military Service: Revolutionary War Patriot Soldier (North Carolina), Private
Occupation:
Death: 4 September 1821 (age: 65)
Location: Weaverville, Buncombe County, North Carolina, USA
Burial: Jupiter Cemetery, Buncombe County, North Carolina

ANNA SMITH
Parents: Peter Smith Sr and Mary Green
Birth: 1760
Location: Virginia
Guthrie Children: 8
Death: Abt. 1836
Location: Buncombe County, North Carolina, USA
Burial: Jupiter Cemetery, Buncombe County, North Carolina

NOTES:

This couple is frequently substituted in trees for John Guthrie and Betty Ann Allen of Cumberland County, Virginia from an unrelated GFG4 family. As a consequence, what should be Anna (Smith) Guthrie’s memorial page at Find-a-Grave mistakenly names the “Wife of John” as Elizabeth Ann Guthrie maiden name Allen. The Guthrie-Allen couple lived in Halifax County, VA, while this GFG5 Guthrie-Smith couple lived in Halifax County, NC.

John Guthrie’s Revolutionary War service occurred when he lived in Halifax County, NC. Beginning in 1777 John served in a standing armory near Halifax Town in NC, and then enlisted as a private soldier in 1780 serving for 12 months in the armory. Serving as an armorer, he was not placed with any other company or regiment. Both he and his brother Henry Guthrie were wounded on 7 May 1781 when they were sent out by Col. William Linton to spy on the enemy movements. John was shot, wounded in the spine and left for dead. He was captured by the British afterwards being attended by doctors, later released, and was then discharged from service due to his injuries.

He moved to Georgia after the war, living 150 miles from Savannah. His military pension commenced on 4 Sep 1794.

Most of John and Anna’s 9 children are listed as being born in Georgia. The birth dates are estimates, and so the birth order may also be off. They were living in Warren County, GA at the time of Peter Smith’s death in 1794, which resulted in John Guthrie being assigned as the legal guardian of his own children to act on their behalf as heirs to their grandfather. The Smith family were residents of Halifax County, North Carolina, and it was most likely there that the couple married about 1775. No record of the marriage has been found to date. The minor children named in the 1794/78 documents were: Abner Guthrie, Jonathan Guthrie, Andrew Guthrie, Shadrack Guthrie, Sarah Guthrie, and James Guthrie.

In 1801, John purchased a 100 acre property on Shitbreeches Creek from Henry Wasson and moved the family to Buncombe County, North Carolina. He bought additional land there the next year, but later sold all 200 acres back to Henry Wasson after purchasing property on Flat Creek. He continued to expand on his Flat Creek property over the years.

John submitted his affidavit to get his Revolutionary War Pension moved from the Georgia office to North Carolina. That was the year of the 1820 census during which his household was listed in Buncombe, NC with: 1M and 1F 45 and over, 1M 26-44, 1F 16-25, and 1F under 10, with 2 persons in Agriculture.

During the October Session of Buncombe Court in 1823, John Guthrie’s executors came to court and filed a paper for probate purporting to be the last will and testament of John Guthrie, who died on 4 September 1821 at Flat Creek, Buncombe County, NC. The handling of his estate would drag out over the next decade and a half, in part because of the subsequent death of his own executors. His widow Anna (Smith) Guthrie died about 1836 and is buried next to her husband. Her marker lists her simply as “Wife of John”.

GUTHRIE CHILDREN: 9
Y-DNA Project Participants: NONE
Autosomal DNA Participants: YES

CHILD 1: GABRIEL GUTHRIE
Born: 1776-86 NC/GA – Died: 1814 GA
Spouse: Jane (MNU)

Gabriel Guthrie’s birth order amongst his siblings is uncertain, but he seems to have been one of the older children in the family. He was not a minor when his father, John Guthrie, was officially assigned as the guardian to his younger siblings. In fact, he signed his mark as security for the guardian bond, which also makes him a good candidate to be the eldest son.

Gabriel Guthrie was listed in Capt. James Wilson’s District of Warren County GA in the 1801 Tax Digest with 1 poll, 97 acres, Grantee: Needom Smith, Waters: Brier Creek

Gabriel Guthrie was listed in Capt. James Wilson’s District of Warren County, GA in the 1805 Tax Digest with 1 poll, 97 acres, Grantee: Smith, Waters: Bryer Creek, Hamilton

Court Minutes of Baldwin County, 1812-1819:
FHL 007701299 – Letter G Index – IMG 66 of 681
At a court dated January 3rd, 1815
p.93: (IMG 137 of 681) “Ordered that letters of Administration on the Estate and effects of Gabriel Guthrie, deceased, be granted to Abner Guthrie, and that William White, Reubin Aldridge, Zachariah Chambless, Bartley McCrary Jr., and Bartley McCrary, Sr, or any three of them, be and they are hereby appointed appraisers of said Estate.”
p.94 (IMG 138 of 681) “Abner Guthrie appeared in court and was duly qualified as administrator of the Estate of Gabriel Guthrie decd gave bond and security in the sum of one thousand dollars. James Aldridge being his security obtained letters & g.

Year not stated, Georgia Tax Digest, Capt. Harris’ District, Abner Guthrie, with multiple lots, and “as administrator on the Estate of Gabriel Guthrie, 202-1/2, County: Baldwin, Grantee: Morris, Waters: Camp Creek

Inventories and Appraisals, FHL 005778214
Letter G Index – IMG 11 of 685 – Guthrie, Gabriel – p.183
Inventory and Appraisment of the Estate of Gabriel Guthrie decd. Baldwin County:
IMG 110 and IMG 111

Sales, FHL 005781964
Letter G Index – IMG 10 of 515 – Guthrie, Gabriel – p.96
Amount of the Sales of the Property Sold belonging to the Estate of Gabriel Guthrie, Decd. on the 22nd of February 1815.
Sales to Jane Guthrie (the widow), Abner Guthrie, Bartley McCrary, William White, Simon Brooks, William Dean, William Milligan, Reubin Aldridge, James Aldridge, and Joseph Collins. The account of sales was tallied and signed by Abner Guthrie, administrator.
IMG 63 of 515

On 25 June 1817, the Georgia Journal reported “202 1/2 acres of land, being lot No. 107, in the first district of Baldwin county, taken the property of Gabriel Guthrie to satisfy an execution in favor of Mathias Liverman .”

Then in the 1821 GA Land Lottery:
Gabriel Guthrie’s children of William’s Military District in Warren Co. was drawn in land lottery for sect. 400, lot 16 in Henry County, GA.

There is a Warren County GA marriage record for a Jane Guthrie to Aron Orsborn dated 21 Nov 1821. It is possible that this is Gabriel’s widow.

Guthrie Children: Number and Identities Unverified
Y-DNA Project Participants: NONE
Autosomal DNA Participants: NONE

CHILD 2: DELILAH GUTHRIE
Born: 1776-80 GA – Died: Aft.1840
Spouse: Brittain Lewis

Delilah Guthrie was one of the older children of the family. Census estimates narrow her birth year range to 1776 to 1780. She was either married or no longer a minor by 1794 when six of her siblings required the assignment of a guardian as heirs to their grandfather, Peter Smith. She would have been somewhere bet. 14 to 24 years old at the time.

The name Brittain Lewis is found in a number of places during the colonial era, and as a consequence there are trees that combine all of those records attributing them to a single individual, when they are likely to belong to multiple people who may or may not be directly related.

Britton Lewis is listed on the Georgia Property Tax Digest for 1801 in Warren County, Georgia, which is where the Guthrie family had been living prior to that year.

There is a Brittain Lewis household listed for the previous census in 1820, also in Buncombe County, NC, where we known Delilah’s family was living as early as 1801. The census enumerates: 1M and 1F 26-44, 1M and 1F 16-25 (with the M being 16-18), 1M and 3F under 10. with 2 persons engaged in agriculture. They are listed next to John and Johnathan Guthrie, Delilah’s father and brother. The 26-44 age category estimates their birth years as 1776-1794.

Property records for Buncombe, NC show that on 26 Feb 1820, Brittain Lewis purchased 44 acres on Flat Creek from Joseph Dickerson. The deed was recorded 2 Aug 1825 in Book 12-p.470. Delilah Lewis bought 75 acres on Flat Creek from son Mathew Lewis on 15 Mar 1840, which was recorded 20 Nov 1846 in Book 23-p.373. Neither Brittain nor Delilah Lewis are listed in the Grantor Index for Buncombe, NC.

The 1830 census of Buncombe County, NC includes the household of Delilah Lewis: 1F 50-59, 1M 15-19, 1F 10-14, and 1F 5-9. The fact that Delilah is listed as the HOH without a male of an appropriate age to be her husband suggests that she was a widow. Trees list Brittain Lewis’ death in 1836, so we’ll look for other clues. Delilah’s listed age range places her estimated birth year as 1771-1780. Combined with the 1820 data, Delilah was probably born between 1776-1780.

Since there is no marriage record / date, it is unknown whether Delilah Guthrie was the mother of all of Brittain Lewis’ children. Autosomal DNA results should point toward GFG5 matches. The eldest child is documented as being born about 1798 in Georgia, so Delilah would be eligible to be the mother based on her estimated age range. The location in George is also appropriate as the Guthrie family was living in Georgia until about 1800. They were in Warren County during the 1790s, which was created in 1793 from Burke, Columbia, Washington and Wilkes counties.

Note that all of the surviving children are included on the list of John Guthrie’s heir in the 1836 Equity Court lawsuit Samuel Smith vs Heirs of John Guthrie. This suggests that she was indeed mother of all.

Delilah (Guthrie) Lewis was alive in 1840 when she purchased a 75 acre property from her son Mathew, as witnessed by her brother, Abner Guthrie. She is not found listed as a HOH in the 1840 census.

Lewis Children: 9
Y-DNA Project Participants: NONE
Autosomal DNA Participants: NONE

1.) Matthew Hiram Lewis abt.1798GA-1880NC farmer (m.abt.1820NC) Martha Schuler +children
2.) Mary Ann ‘Polly’ Lewis 1801GA-Aft.1880TN? (m.abt.1818NC) William Crain farmer +children
3.) James Lewis 1804GA/NC – Aft. 1840NC – no further details
4.) Sampson Lewis 1807 GA/NC – bef. 1836 – not listed in the lawsuit as an heir
5.) Anna Lewis abt. 1809NC – Aft. 1860TN (m.bef.1830NC) Archibald Henson +children
6.) Sally Lewis abt.1810NC – Aft. 1836 – no further details
7.) William Lewis abt. 1812NC – Aft. 1860 – unmarried – classified as “idiotic”/”idiot” in the 1850/60 census
8.) Lucinda Lewis abt. 1815NC – Aft. 1836 – no further details
9.) Matilda F Lewis abt. 1820NC – Aft 1880 – unmarried – no further details

CHILD 3: JONATHAN GUTHRIE
Born: 1781-90 NC – Died: 1860-70 NC
Spouse 1: Jemima ‘Mymie’ Arrington
Spouse 2: Mrs Sarah Emilina ‘Sallie’ Arrington

This son is named Jonathan, but is also listed in various documents as Johnathan, John or even John Jr. Census records: 1850 – 69 (1781), 1840 – 50-59 (1781-1790), 1830 – 40-49 (1781-1790), 1820 – 26-44 (1776-1794). He may be one of 2 males of 16-25 (1785-1794) listed in his father’s household in 1810.

Any of the above dates would indicate that his birth location was Georgia, most likely in Washington County. When his grandfather, Peter Smith, died in 1794, Jonathan Guthrie was still a minor. His father, John Guthrie, was officially assigned as his legal guardian, along with five of his other siblings who were still under age.

Jonathan removed from Georgia to Buncombe County, North Carolina with his parents by the turn of the century. He probably lived on the home farm until his marriage. His first property purchase was in 1812, and that also coincides with the age range for the oldest of his children who were born between 1811 – 1820.

Buncombe County Deed Records
Grantee
3 Apr 1812 – Johnathan Guthrie from Sheriff, et al – 1 Dec 1812 – E-p238 – 50a Ivy
25 Aug 1816 – Johnathan Guthrie from William Allen – 5 Oct 1818 – 11-p.162 – 100a Big Ivy
9 Sep 1815 – Johnathan Guthrie from William Allen – 16 Aug 1819 – 11-p.348 – 150a Ivy Creek
11 Oct 1817 – Jonathan Guthrie from Thomas Revis – 16 Aug 1819 – 11-p.349 – 150a Flat Creek
12 Sep 1819 – Jonathan Guthrie from State NC No.2439 – 6 Apr 1820 – 12-p69 – 50a Sugar Camp Br.
27 Oct 1820 – Johnathan Guthrie from John Dillard – 2 Jul 1823 – 13-p.87 – 200a Big Ivy
17 Dec 1825 – Jonathan Guthrie from State NC No.2640 – 14 Jan 1829 – 15-p.213 – 100a Big Ivy
Grantor
15 Aug 1812 Jonathan Guthrie to Shadrack Guthrie – 23 Nov 1812 – E-p.218 – 50a Sugar Creek
7 Jul 1824 Jonathan Guthrie to Sally E Arrington, et al – 24-p.347 – 30 acres Pyburn’s Branch
30 Jan 1825 Jonathan Guthrie to Hezekiah Bravard – 19-p.305 – 50a Flat Creek
27 Nov 1835 Jonathan Guthrie to John A Sorrells – 12 Apr 1836 – 20-p.181 – 260a Big Ivy
23 Oct 1834 Jonathan Guthrie to Jesse M Roberts – 11 Nov 1837 – 21-p.94 – 236 acres
25 Feb 1835 Jonathan Guthrie to Esa Price – 17 Apr 1839 – 21-p.457 – 310 acres, Big Ivy
12 Mar 1840 Jonathan Guthrie et al to Walter Sorrels et al – 26-p.290 – 260a Big Ivy, White Mts.

Jonathan Guthrie’s first wife was Jemima Arrington, also called Mymie. Her birthplace is listed in census records as either North Carolina or Tennessee, with a DOB between 1785 and 1794. The 1820 census lists them with 1M and 2F under 10 years of age. These children remain unidentified. Jonathan was engaged in agriculture as a farmer. By 1830, there were 6 children in the household: 1F 15-19 (1811-1815), 1F 10-14 (1816-1820), 1M and 1F 5-9 (1821-1825), and 2M under 5 (1826-1830).

The Weekly Raleigh Register published news about a Buncombe Superior Court Case of the State of NC against Jonathan Guthrie, who was charged with the murder of John A Sorrells. The two men had been “at variance about a tract of land on which Guthrie lived, and which Sorrells alleged he had bought. The jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty. Read the full article here or below in Reading and Resources. Ironically, it appears that John A Sorrells’ heirs ended up with the Big Ivy property anyway. On 12 March 1840, Wiley Jones, the sheriff of Buncombe County, enacting an order of venditioni exponas (a court order directing law enforcement to sell property belonging to a judgment debtor), placed Jonathan Guthrie’s 260acre property up for auction to the highest bidder. The winning bid of $100 was by the heirs of John A Sorrells. The heirs later sold the property…

That was the last property transaction in Buncombe County, NC by Jonathan Guthrie, but the family was still listed in the county through the 1850 census.

The 1840 census lists the household: 1M 50-59 (1781-90), 1F 40-49 (1791-1800), 1F 20-29 (1811-20), 1M and 1F 15-19 (1821-1825), 1M 10-14 (1826-1830), 1M and 1F under 5 (1836-1840).

The 1850 census lists Jonathan 69, Jemima 56, S.E. Arrington 32 f and three children: Mary A 14 (presumbly daughter Mary Adeline Guthrie), E.M. Arrington 6 m, Hironia M Arrington 2 m.

This is where things become confusing. Anyone with actual info on the family, please clarify! A woman, S.E. Arrington, and two boys of the Arrington surname are in the household in 1850.

According to some online trees, S. E. Arrington is Mrs Sarah ‘Salley’ Emelina Arrington, the widow of Lewis Arrington. Note there is no sign of a marriage record or info on Lewis Arrington. Was Sally Emelina simply born an Arrington? Some claim her maiden name is Guthrie and that she is one of Jonathan and Mymie’s older daughters. Based on her age she would indeed fit into one of the categories listed in the family’s census records. Others say Sally was related to by marriage to Mymie’s Arrington family, a younger widowed sister-in-law, perhaps. There is also the fact that Jemima moves out of the household by 1860, either due to separation or divorce. The Arrington children now use the Guthrie surname, and there are some young children in the household. These are presumably Sally’s children. If they are also Jonathan’s children, Sally is very unlikely to be his daughter. If they are not Jonathan’s children, then Sally was probably having a non-marital relationship with an unidentified individual.

The Hillsborough Recorder, 25 July 1849, Vol. XXX issue 1491 page 3 reports “Also, in Guthrie v. Sorrell’s heirs, in Equity, from Buncombe, dismissing the bill with costs, but without prejudice.” (Genealogy Bank)

Our Guthrie Research Tree will present Mrs Sarah ‘Salley’ Emelina Arrington as Jonathan’s 2nd wife rather than his daughter until more evidence presents itself. Note that the death record for Sallie’s son, Ervin M Arrington Guthrie, lists Jonathan Guthrie as his father and “Mymie” Guthrie as his mother. Sallie is not even listed. Ervin was born in 1842. Jemima was born in 1785 and would have been 57 at the time, so it is highly unlikely that she was Ervin’s birth mother. Could Ervin be Jonathan’s biological son?

On 7 July 1824, Jonathan Guthrie sold 30 acres on Pyburn’s Branch to Polly Arrington, Sally E Arrington, and Andrew J. Arrington. Could this Sally E Arrington be the same S. E. Arrington who ended up in the Guthrie home in 1850?

Buncombe NC Marriage Register 1851-1937 (Guthrie Grooms) – FHL 007611812 IMG 199
Buncombe NC Marriage Register 1851-1937 (Guthrie Brides) – FHL 007611814 IMG198

The Semi-Weekly Citizen, 5 Feb 1880, Page 1:
DEATH OF AN OLD LADY. — Mrs. Jemima Guthrie, aged 94 years, died at the residence of her son in the Bend of Ivy, Madison county, N. C., on January 29th, after a protracted illness. She had been entirely helpless for about fourteen years. Her church membership has extended over a period of forty years. She was a Methodist, and joined the church at the Old Reems Creek Camp Ground.

Guthrie Children: 8 (by Jemima) + 4 to 6 (by Sarah)
Y-DNA Project Participants: NONE
Autosomal DNA Participants: YES

1.) (Unidentified Daughter) Guthrie born 1811-1815 – still at home in 1830
2.) (Unidentified Son)Guthrie born 1811-1820 – no longer in the household in 1830
3.) (Unidentified Daughter) Guthrie born 1816-1820 – still at home in 1840
4.) (Unidentified Daughter) Guthrie born 1821-1825 – still at home in 1840
5.) (Unidentified Son Guthrie born 1821-1825 – still at home in 1840
6.) William Henry Guthrie born 1827NC – died 1904NC (m1.1849NC/div.1876NC) Rebecca Jane Revis +children; (m2.) Amanda Gowan
7.) Mary Avelina ‘Lyna’ ‘Linnie’ Guthrie born 1835 – died 1928 (m.) Robert Anderson + children
8.) (Unidentified Son) Guthrie born 1836-1840
9.) Ervin M Arrington Guthrie born 1842NC-died 1940NC (m1.1865) Mira Matilda Arrowood, (m2.Luartie Rice)
10.) Hiram D Arrington Guthrie born 1845NC – Not found after 1862 – Civil War Soldier
11.) Margaret Saphronia ‘Fronie’ Guthrie born abt. 1852NC – 1927NC – unmarried* + 7 children
12.) Lara E Guthrie born abt. 1855NC – died abt.1895NC - unmarried** + 6children
13.) Telitha Jane Guthrie
14.) Louise Guthrie

* Fronie had 7 children. Father/s of children unknown and not documented on their death records.
** Lara had 6 children. Family rumors report her son James Henry Guthrie might be a son of Dr James Hardwick. A direct descendant of James Henry Guthrie has Crane/Crain Y-DNA, so it is also believed that his father and the father of Baxter, Charles and Dora was Josephus ‘Cephus’ Crane. Lara also had 2 children with Edward Caldouis Ball, namely Zebulon Vance Ball and Emma Jane Ball.

CHILD 4: ANDREW GUTHRIE
Born 1781 NC – Died aft. 1839
Marital Status: Unknown

When his grandfather, Peter Smith, died in 1794, Andrew Guthrie was one of 5 Guthrie grandchildren who were still minors. Andrew’s first property purchase was in 1812, so he was presumably an adult at the time. This gives us an estimated birth year range of 1771-1791.

On 15 Aug 1812, an indenture made between Andrew Guthrie, grantee and William Dillard, grantor for 105 acres; part of the property runs along John Guthrie’s line. Proved 17 Nov 1812. Buncombe County, NC Register of Deeds, Book E, page 201.

Andrew purchased 100 acres from John Guthrie. on 1 June 1818. Witnessed by Lewis Bailey and Anna Guthrie. Proved 20 Dec 1827. Buncombe County, NC Register of Deeds, Book 14, page 350.

The Grantor Index includes 2 Andrew Guthrie sales. The first is dated 5 Apr 1839 to Matthew Lewis for 105 arcres on Flat Creek. Recorded 4 Jun 1839 in Book 21, page 498. The second is for another 100 acres on Flat Creek sold to C.G. Weaver on 15 Apr 1842, which was recorded 21 Mar 1843 in Book 22, page 445. The latter was a sale by the sheriff.

Guthrie Children: None Known
Y-DNA Project Participants: NONE
Autosomal DNA Participants: NONE

CHILD 5: BARSHEBA GUTHRIE
Born abt. 1781 NC – Died aft. 1850
Spouse: Williamson Rowland (m. 7 Aug 1797 GA)

Barsheba Guthrie was not named as one of the minor children requiring assignment of a guardian in 1798. Most of the census records suggest that her DOB would have made her under 21 at the time, but she may have been married at the time, which would indicate that her husband was technically her guardian.

The children of Barsheba Rowland are named as heirs of John Guthrie rather than Barsheba herself in the 1836 case, which would suggest that their mother was already deceased by that time. However, the 1850 census of Sumter, GA lists a Barsheba Rowland of the right age and living with her youngest daughter, Mary Bass. Since this family lived out of state there might have been some confusion about Barsheba’s status.

The marriage record in Richmond, GA for Barsheba Guthrie and Williamson Rowland is dated 7 August 1797. Their household was listed in Columbia, Georgia during the 1820 census: 1M and 1F 45 and over, 1F 16-25, 1F 10-15, 1M and 1F under 10.

During the 1830 census, the family is still living in Columbia County, GA: 1M 50-59, 1F30-39, 2F 20-29, 1F 15-19, 1F 10-14, 1M and 1F 5-9.

Barsheba is not listed as a Head of Household in 1840 GA. The 1850 census of District 17, Sumter, GA lists the household of Robertson Bass, 28, farmer 400 NC; Mary Bass 34 GA; and Bursheba Rowland 69 NC.

Rowland Children: 5
Y-DNA Project Participants: NONE
Autosomal DNA Participants: NONE

1.) Nancy Rowland – abt. 1801GA – aft. 1850GA (m.1819) David Watson farmer – children?
2.) Cynthia Rowland abt. 1808GA – bef. 1870GA (m.1837) Jonathan Finch +child
3.) Sally Rowland – abt. 1810-20GA – aft. 1840GA (m.1830GA) David Daniel farmer – children?
4.) Mary ‘Polly’ Rowland abt. 1816GA – bef. 1859GA (m.) Robertson Bass – children?
5.) John W Rowland abt. 1820 – aft. 1836 – no further verifiable details

CHILD 6: ABNER GUTHRIE
Born 1782-83GA – Died aft. 1854 KY
Marital Status: Single / Unmarried

Abner Guthrie was born about 1782-83 in Georgia. He shows up on the Warren County GA Property Tax list as early as 1805, purchasing property on Big Briar Chrrek and White’s Creek.

During the War of 1812, Abner Guthrie enlisted in the U.S. Army 2nd Artillery commanded by Captain Donoho on 26 June 1812. A month and a half later on 13 August 1812 at Peter Point, GA, an accident occurred when a piece of timber hit his knee wounding and disabling him. He was honorably discharged from Charleston, SC by Lt. Col. William Lindsey on 20 November 1812.

He served as the administrator for his brother, Gabriel Guthrie. The estate sale occurred 22 Feb 1815 at Camp Creek, Baldwin, GA.

Abner Guthrie was listed in the 40-49 age range during the Warren County, GA census of 1830. He was still single and the only person living in his household. When he was 53, he was one of the named heirs of John Guthrie during a case brought by Samuel Smith.

He had removed to Buncombe County, NC where his parents had siblings had settled, bought land on Lees Mill Creek and Flat Creek, and was listed as the HOH during the 1840 census. There were other individuals living in the household. These may have been the widow of Gabriel Guthrie and his children.

On 1 July 1849, Abner Guthrie sold 65 acres of his Flat Creek property. By the 1850 census, Abner had moved to Pulaski County, Kentucky. He died there sometime after 1854.

Guthrie Children: None Known
Y-DNA Project Participants: NONE
Autosomal DNA Participants: NONE 

CHILD 7: SHADRACK GUTHRIE
Born 1787 GA – Died 1829 NC
Spouse: Florence ‘Flora’ Chambers

Shadrack Guthrie’s DOB in 1787 makes him the youngest son of the family. His exact date of marriage to Florence ‘Flora’ Chambers is unknown, but probably between 1805-1807 based on estimated birth dates of their eldest children.

During the 1810 census of Buncombe County, NC, there is no Head of Household listed with any variation of Shadrack Guthrie’s name. It is possible that they were living with Flora’s family or other relatives at the time.

Note that the War of 1812 – Fold3 service record for this Shadrack Guthrie who lived and died in Buncombe County, NC, and served as a Militia Private in the Third Regiment, Capt. Lowry’s Company, out of Buncombe, NC, has been mistakenly attached at Fold3 to a memorial page for his GFG5 relative, Shadrick Guthry, of SC/KY/MS who m. Malinda Badley and Ruah Ann Roberts.

Muster Rolls of the Soldiers of the War of 1812: Third Regiment – Shadrack Guthry
“United States War of 1812 Index to Service Records, 1812-1815”, Entry for Shadrack Guthry, 1812-1815. Family Search.

Shadrach built a three-story log cabin on Sugar Creek Road in Buncombe, NC. The structure survives and is used as a hay barn.
15 Aug 1812 Guthrie Shadrack from Johnathan Guthrie – Book E Page 218
$50, 50 acres on Sugar Creek, registered 23 Nov 1812.
4 Dec 1813 Guthrie Shadrack from State Grant – Book G Page 55
State Grant No. 2089 – 50 shillings per hundred acres paid by Shadrack Guthrie, 200 acres in Buncombe county on the south side of Big Ivy above where John Harper now lives on the south side of the Sugar Creek including part of the Sugar Cove.

The 1820 census is the only one where “Shadrick Gutrey” is listed. 1M and 1F 26-44, 1M 10-15, 2M and 4F under 10, with 6 Slaves: 1F 45 and over, 1F 26-44, 2M and 1F 14-25, and 1F under 14. Persons Engaged in Agriculture: 2.

According to his Guthrie Cemetery tombstone, Shadrach died on 18 July 1829 in Ivy, Buncombe, NC.
The inscription reads:
S G
B July 23 1787
D s July 18 1829
A 42 yr 20 Day

After his father, John Guthrie’s death, Samuel Smith brought suit in the Court of Equity in the Fall Term, 1836, against the Heirs of John Guthrie, Sen., Decd. Shadrack Guthrie is not specifically named in the notice that was run in the Carolina Gazette per the court ruling because he predeceased his father by several years. Instead, Shadrack’s children who were over the age of 16 at the time were identified.

There is a North Carolina Wills and Probate Records listed under Shadrack Guthrie’s name dated 1839. This file contains documents from a lawsuit filed by Sarah Guthrie alias Sally Rutledge (Shadrack’s sister) against Abner Guthrie (Shadrack’s brother) and others including a summons to James B McMahon, executor of Shadrack Guthrie’s estate, presumably having to do with the ongoing probate of their father John Guthrie’s estate.

The 1830 Census of Buncombe, NC: Flora Guthrie Household
1F 40-49, 3F 15-19, 1M and 2F 10-14, 1M and 1F 5-9, 2M and 1F under 5. No Slaves.

The 1840 Census of Southern Division, Buncombe, NC: Flora Guthrie Household
1F 50-59, 2F 20-29, 1M and 1F 15-19, 2M 10-14; Persons employed in Agriculture: 3. No Slaves.

The 1850 Census of Buncombe, NC: James Guthrie Household
James Guthrie 30 farmer Real Estate: 600, NC
Amanda Guthrie 22, NC
Flora Guthrie 55, NC
Clarissa S Guthrie 6, NC
Ailsey Guthrie 4, NC
Thadeus O Guthrie 3, NC
John W Guthrie 1, NC

The 1860 Census of Buncombe, NC: Flora Guthrie Household
Flora Guthrie 72 farmer RE 3000 PE 305 NC
Rebecca L Guthrie 38
Cordelia Guthrie 12
Madison S Guthrie 9
Andrew F Guthrie 6

7 Mar 1870 Guthrie Flora P of A to J A Carter – Book 33 Page 315
Flora Guthrie of Buncombe NC appoint John A Carter of same as lawful agent and attorney in her name to rent or lease for agricultural or mineral purposes or otherwise manage for her interest all of her real estate in the county.

During the 1870 census, Flora Guthrie was listed alone in her household, but neighboring her daughter Rebecca Proffitt. Flora was 82, keeping house, RE value 2000, PE 500.

Flora died intestate leaving no last will or testament. Probate records show the estate to be worth about $250, which is much different than what was listed in the census records. Heirs residing in Buncombe, NC: Rebecca Prophet, James Roberts & wife Eliza, Goodson Guttery, Priscilla Fox, Quincy Metcalf & wife Mary E, James Guttery; Heirs residing in Madison, NC: Avery Buckner & wife Rachel; Heirs residing in Cherokee, NC: John Guthery, Caroline Roberts; Heirs residing in Indiana: The heirs of Wm Guthery, Decd; Heirs residing in Yancy, NC: B J Prophet & wife Anna; Heirs thought to be in TN: Shadrick Guthery

North Carolina Wills and Probate Records – Flora Guthrie – 1872

Guthrie Children: 12
Y-DNA Project Participants: YES
Autosomal DNA Participants: YES

1.) John Guthrie abt. 1808NC – aft.1850 farmer / minister (m.abt.1830) Arena Buckner +children
2.) William Guthrie abt.1809NC – bef.1870 farmer (m.abt. 1829) Elizabeth Roberts Jackson +children
3.) Priscilla Guthrie 1812NC-aft.1887NC (m.abt. 1830) Allen Fox +children
4.) Eliza Guthrie 1813NC-1886NC (m.1833) Gaines Roberts +children
5.) Caroline Guthrie 1815NC-1883NC (m.1834) Richard Roberts +children
6.) Rachel Guthrie 1817NC-1900NC (m.1844) Avery ‘Dock’ Buckner +children
7.) James Guthrie 1818NC-1870NC (m.1842) Amanda Roberts +children
8.) Mary Emaline Guthrie 1820NC-1889NC (m.1848-49) Quincy Seamus Metcalf +children
9.) Rebecca Jane Guthrie 1821NC-1893NC (m.abt1847) William M Proffitt +children
10.) Jemima ‘Ann’ Guthrie 1822NC-1892NC (m.1848) Benagah Joseph Proffitt +children
11.) Goodson McDaniel ‘Mack’ Guthrie alias Daniels* 1827NC-bef.1900TN (m1.) Jane Dillingham +children, (m2.) Permelia Wyatt +children, (m3.) Matilda Caroline Howard
12.) Shadrack A Guthrie 1829NC – 1863TN (m.1853GA) Arabella Frances Durham +children

* Mack left his 2nd wife (and children) and lived with Caroline under the assumed surname Daniels. The couple eventually legally married in Claiborne, TN on 24 Feb 1891.

CHILD 8: SARAH ‘SALLY’ GUTHRIE
Born 1791-1801 NC – Died aft. 1860
Spouse: James Rutledge

Sally Guthrie was born about 1791-1801 depending on which census record you review. She married James Rutledge prior to 1830. They were listed in the 1840 and 1850 censuses. James died prior to the 1860 census, which listed just Sally and her son, James Jr.

1840 Southern Division, Buncombe, NC – J Rutledge Household
1M 60-69, 1F 40-49, 1F 20-29, 2F 10-14, 2M under 5. Persons in Agriculture: 2.

1850 Census of Buncombe, NC – Jas. Rutledge Household
Jas Rutledge 72
Sally Rutledge 49
Mary Rutledge 23
Sarah Rutledge 20
Jas Rutledge 17

Rutledge Children: 4
Y-DNA Project Participants: N/A – Female Guthrie
Autosomal DNA Participants: NONE

1.) Mary ‘Polly’ A Rutledge 1830NC-1912NC (m.1856) John R Capps +children
2.) Nancy Sarah Rutledge 1832NC-aft.1880NC (m.1852) Christopher Columbus Ledford +children
3.) (Unidentified Son) Rutledge born 1836-40 – probably died before 1850
4.) James Rutledge 1840NC – aft. 1870

CHILD 9: JAMES GUTHRIE
Born 1792-94 – Died 1798-1836 (probably)
Spouse / Marital Status: Unknown

Presumably the youngest child in the family. He was named last on the 1798 guardianship list. Not found on the 1836 court case list of Guthrie heirs.

During the 1810 census, John Guttery’s Household included 2 males of 16-25 (born 1785-1794), but since he’s likely the youngest after 1791.

Find-a-Grave lists a memorial page ID 108034679 for a J Guthrie at Flat Creek Cemetery, without a photo or birth/death dates. Potential match.

Guthrie Children: UNKNOWN
Y-DNA Project Participants: NONE
Autosomal DNA Participants: NONE

Reading and Research

DOCUMENTS: Guardian Bonds, Administrations, Etc., 1796-1960, Georgia Court of Ordinary (Warren County), Georgia Inferior Court (Warren County).
John Guthrie – Guardian – 18 July 1798 – Page 15 – FHL Film 008192212 – IMG 29 of 396
See also: Administration, executor and guardian returns 1803-1901 (Warren County, Georgia). Georgia, Court of Ordinary (Warren County). Microfilm 35mm, FHL Film #005761761, image 24 of 152.
John Guthrie guardian of Abner Guthrie, Jonathan Guthrie, Andrew Guthrie, Thomas Guthrie, Sarah Guthrie and James Guthrie on 18 July 1794 in the amount of $800. Securities for guardian William Rose and Gabriel Guthrie.
Note: 1794 vs 1798?

DOCUMENTS: REVOLUTIONARY WAR PENSION and BOUNTY LAND APPLICATIONS
Digital Repository: Fold3
W.4975 – NC – Henry Guthrie (Widow: Nancy)
S.10.776 – NC – John Guthrie

Also See the Transcriptions….

DOCUMENTS: Southern Campaigns Revolutionary War Pension Statements & Rosters
Pension application of Henry Guthrie W4975 (Widow: Nancy) – Transcribed by Will Graves 9/9/2008
Pension application of John Guthrie S10776 – Transcribed by Will Graves 9/9/08 rev’d 11/30/15

DOCUMENTS: Washington County Georgia, Headright and Loose Lottery Plats
FHL Film 004726367 – IMG 290 – File: Guthrie, John (1)
Pursuant to a warrant dated the 2d day of August 1790, I have admeasured and laid out to JOHN GUTHRIE who resides in this state a tract of land containing two hundred and thirty-five acres and bounds form and marks as the above plat represents surveyed the 6th day of August 1790 by – John Watts
John Guthrie and Gabriel Guthrie, c.c. (Includes survey platt map). Recorded in book BB, p.271

DOCUMENTS: Deeds and Mortgages, Warren County, Georgia, 1796-1900
v. A-B FHL Film 007900625
Volume A – No Guthrie Entries
Volume B
Guthrie, John to Nathan David – B-474 – IMG 620
20 Mar 1805 – John Guthrie of Buncombe NC to Nathan Davis of Warren GA, $250, 80 – 90 acre tract in Warren County on the waters of Brier and Whites Creek. Recorded 10 Apr 1806.
Guthrie, John to Jas. Pierson B-530 – IMG 648
12 Mar 1806? – John Guthrie of Buncombe NC, planter, to James Pierson of Warren, GA. $600, 300 acres on Big Brier creek originally granted Richard Smith. Recorded 16 Jan 1807.

v. C-D FHL Film 007900624
Volume C
Guthrie, Abner to Johnson & Kunze – C-577 – IMG325-326
2 Aug 1811 – Abner Guthrie of Warren GA to Robert Johnson and John M Kunze of augusta GA, $461.37, Whites Creek conveyed to Guthrie on 18 Jan 1809 by Reuben Magahee & Epraim Magahee, admrs. of Nathan David, Cd, also another tract or lot of land on Big Briar creek containing 230 acres conveyed to Guthrie by William White on 14 Nov 1810, and another parcel of land containing 50 acres conveyed by David Wheeler of Wilkinson CO on 12 Sep 1808.
Smith, Needham to John Guthrie – C – 52 – IMG 46
06 Apr 1797 – Needham Smith of washington County GA to John Guthrie of Warren County GA, $250, 100a in Warren County on Brier Creek, adj Guthrie, Storie. Orig. granted to Richard Smith, 12 Jul 1787.
Smith, Richard to the Same – C – 58 – IMG 49
3 Dec 1796 – Richard Smith Sr of Washington County, GA to John Guthrie of Warren County, GA. Consideration $200. Tract or parcel of land containing 312 acres situate in Warren County on Brier Creek. 200 acres of original granted Richard Smith 29 Oct 1789 and 100 acres original granted same on 12 July 1787.
Volume D
Hardin, Wm to Abner Guthrie – D-334
15 Mar 1802 – William Hardin of SC to Abner Guthrie of Warren, GA, $192, 175acres,
Terry, Thos. to Abner Guthrie – D-335
19 Dec 1814 – Thos. Terry to Abner Guthrie, both of Warren, GA, $200, 200 acres

BOOK: Diggs, George A Jr., (1926) Buncombe County, North Carolina, Grantor Deed Index; Vol. 1 – 3, Ashville, NC, The Miller Press Inc., Digital Repository: Family Search.
Grantor Deed Index A to G (Vol. 1) – Guthrie Entries Begin p1428-G
Entries for John Guthrie:
7-12-1802 John Guthrie to Henry Wasson – Book 7 – p177 – 200 Acres Shitbreeches Creek
4-4-1826 John Guthrie (Decd) et al to Stephen Morgan – Book 13- p447 – 125A Flat Creek
6-1-1818 John Guthrie to Andrew Guthrie – Book 14 – p350 – 100A Flat Creek
3-12-1836 John Guthrie (Decd) et al to Crisley G Weaver – Book 22 – p431 – 300A Flat Creek

BOOK: Diggs, George A Jr., (1927) Buncombe County, North Carolina, Grantee Deed Index, Vol 1, A – K, Washington, D.C. Library of Congress Photoduplication Service, 1990. Digital Repository: Family Search, FHL 0008569460
Guthrie Entries begin on p. G-903, IMG 461 of 628
Entries for John Guthrie:
12-19-1806 John Guthrie from Joseph Culbertson – 4-11-1807 – Book A-p210 – 100A Flat Creek
12-19-1806 John Guthrie from Edmon Palmer – 4-13-1807 – Book A-p220 – 100 acres, Flat Creek
7-22-1807 John Guthrie from Sheriff Buncombe Co, et al 9-3-1807 – Book A-p360 – 40A, Ivy
4-26-1809 John Guthrie from State of NC No.1787 – 3-26-1810 – Book B-p274 – 200A Flat Creek
10-9-1811 John Guthrie from Sheriff Buncombe Co, et all 12-19-1811 Book D-p129 – 175A Flat Creek
3-21-1801 John Guthrie from Henry Wasson Book 5-p243 – 100A Shitbreeches Creek
2-12-1805 John Guthrie from John Gregory Book 10-p27 – 95A Flat Creek
9-17-1804 John Guthrie from William Brittain Book 10-p30 – 125A Flat Creek
11-26-1817 John Guthrie from State of NC no.2291 6-23-1823 Book 13-p54 300A Jacks Creek
12-12-1832 John Guthrie from State of NC no.3087 – 1-8-1834- Book 19-p142 50A Sugar Cr, Big Ivy

DOCUMENTS: Court Minutes, 1792-1796, 1798-1815, 1819-1825, and 1832-1834
Buncombe County, NC – Minutes of Oct. Session 1823, Page 56 FHL 008531759 IMG 236

DOCUMENTS: Buncombe County, NC Court minutes, 1792-1796, 1798-1815, 1819-1825, and 1832-1834
FHL Film 008189307
Book 3 – Missing
Book 4 – 1819-1825
Page 43 – IMG 231 of 994 – A deed from John Dillard to Jonathan Guthrie for 260 ares dated 27 day of October 1821 was proven in open court by the oath of William Roane attorney the subscribing witness & was ordered to be registered.

NEWSPAPER NOTICE of LAWSUIT / COURT of EQUITY, FALL TERM 1836:
Samuel Smith, complainant, vs (Heirs of John Guthrie). Publication required by court in Carolina Gazette.

BOOK: Lewis, J. William (2019) Anthony Lewis of Isle of Wight County, Virginia and Lineal Descendants to George Robert Lewis. Legacy Books.
This is a fairly recent venture into Lewis ancestry that includes documentation of Y-DNA and analysis of some autosomal DNA.

BOOK: Morgan, Norma Dillingham (1986). Flat Creek Baptist Church Minutes, Weaverville, North Carolina, 1883-1931. Digital Repository: Internet Archive.

BOOK: Acts Passed by the General Assembly of the State of North Carolina at the Session of 1835, Raleigh, NC.
Chapter CXXV.
An ACT to alter the name of HARDY LEWIS and BRITTAIN LEWIS, of the county of Moore and to legitimate them.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of North Carolina, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That HARDY LEWIS and BRITTAIN LEWIS, of the county of Moore, illegitimate sons of JESSE SANDERS, shall hereafter be known and distinguished by the named of HARDY SANDERS and BRITTAIN L SANDERS; and by that name, shall be capable to sue and be sued, plead and be imploded in any court within the State; and by those names, shall be legitimated and made heirs at law, to the said JESSE SANDERS, capable to take, inherit, possess and enjoy, any estate real and personal, which may be devised or descend to them from the said JESSE SANDERS, in as full and ample a manner, to all intents and purposes, as if the said HARDY and BRITTAIN had been born in lawful wedlock: an law to the contrary notwithstanding.

NEWSPAPER ARTICLE: BUNCOMBE SUPERIOR COURT – State of NC vs Jonathan Guthrie
Published in the Weekly Raleigh Register, 9 May 1837, Tuesday, Page 2

BOOK: Scarborough, Jewel Davis (1958) Southern Kith and Kin, Vol. 4 Family Potpourri – Aldredge, Hanson, Sims, Bullock, Davis, Russell, Stovall, Tatom, Abilene, Texas
p.29
Court Minutes of Baldwin County, 1812-1819:
p.93: “Ordered that letters of Administration on the Estate and effects of Gabriel Guthrie, deceased, be granted to Abner Guthrie, and that William White, Reubin Aldridge, Zachariah Chambless, Bartley McCrary Jr., and Bartley McCrary, Sr, or any three of them, be and they are hereby appointed appraisers of said Estate.”

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