Guthrie Family Group 1A – Branch D
John Guthrie c1800MD – p1850 – m1. Betsy Nelson, m2.Piercey Wilson, m3. Ann (MNU)
of Snow Hill, Worcester, Maryland

CONTENTS:
Origin Theories
The Family of John Guthrie (Farmer) of Snow Hill
Historical Highlights
The Guthrie DNA Project

ORIGIN THEORIES of GFG1A BRANCH D

Until recently, this branch of Guthrie Family Group 1A was fractured into individual lineages suspected, but not proven to belong to the same family living in or near Snow Hill, Worcester County, Maryland. Documentation and DNA now provide a solid footing for merging these once separate lineages under a collective heading with farmer John Guthrie, born about 1800 in Maryland serving as their earliest known progenitor.

Descendants of John S Guthrie (Boot & Shoemaker) 1819-1893 & Euphemia Jones (Formerly Branch D’s Progenitors) and Descendants of George Leonard Guthrie (Day Laborer) 1840-1882 & Annie Maria White (Formerly Branch E’s Progenitors) have been identified as the sons of John Guthrie, albeit by two different wives. A third lineage likely to belong to the same family is that of Leonard Guthrie (Laborer) 1842-1903 & m1 Mary I Evans & m2 Florence E Tilghman whose direct lineal descendant in the DNA project also matches the inherited genetic markers found in the other Snow Hill lines.

Since our discovery of John Guthrie’s connection is fairly new and access to original records is limited due to the current pandemic I have not formed a personal theory on his parents’ identities at this time. I will say that the genetic markers in the Snow Hill line are also found in the lineages represented by our VIP participant who descends from the Guthries of Craigie, and the participant whose most recent common ancestors with that man are James Guthrie 1669-1711 (Merchant) & Christian Scott of Dundee, Angus, Scotland.

These distinct marker values are signs of inherited genetic change within the overall group showing that the Snow Hill family is genetically closer to the Guthries of Craigie than they are to the Middlesex Virginia line.

THE FAMILY of JOHN GUTHRIE (FARMER) of SNOW HILL, MARYLAND
& BETSY NELSON & PIERCEY WILSON & ANN (MNU)

JOHN GUTHRIE
Parents: Unidentified
Born: Abt. 1800
Location: Maryland, USA
Marriages: 1st Betsy Nelson (1817), 2nd Piercey Wilson (1833), 3rd Ann MNU (abt. 1839)
Occupation: Farmer
Death: After 1850
Location: Unconfirmed, probably in Maryland or Delaware
Buried: Unknown

BETSY NELSON
Parents: Unidentified
Born: 1801-1810
Location: Maryland, USA
Sons: John S Guthrie (1819), William W Guthrie (1820), Thomas B Guthrie (1824), James Guthrie (1826)
Daughters: (FNU) Guthrie (abt. 1826(
Death: 1826-1833
Location: Unconfirmed, probably Worcester County, Maryland, USA
Buried: Unknown

PIERCEY WILSON
Parents: Unidentified
Born: 1791-1800
Location: Unknown
Sons: Possibly 2 sons, one of whom could be George Leonard Guthrie (c1840)
Daughters: Hannah Elizabeth Guthrie (1834), Margaret A Guthrie (1834)
Death: 1834-1840
Location: Unconfirmed, probably Worcester County, Maryland, USA
Buried: Unknown

ANN (MNU)
Parents: Unidentified
Born: About 1815
Location: Maryland, USA
Sons: George Leonard Guthrie (1840), James (c1845), Charles (c1848)
Daughters: Ann (c1844), Charlotte (c1847)
Death: After 1850
Location: Unknown, probably in Maryland or Delaware
Buried: Unknown

CHILDREN:

JOHN S GUTHRIE
12 May 1819 MD – 15 Oct 1893 MD

John was the eldest son of John Guthrie and his first wife Betsy Nelson. When he was 16 years old his father authorized an indenture with James S Nelson, cordwainer, a probable relation, until John reached the age of 21 on 12 May 1840 during which time he was to learn “the art, trade, and mystery of boot and shoe making.” Note that the “S” in James S Nelson’s name is probably Stewart, making it possible that is also the middle name of John S Guthrie if the familial relationship is sound.

Not long after the completion of his apprenticeship, John S Guthrie married Euphemia ‘Fammie’ Jones on 19 Jan 1841 in Worcester County, Maryland. They raised a family of five in Snow Hill. John continued to work at his trade of boot and shoemaking. He was listed as the occupant of a home owned by Dr E W Marshall that was destroyed by a massive fire in Snow Hill in August of 1893. He died just two months later on 15 October 1893. It is unknown whether his cause of death was related to smoke inhalation or burns associated with the fire.

Children: 5

Guthrie Sons: Nelson Gray (1850), John James (1853)
Guthrie Daughters: Martha Emma (1842), May T (1854), Annie V (1857)

Y-DNA Project Participants: Yes
Family Finder / Autosomal DNA Participants: Yes

WILLIAM W GUTHRIE
abt. 1820MD – 23 Jan 1893 DE

Census records vary listing William’s age placing his DOB either in 1810 or 1820. The latter is most likely accurate as John and Betsy did not marry until 1817. Like his father, William W Guthrie was a farmer. He married Mary Walker in Worcester, Maryland on 25 Feb 1840. They had two children, a daughter Susan and son Charles. Mary died sometime between the 1850 census and 3 May 1853 when William remarried to Sarah Ann ‘Sallie’ Jones. These two had a large family of nine children. They lived in Newark, Worcester County through the 1870 census and moved to Nutters in Wicomico County, Maryland by 1880. At the time of his death on 23 Jan 1893, they were in Seaford, Sussex, Delaware. Sallie outlived her husband by 28 years.

Children: 9

Guthrie Sons: William (1852), David (1855), Paul B (1856), Levi (1859), Edward (1862), Littleton B (1863), John (1865)
Guthrie Daughters: Mary E (1861), Maggie (1866)

Y-DNA Project Participants: No
Family Finder / Autosomal DNA Participants: No

THOMAS B GUTHRIE
1 Apr 1824 MD – After 1882

Like his eldest brother John S Guthrie, an apprenticeship was acquired for Thomas B Guthrie. This time with Levi Nelson. The 1850 census finds Thomas living in Baltimore in the household of John W Albaugh, a bookmaker. By 1860 Thomas moved back to Snow Hill where he is living in the household of his presumed relative James S Nelson, shoemaker. During the Civil War, Thomas served in Smith’s Independent Company of Maryland Cavalry. His marriage to Julia Purnell occurred around 1865-1866. I haven’t found a marriage record yet. They had 2 sons. Wife Julia died between 1870-1880. The 1880 census lists Thomas as a widower with his mother-in-law, Elizabeth Scott, keeping house for him and his son Eddie. The younger son, Thomas, is not listed and is presumed to have died young.

Children: 2

Guthrie Sons: Edward (c1867), Thomas (c1870)
Guthrie Daughters: None

Y-DNA Project Participants: No
Family Finder / Autosomal DNA Participants: No

(FNU) GUTHRIE
About 1826/30 MD – ????

According to the 1830 census, the household of “Jon Gatherie” included a female under 5 years of age. There is no sign of her in the enumerated 1840 family record.

JAMES GUTHRIE
26 May 1826 MD – 10 May 1903 MD

James is the last child known to be born to John Guthrie’s first wife Betsy Nelson. He worked as a farmer, laborer and a carpenter. The 1860 census of District 9, Worcester, MD finds him living in the household of his eldest brother, John S & Euphemia (Jones) Guthrie. James married Sallie C Smack on 11 Jan 1853 in Worcester, MD. They lived in Newark and Snow Hill. James served during the Civil War in Company F of the 3rd Maryland Infantry and made an application for an invalid pension. He died of cancer on 10 May 1903 after having his arm amputated a month earlier. He is buried at the Bates Methodist Church Cemetery.

Children: 8

Guthrie Sons: William H (1859), Thomas (1862), James Stewart (1869)
Guthrie Daughters: Mary Elizabeth (1857), Elmira (1863), Laura (1866), Elenora M (1872), Isabel L (1876)

Y-DNA Project Participants: No
Family Finder / Autosomal DNA Participants: No

HANNAH ELIZABETH GUTHRIE
1834 MD – ????

John Guthrie’s marriage to Piercey Wilson took place on 28 August 1833. Daughters Hannah Elizabeth aka Betsy, and Margaret, are both listed as aged 15 in the 1850 census. Hannah is living with her 1/2 brother William Guthrie and his family, while Margaret is living with the family of William & Ann Lewis, also potential relatives. I found Hannah in 1860 now living with her 1/2 brother James Guthrie’s family, but did not find a census record for Margaret.

MARGARET A GUTHRIE
1834MD – ????

Presumably the twin of Hannah Elizabeth, both were listed as being 15 years of age during the 1850 census. Margaret was living with William & Ann Lewis, while Hannah was at the home of her brother William Guthrie. It seems likely that their mother, Piercey (Wilson) Guthrie had died sometime between 1834 and 1840.

GEORGE LEONARD GUTHRIE
About 1840 MD – 1882/92 VA

Since there is about a 6 year gap between the birth of Hannah & Margaret and the next child George it is probable that George is the eldest child of John Guthrie’s marriage to Ann, whose maiden name remains unknown. There is a bit of confusion about George’s middle name. Our participant reports it as being Leonard. The transcription of his ancestor Alfred Winfield Guthrie’s marriage record lists him as George L Guthrie. A transcription of daughter Mary’s marriage record lists him as George H Guthrie, while some online trees list him as George William Guthrie. For the purposes of this report, we’re sticking with our participant’s family story as backed up by Alfred’s record.

The 1850 census lists George as a 10 year old in the household of John & Ann Guthrie along with siblings Ann 6, James 5, Charlotte 3, and Charles 2. Note that the transcript on Ancestry incorrectly lists George as 70 rather than 10.

In 1860, George is listed on the farm of Elijah Brittingham and family, but his age is listed as 22, which places his DOB about 1838. This year corresponds with a Civil War Draft Registration for George Guthrie, Residence: Sandy Hill, MD dated 1 Jul 1863. He is also listed as being married by that date. George married Annie Maria White between 1860 and 1863. They initially lived in Sandy Hill, Worcester, MD, but moved to Salisbury, Wicomico, MD by 1870 where George worked as a day laborer. The family moved again, this time to Cypress, Nansemond, Virginia by 1880 when he was employed as a sawmill hand. Annie was listed in the 1900 census as Annie M Oliver having remarried on 31 Mar 1892 in Suffolk, Virginia to William D Oliver. This places George’s death year between 1880-1892, most likely in Virginia.

Children: 3

Guthrie Sons: William Wesley (1877), Alfred Winfield (1882)
Guthrie Daughters: Mary Louise (1866)

Y-DNA Project Participants: Yes
Family Finder / Autosomal DNA Particiapants: Yes

ANN GUTHRIE
About 1844 MD – ????

Ann Guthrie’s birth is estimated to be about 1844. She was listed with her parents, John & Ann Guthrie, and siblings in District 2 of Worcester, Maryland during the 1850 census. I have no other record for her.

JAMES GUTHRIE
About 1845 MD – ????

This family is very difficult to track down. Although James is listed with the family in 1850, I cannot find any of them together in the 1860 census. What I have found is that son George Leonard Guthrie, above is listed in the 1860 census of Costens, Worcester, Maryland, listed as George, presumably working as a laborer. Elsewhere in Costens is a Leonard Guthrie, born about 1845 in Maryland. Y-DNA Participant (952892) descends from Leonard Guthrie & his wife Mary Evans. His genetic profile places him in GFG1A, but the genetic mutations present in his results match the other Snow Hill Guthries making him a probable son of John Guthrie. Since Leonard already shows up as a middle name for son George, and since James was also already used as the name of one of John’s sons with his first wife, it seems possible that this boy was actually named James Leonard Guthrie, and later dropped the forename. If this theory has any merit it can expand as a potential maiden name for their mother, Ann. There are a number of families in Worcester County with that surname. Further research is required.

Leonard Guthrie was born 1842-1845 in Maryland. His direct connection to this family is theoretical, but if he is not John’s son he is most likely a nephew. He lived with John & Elizabeth Hancock in 1860 Costens, Worcester, Maryland. By the time he married Mary I Evans on 17 Dec 1879 in Philadelphia, he was a resident farmer in Smyrna, Kent, Delaware. She was likely previously married and they had a son named James born about 1876. Their son, Elmer Thomas Guthrie was born in 1881. Leonard took a job with the Delaware Railroad. He was seriously injured during the repair of a bridge in Kent County when the scaffolding fell dropping him and other workers a distance of 20 feet. His wife Mary died sometime between 1880-1885. Leonard remarried to Florence E Tilghman, and was working as a roof painter when the first of their three children was born. He later worked for the Delaware Chemical Company and had another work related accident in 1899 when the explosion of ammonia left his face badly burned. Leonard died on 30 October 1903 in Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware at the age of 61 of edematous laryngitis. His widow Florence lived until 1942.

Children: 4 – 5
Evans/Guthrie Sons: James (1876) – may or may not be Leonard’s biological son
Guthrie Sons: Elmer Thomas (1881), Ernest George (1885), Leroy (1891), Violet Annie (1897)

Y-DNA Project Participants: Yes
Family Finder / Autosomal DNA Participants: No

CHARLOTTE GUTHRIE
About 1847 MD – ????

Charlotte Guthrie is listed as a 3 year old in the 1850 census of District 2, Worcester, Maryland with her parents, John and Ann, and siblings. I checked Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and Pennsylvania census records for 1860 and could not locate Charlotte.

CHARLES GUTHRIE
About 1848 MD – ????

Charles Guthrie list listed as a 2 year old in the 1860 census of District 2, Worcester, Maryland with the rest of the family. Unlike sister Charlotte, for whom I cannot find a trace, there might be some clues for Charles. The name Charles Guthrie does pop up in various records for a man born in Maryland +/- a few years in age estimation that might be worth looking into, but it may be Charles’ nephew of approximate age, the son of elder 1/2 brother William W Guthrie and his 1st wife Mary Walker.

HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS

MAP of DELAWARE and MARYLAND – c1834 – David Burr, Cartographer – (Library of Congress)

1742: FORMATION of WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

Worcester County was carved out of the eastern half of Somerset County. Snow Hill, originally founded in 1886 by English settlers, became the county seat. The town Snow Hill was located at the head of the Pocomoke River and was made an official port of entry in 1694.

1800: BIRTH of JOHN GUTHRIE

The estimate for John Guthrie’s birth date comes from the 1850 census listing him as 50 years of age. The 1830 census placed him in the 30-39 category, and the 1840 census in the 40-49 category, which corroborate that data. The 1850 census also lists his birthplace as Maryland.

At this point the identity of John Guthrie’s parents is mere speculation. There are several Guthrie households listed in the Maryland census for 1790 and 1800.
Those specifically in Worcester County, Maryland are:
Captain Wm Gutthery (1790) – 1 Male 16 and over, 2 Males under 16, 3 Females.
William Gutthery Junior (1790) – 1 Male 16 and over, 1 Male under 16, 2 Females, 3 slaves.
James Guthery (1790) – 1 Male 16 and over, 1 Male under 15, 3 Females, 1 slave.
Nelly Gutthery (1790) – 1 Male 16 and over, 1 Male under 16, 1 Female
Wm Guttery (1800) – Mattapony Hundred – 2 Males 26-44, 1 Female 45 and over, 1 Female 16-25, 3 slaves.
Severn Guthery (1800) – Mattapony Hundred – 1 Male 26-44, 1 Male 16-25, 1 Female 45 and over, 1 Female 10-15, 1 slave.
Eleanor Guthery (1800) – Boquetenorton Hundred – 1 Female 45 and over, 2 Males 16-25, 1 Male 10-15

The first census upon which John Guthrie would likely be enumerated is in 1810. There are 4 Guthrie households in Worcester County, Maryland:
William Guthery (1810) – 1 Male 45 and over, 1 Male & 1 Female 26-44, 1 Male & 1 Female 16-25.
Jesse Guthery (1810) – 1 Male & 1 Female 26-44
William Guthery (1810) -2 Males & 1 Female 26-44, 1 Male & 1 Female 16-25.
Severon Guthery (1810) – 2 Males & 1 Female 26-44, 1 Female under 10, 1 Female 45 and over, 2 slaves.

Note that none of the 1810 households have a Male under 10 or 10-15 years of age, suggesting that John Guthrie’s family was not living in Worcester, Maryland or that they were enumerated in a different household.

Nor is John Guthrie listed as a Head of Household in Worcester, Maryland after his 1817 marriage to Betsy Nelson.

1801-1810: BIRTH of BETSY NELSON

The 1830 census lists the wife of John Guthrie as being 20-29 years of age. There are 6 Nelson households located in Worcester County, Maryland during the 1810 census: Josiah Nelson, William Nelson, Moses Nelson, Joel Nelson, George Nelson, and William Nelson. All households except that of Moses Nelson include at least 1 female under 10 years of age.

1817: MARRIAGE of JOHN GUTHRIE and BETSY NELSON
Worcester County, Maryland on 11 February 1817

Needed: Image of Original Record. This marriage is listed in Maryland Marriage Record transcripts.

The indentures of apprenticeship in boot and shoemaking arranged by John Guthrie with James S Nelson, and Levi Nelson for sons John and Thomas may provide a clue as to Betsy’s family origins.

This was the first of three marriages for John Guthrie.

1819: BIRTH of SON – JOHN S GUTHRIE
Worcester County, Maryland on 12 May 1819

The DOB of son John S Guthrie is inferred from the indenture arranging his apprenticeship. The document dated 25 Feb 1836 indicates that John will be 21 years old on 12 May 1840.

1820: BIRTH of SON – WILLIAM W GUTHRIE
Worcester County, Maryland about 1820

The 1840 census places William in the 20-29 category. The 1850 census lists William as 30 years of age, and the 1860 census as 40. The 1870 census adds an extra decade listing him as 60 rather than 50.

1824: BIRTH of SON – THOMAS B GUTHRIE
Worcester County, Maryland on 1 April 1824

The indenture arranging Thomas’ apprenticeship in boot and shoemaking provides the information on his birthdate.

1826: BIRTH of SON – JAMES GUTHRIE
Worcester County, Maryland on 26 May 1826

James’s birth date is listed on his headstone at Bates Methodist Church Cemetery. “In memory of JAMES GUTHERY Born May 26 1826, Departed this life May 10 1903. Blessed are the (illegible)“

1826-30: BIRTH of DAUGHTER – (NAME UNIDENTIFIED)
Worcester County, Maryland between 1826 – 1830

The only clue found that John & Betsy (Nelson) Guthrie had a daughter is the 1830 census of District 2, Worcester, Maryland listing 1 Female under 5 years of age. Since brother James was born in 1826, this range can likely be narrowed to 1827-1830.

The 1840 census also lists a female in the 5-9 year category, born 1831-1835. Possible that this is the same daughter if her birth was in 1830/31, or could be another unidentified daughter born to either Betsy Nelson or Piercey Wilson.

Either way, there is no indication that this unidentified daughter or daughters were living with the family in 1850, suggesting that she/they married or died young.

1830: The United States Federal Census
District 2, Worcester County, Maryland

The Household of John Guthrie:
1 M – 30-39 (born 1791-1800) – John
1 F – 20-29 (born 1801-1810) – Betsy
2 M – 10-14 (born 1816-1820) – John and William
1 M – 5-9 (born 1821-1825) – Thomas
1 M & 1 F Under 5 (born 1826-1830) – James & Unidentified Daughter

1830-1833: DEATH of WIFE – BETSY (NELSON) GUTHRIE
Worcester County, Maryland between 1830 and 1833

Betsy died sometime after the 1830 census and before August of 1833 when John Guthrie remarried. It is unknown if she was buried on the family farm or at a local cemetery.

1833: MARRIAGE of JOHN GUTHRIE and PIERCEY WILSON
Worcester County, Maryland on 28 August 1833

Needed: Image of Original Record. This marriage is listed in Maryland Marriage Record transcripts.

1834: BIRTH of TWIN DAUGHTERS – HANNAH ELIZABETH & MARGARET A GUTHRIE
Worcester County, Maryland about 1834

The identity and ages of these girls have been extrapolated from the census records. The 1840 census lists 2 Females under the age of 5 living in the John Guthrie household. They are not living with their father in 1850, but are instead found elsewhere in Worcester. Apparently, their mother Piercey (Wilson) Guthrie died 1840-50, and John Guthrie once again remarried to Ann (MNU). As with many new marriages, the children from a previous marriage did not remain in the household. That may have been the case with Hannah and Margaret. The 1850 census finds Hannah E Guthrie, 15, living in the household of her elder 1/2 brother William W Guthrie and family. In 1860 she is found in the household of her 1/2 brother James. Sister Margaret A Guthrie, 15 in 1850, is listed in the household of William Lewis and his wife Ann. Unknown if they are related to the Guthries or Wilsons. There is a marriage listed in MD records for William Lewis and Ann Dennis in 1836 that might apply to the couple, but no obvious clues there.

1834: FIRE in SNOW HILL
Snow Hill, Worcester, Maryland on 24 November 1834

The first of two major fires in Snow Hill that destroyed much of the central business district including the Court House. This resulted in the loss of some of the county’s early records. After this destruction, the records of the Clerk of Court and Register of Wills were placed into vaults in the new Court House built in 1836, but for some reason other county records were not safeguarded in the same way. (Archives of Maryland Online)

1834-1844: DEATH of WIFE – PIERCEY (WILSON) GUTHRIE
Worcester County, Maryland (presumably)

1836: APPRENTICESHIP for SON – JOHN S GUTHRIE – (BOOT & SHOEMAKING)
Snow Hill, Worcester, Maryland on 25 February 1836

1839: APPRENTICESHIP for SON – THOMAS B GUTHRIE – (BOOT & SHOEMAKING)
Worcester County, Maryland on 9 July 1839

1840: MARRIAGE of SON – WILLIAM W GUTHRIE
Worcester County, Maryland on 25 February 1840

William W Guthrie married Mary Walker. This couple lived in Worcester County, Maryland where William was a farmer. They had 2 children: Susan A (1842) and Charles H (1843). Mary died between 1850 and 1853.

1840: THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL CENSUS
Western District, Worcester, Maryland
The John Gutrie Household:
1 M & 1 F 40-49 (1791-1800)
1 F 5 – 9 (1831-1835)
2 M and 2 F Under 5 (1836-1840)

This is where the timeline is a little fuzzy because the numbers and ages of the children don’t exactly match the family profile. Third wife Ann’s age in 1850 is listed as 35 (born in 1815), which makes her too young to be the inferred wife listed in the 1840 census. That suggests that wife Piercey (Wilson) Guthrie may still be alive in 1840. The unidentified daughter of John Guthrie & Betsy Nelson could be the 5-9 year old female. The two females under 5 are Hannah & Margaret born in 1834. Who are the two Males born 1836-1840? James, the son of John & Betsy, was born in 1826, so he is 10 years too old to be this boy. One could potentially be George Leonard Guthrie born about 1840. That still leaves an unidentified boy born 1836-40 living in the household.

Districts 1 and 2, Worcester, Maryland
The William Gutry Household:
1 M & 1 F 20 – 29 (1811-1820)
Employed in Agriculture

Districts 1 and 2, Worcester, Maryland
The Levi Nelson Household (This is where Thomas B Guthrie was living during his apprenticeship.)
Free White Persons:
1 M 60-69
1 M & 1 F 30-39
1 M & 2 F 20-29
3 M & 1 F 15-19
2 M 10-14
1 M 5-9
1 F under 5
Free Colored Persons:
1 M & 1 F 10-23
Slaves:
1 F 24-35
1 M Under 10
Total Household Members: 18 (Free White: 14, Free Colored: 2, Slaves: 2)

1834-1844: MARRIAGE of JOHN GUTHRIE and ANN (MNU)
Worcester County, Maryland (presumably)

According to the 1850 census, John Guthrie’s wife was named Ann. She was listed as 35 years of age making her birth year about 1815. There is no known marriage record for this couple. Since son George Leonard Guthrie is listed in the 1850 census with them, credit for his birth goes to Ann, but his mother might have been Piercey Wilson.

There is no known record listing Ann (MNU) Guthrie to corroborate her age, parentage, or the exact date of her marriage to John Guthrie.

1838-1840: BIRTH of SON – GEORGE LEONARD GUTHRIE
Worcester County, Maryland probably between 1838-1840

There is some question in online trees about the middle initial or middle name of George Guthrie. According to the death record of his son Alfred, George’s middle name was Leonard. The informant was George’s grandson Alfred Rawles Guthrie.

Census records aren’t much help when trying to narrow down George’s birth year. The 1850 census lists him as 10 (although Ancestry’s transcript interpreted it as 70). The 1860 census lists him as 22 (b.1838). In 1870 and 1880 he is listed as 25. His Civil War Draft Registration indicates that George Guthrie of Sandy Hill, Maryland was 25 on 1 July 1863 making his birth year 1838.

1841: MARRIAGE of SON – JOHN S GUTHRIE and EUPHEMIA ‘FAMMIE’ JONES
Worcester County, Maryland on 19 January 1841

John and Fammie lived in Snow Hill where he worked as a boot and shoemaker. They raised 5 children: Martha Emma (1842), Nelson Gray (1850), John James (1853), May T (1854) and Annie V (1857).

Here is an interesting clue for extended family.

The Last Will and Testament of Walty Jones of Worcester County, Maryland who died in 1856 names his four eldest daughters as Catharine Gutry, Uphemy Guthry, Sharlotty Bradford & Jane Hudson. Another daughter is Sally A Guthery. Also his unmarried daughters Elizabeth Jones, Adeline M Jones, Nancy R Jones, and finally his son Eli C T Jones.

Walter ‘Walty’ Jones and Martha Truitt who were married 1 Sep 1812 appear to be the parents of Euphemia Jones who married John S Guthrie. This Jones family married 2 other Guthries as evidenced by Catharine and Sally being listed that way. Sally married William W Guthrie, also a son of John & Betsy (Nelson) Guthrie, but I don’t know the identity of Catharine’s husband.

1844: BIRTH of DAUGHTER – ANN GUTHRIE
Worcester County, Maryland about 1844

Ann Guthrie’s birth year is derived from the 1850 census where she is enumerated with her family as a 6 year old. No further documentation found.

1845: BIRTH of SON – JAMES GUTHRIE
Worcester County, Maryland about 1845

James Guthrie was born about 1845 according to the 1850 census that lists him at 5 years of age. Like the rest of the family he seems to disappear from the records, except for brother George who shows up in 1860 in Costens, Worcester County, Maryland.

James is approximately the same age as Leonard Guthrie, also born about 1845 in Maryland who is believed to be a part of this family based on the Y-DNA results of a descendant. Could James actually be James Leonard Guthrie? It’s a question that has no answer for now.

1847: BIRTH of DAUGHTER – CHARLOTTE GUTHRIE
Worcester County, Maryland about 1847

The 1850 census gives us our only glimpse of Charlotte Guthrie. She is listed as a 3 yr old in the household of John and Ann Guthrie along with her siblings.

1848: BIRTH of SON – CHARLES GUTHRIE
Worcester County, Maryland about 1848

Charles Guthrie is listed as a 2 year old living in the household of his parents John and Ann Guthrie in District 2 of Worcester County, Maryland during the 1850 census.

1850: THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL CENSUS
District 2, Worcester, Maryland
GUTHERY HOUSHOLD:
Jno. Guthery 50 M farmer, (no real estate value listed)
Ann Guthery 35 F
Ann Guthery 6 F
George Guthery 10 M
James Guthery 5 M
Charlotte Guthery 3 F
Charles Guthery 2M
Note: The birthplace for the entire family is listed as ‘unknown’ as if someone else completed the family census.

District 6, Worcester, Maryland
GUTRY HOUSEHOLD:
William W Gutry 30 M Farmer Born Maryland cannot read/write
Mary Guthry 28 F born Virginia cannot read/write
Susan A Gutry 7 F born Maryland
Charles H Gutry 6 M born Maryland
Hannah E Gutry 15 F born Maryland (Note: This is William’s 1/2 sister, daughter of John Guthrie & Piercey Wilson)
Next Door…
LEWIS HOUSEHOLD:
William S Lewis 35 M Farmer born Maryland
Ann M Lewis 30 F born Maryland cannot read/write
Hiram Lewis 12 M born Maryland attended school
Daniel H Lewis 8 M born Maryland attended school
Nancy E Lewis 6 F born Maryland attended school
William S Lewis 3 M born Maryland
Margaret A Gutry 15 F born Maryland (This is William’s 1/2 sister, daughter of John Guthrie & Piercey Wilson)

District 9, Worcester, Maryland
GUTHERY HOUSEHOLD:
John Guthery 35 cannot read/write (no occupation or real estate value listed)
Euphemia 37
Martha 5 attended school
Nelson G 0
James Phillips 5
James Guthery 23 cannot read/write (This is John’s brother, son of John Guthrie & Betsy Nelson)
Sally A Jones 19
Note: Birthplace for all listed in Maryland

Baltimore Ward 15, Baltimore, Maryland
ALBAUGH HOUSEHOLD:
John W Albaugh 50 M Boot & Shoemaker born Maryland
Elizabeth Albaugh 49 F born Maryland
Hiram Albaugh 22 M Boot & Shoemaker born Maryland
Caroline Albaugh 22 F born Maryland
Wm A Albaugh 15 M born Maryland
John W Albaugh 12 M born Maryland attended school
Virginia Albaugh 1 F born Maryland
James Sivan 27 M Ladies Shoemaker born Alexandria VA
Thomas Guthra 24 Boot & Shoemaker born Maryland
Note: After his apprenticeship, Thomas appears to have found employment in Baltimore.

1853: MARRIAGE of SON: JAMES GUTHRIE and SALLIE C SMACK
Worcester, Maryland on 11 January 1853

James was a farmer, laborer, and carpenter. He and Sallie lived in various places in Worcester County including Newark and Snow Hill. They were parents to 8: Mary Elizabeth (1857), William H (1859), Thomas (1862), Elmira (1863), Laura (1866), James Stewart (1869), Elenora M (1872), and Isabel L (1876).

1853: MARRIAGE (2nd) of SON: WILLIAM W GUTHRIE and SARAH ANN ‘SALLIE’ JONES
Worcester, Maryland on 3 May 1853

Sallie Jones is the daughter of Walty Jones and sister of William’s sister-in-law Euphemia Jones. William and Sallie lived in Newark, Worcester, Maryland for about 20 years and moved to Nutters, Wicomico, Maryland by 1880. They had a large family: William (1852), David J (1855), Paul B (1856), Levi (1859), Mary E (1861), Edward (1862), Littleton (1863), John (1865), and Maggie (1866). William died in Seaford, Sussex, Delaware on 23 Jan 1893. Sally survived him. She died in 1921 at the age of 84.

1860: THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL CENSUS
Snow Hill, Worcester, Maryland
GUTHRIE HOUSEHOLD”
John Guthery 36 M Shoemaker, no real estate listed, personal estate 100, born Maryland, cannot read/write
Fama Guthery 40 F born Maryland, cannot read/write
Martha Guthery 16 F born Maryland
Nelson Guthery 9 M born Maryland, attended school
John Guthery 8 M born Maryland, attended school
May Guthery 6 F born Maryland, attended school
Anna Guthery 3 F born Maryland

Snow Hill, Worcester, Maryland
NELSON HOUSEHOLD:
James S Nelson 52 M W Shoemaker real estate: 3300, personal estate: 800
Mary Nelson 40 F W
Mary Priscilla Nelson 20 F W
Elenora Nelson 13 F W attended school
Sydney Nelson 1 M W
Synthia Nelson 1 F W
Thomas Guthry 35 M W Shoemaker cannot read/write
George (Guthry?) 20 M B Laborer
William (Guthry?) 17 M B Apprentice
Caroline (Guthry?) 12 F B
Note: All listed as born in Maryland

Newton, Worcester, Maryland
GUTHRIE HOUSEHOLD:
William Guthrie 40 M Farmer, no real estate value listed, personal estate 150, born Maryland
Sallie Guthrie 30 F born Maryland cannot read/write
William Guthrie 8 born Maryland attended school
David Guthrie 7 born Maryland
Paul Guthrie 4 born Maryland
Charles Guthrie 16 born Maryland (William’s son by his 1st wife)
Levi Guthrie 1 born Maryland

Newark, Worcester, Maryland
GUTHRIE HOUSEHOLD:
James Guthrie 35 M farmer, no real estate value listed, personal estate: 200 born in Maryland cannot read/write
Sallie Guthrie 24 F born in Maryland cannot read/write
Mary Guthrie 4 F born in Maryland
William Guthrie 2 M born in Maryland
Betsy Guthrie 26 F born in Maryland cannot read/write (This is James’ 1/2 sister Hannah Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ Guthrie)

Costens, Worcester, Maryland
BRITTINGHAM HOUSEHOLD:
Elijah Brittingham 50 M Farmer Real Estate: 2000 Personal Estate: 600 born Maryland
Mary Brittingham 34 F born Maryland
Mary Brittingham 9 F born Maryland
Conata Brittingham 7 F born Maryland
Elijah Brittingham 5 M born Maryland
Sarah Brittingham 2F born Maryland
Euphemia Pruitt 34 F born Maryland
George Guthrie 22 M born Maryland

Costens, Worcester, Maryland
HANCOCK HOUSEHOLD:
John H Hancock 31 M W Farmer Real Estate Value: 200 born Maryland
Elizabeth Hancock 21 F W born Maryland
Leonard Guthrie 15 M W born Maryland
Note: Leonard Guthrie is believed to be one of the sons of John Guthrie & Ann (MNU), possibly James.

1861-1865: THE CIVIL WAR

Two of John Guthrie’s sons were known to have served in the Civil War.

THOMAS B GUTHRIE – UNION SOLDIER
Enlistment Date: 29 Sep 1862
Enlistment Rank: Private
Muster Date: 15 Oct 1862
Muster Place: Maryland
Muster Regiment: Smith’s Cavalry
Muster Out Date: 30 Jun 1865
Survived War: Yes
Source: Maryland Volunteers, War of 1861-65

JAMES GUTHRIE – UNION SOLDIER
Enlistment Date: 15 Oct 1862
Enlistment Rank: Private
Muster Date: 15 Oct 1862
Muster Place: Maryland
Muster Company: F
Muster Regiment: 3rd Infantry
Muter Regiment Type: Infantry
Muster Out Date: 15 Jul 1863
Survived War: Yes
Source: Maryland Volunteers, War of 1861-65

1865: MARRIAGE of SON – THOMAS B GUTHRIE and JULIA PURNELL
Worcester County, Maryland (presumably)

Sometime around 1865 when Thomas was mustered out from his duties as a union soldier, he married Julia Purnell. They had 2 sons: Edwin H (1867) and Thomas (1870). Their marriage was brief. Julia died sometime between Thomas’ birth in 1870 and the 1880 census when her husband Thomas was listed as a widower. Their son Thomas presumably also died prior to 1880 as he is not listed in the household with his father.

1870: THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL CENSUS
Snow Hill, Worcester, Maryland
GUTHRIE HOUSEHOLD:
John Guthrie 50 M W boot & shoemaker, real estate 1500, personal estate 500 born Maryland cannot write, US Citizen
Uphemy Guthrie 53 F W keeping house, born Maryland, cannot write
Nelson Guthrie 20 M W boot & shoemaker born Maryland
John Guthrie 17 M W clerk in store born Maryland
Nancy Guthrie 14 F W born Maryland
Annie Guthrie 12 F W born Maryland
Jane Robbins 20 F B domestic servant born Maryland cannot read/write
Betsy Jones 40 F W Lady born Maryland cannot write
Thomas Harman 13 M W apprentice shoemaker born Maryland

District 2, Worcester, Maryland
GUTHRY HOUSEHOLD:
Thomas Guthry 45 M W Boot & Shoemaker born Maryland cannot read/write, US Citizen
Julia Guthry 30 F W Keeping House born Maryland cannot read/write
Edward Guthry 3 M W born Maryland
Thomas Guthry 2/12 (April) M W born Maryland
Milly Hayward 8 F B Domestic Servant born Maryland
Post Office: Snow Hill

District 2, Worcester, Maryland
GUTHERY HOUSEHOLD:
James Guthery 43 Laborer born Maryland cannot read/write, US Citizen
Sallie Guthery 36 Keeping House born Maryland cannot read/write
Mary Guthery 13 born Maryland cannot read/write
William Guthery 11 born Maryland cannot read/write
James Guthrie 8/12 (Nov) born Maryland
Post Office: Snow Hill
Note: The family appears to be living in the same household as the family of Henry & Louisa Smack.

Newark, Worcester, Maryland
GUTHERY HOUSEHOLD:
William Guthery 60 M W Farmer, no real estate value listed, personal estate 500, born Maryland, US Citizen
Sallie Guthery 50 F W Keeping House born Maryland
William Guthery 17 M W born Maryland
Paul Guthery 15 M W born Maryland
David Guthery 13 M W born Maryland
Mary Guthery 12 F W born Maryland
Littleton Guthery 10 M W born Maryland
Edward Guthery 8 M W born Maryland
John Guthery 6 M W born Maryland
Maggie Guthery 4 F W born Maryland

Salisbury, Wicomico, Maryland
GUTHRIE HOUSEHOLD:
George Guthrie 25 M W Day Laborer born Maryland, US Citizen
Anna Guthrie 27 F W Keeping House born Maryland cannot read/write
Mary Guthrie 3 F W At Home born Maryland
Post Office: Whaleyville

1879: MARRIAGE of (POSSIBLE) SON – LEONARD GUTHRIE and MARY I EVANS
Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 17 December 1879

Leonard Guthrie married Mary I Evans at the Twentieth Street Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia on 17 Dec 1879. The document lists Leonard’s birth location as Snow Hill, Maryland and Mary’s as Smyrna, Kent, Delaware. Both of them were residents of Smyrna at the time of their marriage. He was working as a farmer.

It is likely that Mary I Evans was previously married, or that she had a child out of wedlock. The 1880 census lists son James Guthrie as 4 years of age, clearly before the 1879 marriage to Leonard Guthrie. The second clue shows up on the birth record of their son Elmer Thomas Guthrie in 1881, which indicates that Elmer is the 1st child born to the couple, and 2nd to the mother.

Mary presumably died sometime between Elmer’s birth in 1881 and the 1855 birth of Ernest George Guthrie, the son of Leonard Guthrie by his second wife Florence E Tilghman.

1880: THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL CENSUS
Snow Hill, Worcester, Maryland
GUTHERY HOUSEHOLD
John S Guthery W M 56 Bootmaker cannot write Self/Father/Mother Born Maryland
Euphemia Guthery W F 56 wife married Keeping House cannot write Self/Father/Mother Born Maryland
Annie Guthery W F 19 daughter single At Home Self/Father/Mother Born Maryland

Snow Hill, Worcester, Maryland
GUTHERY HOUSEHOLD:
Thomas Guthery W M 55 widower Bootmaker cannot write Self/Father/Mother born Maryland
Elizabeth Scott W F 64 Mother-in-Law widow Keeping House Self/Father/Mother born Maryland
Eddie Guthery W M 12 son single At Home Self/Father/Mother born Maryland

Snow Hill, Worcester, Maryland
GUTHERY HOUSEHOLD:
James Guthery W M 53 married Laborer & Carpenter cannot read/write Self/Father/Mother born in Maryland
Sallie Guthery W F 45 wife married Keeping House cannot read/write
James Guthery W M 10 son single At Home attended school cannot read/write
Eleanora Guthery W F 7 daughter single
Isabel Guthery W F 3 daughter single
Rose Birch B F 14 servant single
Note: All within the household reported as Self/Father/Mother born in Maryland

Nutters, Wicomico, Maryland
GUTHERY HOUSEHOLD:
William W Guthery 65 W M married Farming cannot read/write
Sallie A W Guthery 52 W F wife married Keeping House cannot read/write
Paul B Guthery 24 W M son single Laborer
Mary E Guthery 19 W F daughter single At Home
Littleton B Guthery 15 W M son single Laborer
John T Guthery 13 W M son single Laborer
Maggie J Guthery 11 W F daughter single At Home
Note: All reported as Self/Father/Mother born in Maryland

Cypress, Nansemond, Virginia
GUTHRIE HOUSEHOLD:
George Guthrie W M 25 married Sawmill Hand
Anna M Guthrie W F 37 wife married Keeping House
Mary L Guthrie W F 12 daughter
Willie Guthrie W M 4 son
Note: All in household listed as Sell/Father/Mother born in Maryland. George’s age listed incorrectly.

Clayton, Kent, Delaware
GURTHER HOUSEHOLD:
Leonard Gurther W M 34 married Works on Railroad cannot read/write Self/Father/Mother: born in Maryland
Mary Gurther 33 wife Keeping House cannot read/write Self: born in Delaware, F: born in England, M: born in Ireland
James Gurther W M 4 son Self: born in Delaware, Father: born in Maryland, Mother: born in Delaware
Geo. Whitlock W M 73 boarder married S/F/M: all born Connecticut
Rachel Whitlock W F 51 boarder married S/F/M: all born Maryland

1881-1884: MARRIAGE of (PRESUMED) SON – LEONARD GUTHRIE and FLORENCE E TILGHMAN
Smyrna, Kent, Delaware (likely)

This was the second marriage for Leonard and the first for Florence who was 14-18 years younger. He was working for the Delaware Railroad at least until an accident left him seriously injured. By 1885 he was employed as a roof painter, and later working at the Delaware Chemical Company. The couple had three children: Ernest George (1885), Leroy (1891), and Violet Annie (1897).

1883: BRIDGE REPAIR ACCIDENT – LEONARD GUTHRIE
Delaware, USA on 16 Nov 1883

Reported in the Middletown Transcript, Vol 16, page 4:

1893: FIRE in SNOW HILL
Snow Hill, Worcester, Maryland, 7 August 1893, Monday

Almost 60 years after a devastating fire in Snow Hill another one engulfed the center of town taking the Court House with it. Records that had been placed in the vaults were saved. The others were lost to the fire. The town had no official fire department and the fire brigades called into action from Wilmington and Salisbury arrived too late.

At least one Guthrie was affected directly by this fire. John S Guthrie, boot & shoemaker, son of John Guthrie and Betsy Nelson, was listed as an occupant of a building owned by Dr EW Marshall, which was destroyed by the fire. John died two months later.

Baltimore Sun – 9 August 1893 – “Snow Hill in Ashes” – Associated Webpage
The Herald and Torch Light (Hagerstown, MD) – 10 Aug 1893, Thursday – “At the Mercy of Flames“

Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of Snow Hill, Worcester County, MD – Shows location of Court House and other buildings

1893: DEATH of SON – WILLIAM W GUTHRIE
Seaford, Sussex County, Delaware on 23 January 1893

1893: DEATH of SON – JOHN S GUTHRIE
Snow Hill, Worcester County, Maryland on 15 October 1893

1899: DELAWARE CHEMICAL COMPANY EXPLOSION – LEONARD GUTHRIE
Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware on 15 June 1899

Reported by the Evening Journal (Wilmington, DE):

1903: DEATH of SON – JAMES GUTHRIE
Snow Hill, Worcester County, Maryland on 10 May 1903

James Guthrie had worked physical jobs his entire life by farming, general labor, and as a carpenter. He served as an infantry private for the Union during the Civil War. Cancer took its toll in the end. His arm had to be amputated a month prior to his death due to heart failure on 10 May 1903. James is buried at Bates Methodist Church Cemetery. His wife Sally filed for Civil War widow’s pension benefits after his death. She died in 1911.

1903: DEATH of (PRESUMED) SON – LEONARD GUTHRIE
Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware on 30 October 1903

Leonard Guthrie was survived by his wife Florence, children, and many grandchildren. Florence moved back to Worcester County, Maryland and is found in the census records living with her daughter Violet and family. She died on 29 August 1942.

THE GUTHRIE DNA PROJECT

Guthrie Family Group: GFG1A
Group Designation: Branch D – The Guthries of Worcester County Maryland

Haplogroup: R-M269
Confirmed Haplogroup: R-Y62042

Y-DNA Matches:
Kit 290792 (Y37+FF)
John Guthrie/Betsy Nelson > John S Guthrie/Euphemia Jones > John James Guthrie/Annie Elizabeth Broughton > John Bridener Guthrie Sr/Charlotte Beatrice Veronica Thompson (GGP) +more
Genetic Mutations: DYS392 = 14 (Group Mode 13), CDYi =38 (Group Mode 17)
(Test is a Y37. Unable to determine if the other mutations found at the 68-111 level are present.)

Kit 846168 (Y111+FF)
John Guthrie/Piercey Wilson or Ann (MNU) > George Leonard Guthrie/Annie Maria White > Alfred Winfield Guthrie/Emma Ross Small (GP) +more
Genetic Mutations: DYS392 = 14 (Group Mode 13), CDYi = 38 (Group Mode 37), DYS594 = 18 (Group Mode 17), DYS712 = 19 (Group Mode 19), DYS504 – 16 (Group Mode 17), DYS513 = 12 (Group Mode 13)
Matches both genetic markers for Kit 290792.
Has 2 unique markers not found in anyone else in the group DYS594 and DYS504. Likely random/recent changes insignificant for our purposes. Wait and watch for other matches.

Kit 952892 (Y37 Kit with Y111 Upgrade Results Pending)
Leonard Guthrie/Mary I Evans > Elmer Thomas Guthrie/Mary Lucilla Murphy (GP) +more
Genetic Mutations: DYS392 =14 (Group Mode 13), CDYi = 38 (Group Mode 37)
(Test is currently at the Y37 level, although upgraded to Y111 with results pending.)

Family Finder / Autosomal DNA Kits:
Kit B79382
John Guthrie/Betsy Nelson > John Guthery/Euphemia Jones > John James Guthrie/Annie Elizabeth Broughton (GGP) +more

Kit B737347
John Guthrie/Betsy Nelson > John Guthery/Euphemia Jones > John James Guthrie/Annie Elizabeth Broughton (2xGGP) +more

Findings:
The 3 Y-DNA kits match the genetic profile of Guthrie Family Group 1A.

All 3 Y-DNA kits share genetic mutations:
DYS392 = 14 (Group Mode 13)
CDYi = 38 (Group Mode 37)

The additional genetic mutations found in Kit 846168 will be compared to the results for kit 952892 when they are posted.

Two of these genetic mutations DYS712 = 19 and DYS513 = 12 are also shared by Kit 74203, our VIP descendant of the Guthries of Craigie, and by Kit72673. The most recent common Guthrie ancestors shared by these two are James Guthrie (merchant) and Christian Scott of Dundee, Angus, Scotland.

These two variances could be inherited genetic markers indicating common descent from James Guthrie and Christian Scott. However, less than half of the overall group has tested at the Y111 level where these markers are found. At least 6 others, mainly descendants of the Middlesex VA branches, who have tested at that level do not share the marker.

This suggests that the Worcester County, Maryland families are genetically closer to the Guthries of Craigie than to the Middlesex lines.

Is This Your Piece of the Puzzle?
COLLABORATION REMINDER

Consider helping everyone out by sharing your knowledge about your family line. There may be only a handful of people in your immediate family, but hundreds or thousands more around the globe who share your more distant Guthrie ancestry. A little bit of research can potentially provide someone with the clue they need. Contact Ann if you have info to share, want to write an article, or collaborate to create one.