Leonard Guthrie 1842-1903 & Mary I Evans & Florence E Tilghman
of Maryland and Delaware

CONTENTS:
Origin Theories
The Family of Leonard Guthrie
Historical Highlights
The Guthrie DNA Project

ORIGIN THEORIES of GFG1A BRANCH D

Guthrie lineages from Worcester County, Maryland have recently undergone a reconfiguration as our understanding of their family dynamic grows. Several of those lines are now gathered under a single branch now that their progenitor has been identified as John Guthrie, a farmer from Snow Hill and one of his three successive wives: Betsy Nelson, Piercey Wilson, and Ann (MNU). John Guthrie’s family appears to be the most likely place for Leonard Guthrie to have sprouted. Not only is the name Leonard utilized by their number, there is evidence of inherited genetic markers among the descendants of both John’s sons and Leonard’s. These same genetic markers are found in two other members of GFG1A, both of them being descendants of James Guthrie (merchant) & Christian Scott of Dundee, Angus, Scotland. The markers are not found among the GFG1A descendants of the Middlesex, VA line, suggesting that the Worcester, Maryland branch is genetically closer to the Guthries of Craigie branch than to their cousins in Virginia.

THE FAMILY of LEONARD GUTHRIE

LEONARD GUTHRIE
Parents: John Guthrie & Ann (MNU) – Theory
Born: 1842
Location: Maryland, probably Worcester County
Marriage 1: Mary I Evans on 17 Dec 1879 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Marriage 2: Florence E Tilghman bet. 1881-1885 probably in Delaware
Occupation: Laborer – Delaware Railroad Company, Roof Painter, Delaware Chemical Company
Death: 30 October 1903
Location: Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware, USA
Buried: 2 November 1903 in Smyrna, Kent, Delaware, USA

MARY I EVANS
Parents: Unidentified
Born: Abt. 1847 – 1856 (Depending on the source.)
Location: Delaware, USA
Sons: James (1876), Elmer Thomas (1881)
Daughters: None
Death: 1880-1884 probably in Kent County, Delaware, USA
Buried: Unknown

FLORENCE E TILGHMAN
Parents: George Washington Tilghman & Susanna ‘Annie’ Eubanks
Born: 24 October 1860
Location: Smyrna, Kent, Delaware, USA
Sons: Ernest George (1885), Leroy (1891)
Daughters: Violet A (1896)
Death: 29 August 1942
Buried: Stockton, Worcester, Maryland, USA

CHILDREN:

JAMES GUTHRIE
1876MD – ????

James Guthrie first appears as a 4 year old on the 1880 census with his parents. He was born in Delaware about 1876. This is several years before Leonard’s marriage to Mary Evans. The birth record of his brother Elmer in 1881 suggests that James may not be Leonard’s biological son by identifying Elmer as the 1st child born to the family, but 2nd child born to the mother. James’ identification with the Guthrie surname is found only in that one record, but it is apparent that he continued to be considered a part of Leonard’s family even after his mother’s death and Leonard’s remarriage to Florence Tilghman. The birth record of the next child Ernest indicates that he is the third child born to the family and the first for Florence. No additional census records or death record have been identified as belonging to James. It is unknown if he lived beyond childhood.

ELMER THOMAS GUTHRIE
1881DE-1935PA

The birth record for Elmer Thomas Guthrie does not actually identify his name. As was tradition with many families the name of the child was identified later at their baptism, which may have been the case here. His certificate of birth in the village of Clayton, Kent County, Delaware lists a Male child, color: white, Date of Birth: July 2 1881, Place of Birth: Clayton, Duck Creek Hundred, Father’s Name: Lenard Guthrie, 34, occupation: Rail Road, nativity: Delaware, Maiden name of mother: Mary Evans, 27, nativity Maryland. Child’s number in this family: 1st, Child’s number by this mother: 2nd. Certification of birth witnessed 5 Jan 1882 by Curtis O Swimey, MD, Smyrna, Delaware.
Note: The birth locations for the parents are reversed.

Elmer was twice married. First to Bessie M Bishop on 11 Nov 1902 in Wilmington, DE and about 1906 to Mary Lucille Murphy. This couple had four or five children: Margaret (1907), Leonard (1908), Elmer Thomas (1910), and another daughter, Lucilla who died in infancy. Oral family history mentions an older daughter also named Lucille/Lucilla who died around 10-12. Possible that this was actually Margaret who died of cardiac complications and chorea in 1815.

During the first decade of the 1900s, Elmer went to Florida to work as a foreman on the Florida East Coast Railroad. His son Leonard was born in St. Augustine in 1908.

Elmer worked as a machinist in Wilmington and later a restaurant owner in Philadelphia. Last residence: 5312 Greene Street in Philadelphia. He died of pneumonia on 23 May 1935. He was buried on 27 May 1935 at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. His wife Mary lived for another 22 years passing away in 1957.

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

ERNEST GEORGE GUTHRIE
1885DE-1956VA

Ernest George Guthrie is the eldest of Leonard’s children by his second marriage to Florence Tilghman. He was born on 16 April 1885 in Smyrna, Kent County, Delaware. At the time, his father was working as a roof painter. I cannot locate the family in the 1900 census, which is the last where Leonard Guthrie was alive, nor in 1910. In 1920, Ernest was working as a machinist in the automobile industry. He learned the trade at the Robertson Brothers machine shop in Pokomoke City. After moving to Hallwood, VA, he was employed by the Bull Garage, which he bought after the owner’s death and operated it in partnership with his son. Ernest was of medium height, brown hair, and grey eyes. He had married Enid Corbin sometime around 1818. They had three children: Leonard Joseph (1919), Myrtle Adell (1921) and Ada Marie (1922). Ernest died in Onancock, Accomack, Virginia on 2 August 1956 and Enid in 1967.

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

LEROY GUTHRIE
1891DE-1948MD

The birth record for Leroy, like the one for his elder brother Ernest, does not include his given name. He is identified as a white male born on 29th March 1891 in Smyrna, Kent County, Delaware. His parents are listed as Leonard Guthrie, laborer, and Florence Tilghman (her maiden name). He is listed as the 2nd child in the family (which is inaccurate if counting all of Leonard’s children) and as the 2nd child by this mother. The birth was certified by J M Clifton MD in Smyrna, DE on 4 April 1891. Leroy was about 11 or 12 years old at his father’s death in 1903. I cannot find the family in the 1900 or 1910 censuses. The 1917/8 World War I Draft lists Lee Roy Guthrie as being 24 and living at Pocomoke City in Maryland. His DOB is given as 29 March 1892 and birthplace as Smyrna, DE. He was employed by the Roberson Brothers as a machinist and was married at the time. He claimed an exemption from the draft as being “Sickly Not in Good Health”. Although I cannot see the image of the back of the card, the transcription lists him as tall and slender with dark hair and blue eyes. His marriage to Mary Elizabeth Drummond took place about 1915. They had 3 daughters: Virginia Lee (1917), Mary Jane Elizabeth (1926) and an infant daughter who lived less than an hour due to prematurity. The 1842 World War II Draft Registration Card lists his residence as Division Street in Fruitland, Wicomico, MD. He states he is 49 years old, born in Smyrna, DE on March 29, 1893. His wife is identified as Mary Elizabeth Guthrie. No employment. He is not working because he is disabled. Notes: middle finger of his right hand cut (off?). Description: White, Height: 5’11”, Weight: 170lbs, Blue Eyes, Brown Hair, Ruddy Complexion. Leroy Guthrie died on 3 June 1948 in Fruitland, Wicomico, Maryland. His wife Mary Elizabeth lived for another 21 years.

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

VIOLET ANNIE GUTHRIE
1897DE-1990

I cannot find a birth record for a female Guthrie with parents listed as Leonard and Florence. Violet Annie Guthrie was born on 10 March 1897 in Delaware. As with the rest of the family, I could not locate her in the 1900 or 1910 censuses. She was already married to David Francis Carey, born 8 April 1897 near Pocomoke, MD by 1917/8 when he completed his WWI Draft Registration. Most likely by 1916 when their only son, Ralph F Carey, was born. Violet Anne Carey is listed as his wife on the card, and their residence is Pocomoke, MD. This couple must have divorced because a David Francis Carey born 8 April 1898 in Pocomoke, MD signed a WWII Draft Registration Card in 1942 listing a Mrs Theodora Carey as his contact. He was an employee of Gulf Oil and died on 11 Nov 1988 at the age of 90. He was buried in Salisbury, MD. About 1925, Violet married James Alfred Nicholson, born in Stockton, MD on 28 September 1885. They had two daughters, Rose (1927) and Shirley May (1928). Florence (Tilghman) Guthrie, Violet’s widowed mother, was listed with the family during the 1920 and 1940 censuses. James worked as an electrician wiring homes. He died in 1952. Violet lived until 8 December 1990. She and her husband James are buried at Whatcoat United Methodist Cemetery in Snow Hill, Worcester, Maryland.

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

HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS

1832: DELAWARE’S FIRST RAILROAD

Delaware’s first railroad went into operation in 1832. Planning began in the 1830s, but it was not in full operation until the 1850s.

1842-5: BIRTH of LEONARD GUTHRIE
Maryland, probably Worcester County

Based on what is known about the family of John Guthrie, farmer, of Snow Hill, Worcester, Maryland, and the Y-DNA markers suggesting inherited genetic mutations within descendants, I speculate that Leonard Guthrie was a son of John Guthrie and Ann (MNU). Since John, Ann, and most of their children disappear from the census records it is impossible to determine whether Leonard might be one of the sons. The most likely candidate is listed with the name James in 1850. The 1860 census finds both Leonard and his presumed brother George, whose middle name is known to be Leonard, living in separate households in Costens, Worcester, Maryland. Unless some documentation pops up to prove or debunk the theory it will remain just that.

1850: THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL CENSUS
District 2, Worcester, Maryland
The Guthrie Household:
Jno. Guthrie 50 M W Farmer
Ann Guthery 35 F W
Ann Guthery 6 F W
George Guthery 10 M W
James Guthery 5 M W
Charlotte Guthery 3 F W
Charles Guthery 2 M W
Note: The family entry is a bit odd. Unlike all of the other entries around it there is no listing for real estate estate values. The birthplace for all family members is listed as “unknown” as if someone other than John or Ann was giving the information to the census taker.

1852: DELAWARE RAILROAD COMPANY ORGANIZED

Construction of a north-south line that connected agricultural communities of Kent and Sussex Counties with markets in Wilmington, Philadelphia, and Baltimore commenced. In 1857 it was leased by the Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore (PW&B) Railroad. [See more on Wikipedia – Delaware Railroad]

1860: THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL CENSUS
Costens, Worcester, Maryland
The Hancock Household:
John H Hancock 31 M W Farmer Real Estate 200 Born in Maryland
Elizabeth Hancock 21 F W born in Maryland
Leonard Guthrie 15 M W born in Maryland

The question here is whether Leonard is living with the Hancock family simply because he is old enough to be a farm hand or if he is related to them. Leonard’s presumed father, John Guthrie and his first wife Betsy Nelson, had only one daughter whose identity remains unknown. She was born about 1826-1830, which makes her too old to be Elizabeth Hancock listed here. John’s daughter named Hannah Elizabeth aka Betsy was unmarried and living elsewhere in 1860. She is also too old to be this Elizabeth.

1861-1865: THE CIVIL WAR
Leonard may have been too young to serve during the Civil War or at least too young to have been drafted into it. The adults from the family of John Guthrie who did serve joined the Union Army.

1870: THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL CENSUS
No sign of Leonard Guthrie.

Smyrna, Kent, Delaware
The Tilghman Household:
George Tilghman 33 M W, Wheelwright & Carriage Maker, Real Estate: 800, Personal Estate: 1300, Born MD
Annie Tilghman 28 F W, Keeping House, born DE
Florence Tilghman 9 F W, at home, born DE
Horace Tilghman 1 M W, at home, born DE
James Hamilton 21 M W , Works in Wheel___ Shop, born DE

1876: BIRTH of SON/STEPSON – JAMES GUTHRIE
Delaware, USA about 1876

James Guthrie may actually be Leonard’s stepson rather than his biological son. He is listed as a 4 year old in the 1880 census, which would place his birth as being prior to Leonard & Mary’s marriage. That in itself would not rule out a premarital child. It is the birth record of Leonard and Mary’s son Elmer, born in 1881, that provides the evidence. Elmer (not actually named in the record) is listed as the 1st child born to the family, but the 2nd child born to the mother. This suggests that Mary was either previously married, or had James out of wedlock and that the father was someone other than Leonard Guthrie. There are no further records found for James, so it is unknown whether he lived beyond childhood.

1879: RESIDENCE in DELAWARE
Smyrna, Kent, Delaware before 17 Dec 1879
Leonard’s 1879 marriage record (see transcript below) lists him as a farmer residing in Smyrna, DE.

1879: MARRIAGE of LEONARD GUTHRIE and MARY I EVANS
Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 17 Dec 1879

Marriage Date: 17 Dec 1879
Names of Parties: Leonard Guthrie, Mary I Evans
Residence: Smyrna, Delaware (both)
Place of Birth: Snowhill, MD (Leonard), Smyrna, DE (Mary)
Occupation: Farmer
Age: 31 (Leonard), 23 (Mary)
Officiating Minister: C. F. Turner
Note: The ages listed would estimate Leonard’s DOB as 1848 and Mary’s as 1856.

1880: THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL CENSUS
Clayton, Kent, Delaware on 19 June 1880
The Guther (Guthrie) Household:
Leonard Guther W M 34 (Born c1846), married, Works on DEL R.R., cannot read/write, Self/Father/Mother born MD
Mary Guther W F 33 (Born c1847), wife, married, Keeping House, cannot read/write, S:DE/F:ENG/M:IRE
James Guther W M 4 (Born c1876), son, single S:DE/F:MD/M:DE
Geo. Whitlock W M 73, boarder, married, S/F/M:CT
Rachel Whitlock W F 51, boarder, married, S/F/M:MD

Smyrna, Kent, Delaware on 9 June 1880
The Tilghman Household:
George W Tilghman W M 42 married, Wheelwright, Self: MD, Father: Not Listed, Mother: Not Listed
Susan Tilghman W F 38 wife married, Keeping House, S:DE, F: DE, M: DE
Florence Tighlman W F 19, daughter, single, Dressmaker, S:DE, F: DE, M: DE
Horace Tilghman W M 10, son, single, At School, S:DE, F: DE, M: DE
Henry Tilghman W M 8, son, single, At School, S:DE, F: DE, M: DE
Alfred Tilghman W F 7, son, single, S:DE, F: DE, M: DE
John Tilghman W M 3, son, single, S:DE, F: DE, M: DE
Lizzie Tilghman W F 10/12 July, daughter, single, S:DE, F: DE, M: DE

1881: BIRTH of SON – ELMER THOMAS GUTHRIE
Clayton, Kent, Delaware on 2 July 1881

1883: BRIDGE REPAIR ACCIDENT
Kent County, Delaware near Kennedysville on 16 November 1883
Reported by the Middletown Transcript:

1881-1844: DEATH (PRESUMED) of MARY I (EVANS) GUTHRIE
Probably in Kent County, Delaware
Although it is presumed that Leonard’s first wife died prior to his remarriage to Florence E Tilghman, it is also possible that they divorced. No dissolution of marriage or death records found.

1881-1884: MARRIAGE of LEONARD GUTHRIE and FLORENCE E TILGHMAN
Delaware, presumably

Florence E Tilghman was born 24 October 1860 in Smyrna to George Washington Tilghman and Susanna ‘Annie’ Eubanks. Her father was a carriage maker and wheelwright. She married Leonard Guthrie (presumably) a widower with two sons sometime between 1881-1884. The 1880 census shows her still single and living with her parents, age 19.

1885: BIRTH of SON – EARNEST GEORGE GUTHRIE
Pearl Street, Smyrna, Kent, Delaware on 16 April 1885

1891: BIRTH of SON – LEROY GUTHRIE
Smyrna, New Castle, Delaware on 29 March 1891

Leroy Guthrie was born on 29 March 1891 and baptized at the Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church, Smyrna in Spruance City.

1897: BIRTH of DAUGHTER – VIOLET ANNIE GUTHRIE
Delaware on 10 March 1897
I have not found a birth record for this daughter. The date on the headstone she shares with her husband James Alfred Nicholson at Whatcoat Cemetery in Snow Hill actually shows a birth year of 1896.

1899: CHEMICAL EXPLOSION
Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware on 15 June 1899
Reported by the Evening Journal (Wilmington, DE):
It is possible that this article could apply to Leonard K Guthrie rather than Leonard Guthrie as there is no sign of Leonard & Florence Guthrie being listed in the Wilmington City Directory in 1899, 1900

1900: THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL CENSUS
I can’t seem to find Leonard Guthrie and family in the 1900 census. One of the boys was already out on his own.

Wilmington Ward 1, New Castle, Delaware – 1st Block D – 418 Second Street
The Tibbitt Household:
Mary V Tibbitt, head, W F, June 1861, 38, widow, Boarding House, rented house
Tibbett Children: Sarah (21) Dressmaker, Samuel (19) Barber, Mary (17) Knitter, Anna (14) Cigar Maker, William (11), Marcella (3)
Elmer Guthrie, boarder, W M, June 1881, 18, single, machinist
Edwin Ash, boarder, W M, March 1879, 21, single, machinist
Note: All in the household reported Self/Father/Mother: Born in Maryland. All can read/write/speak English.

1900: WILMINGTON CITY DIRECTORY
Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware
Guthrie, Elmer, machinist H & H Co, 418 W 2nd
(img220)
This is the first year that Elmer Guthrie is listed in the Wilmington directory. He is not found in the 1901 or 1902 directories.

1902: MARRIAGE of SON – ELMER THOMAS GUTHRIE & BESSIE BISHOP
Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware
Publication: The Evening Journal, Friday, November 14, 1902

The newspaper made a printing error duplicating some of the information from the Parvis-Carpenter marriage that occurred on the 12th. Here is the official marriage license:

1903: DEATH of DAUGHTER-IN-LAW – BESSIE M (BISHOP) GUTHRIE
Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware on 12 February 1903
Bessie was only 21 years old at the time of her death. She was born on 5 May 1881 to William Thomas & Georganna (Nickerson) Bishop on a farm on Cherry Lane near Millington, Kent County, Delaware. The family had moved to Wilmington in 1900. She and Elmer had only been married about three months. The cause of death was peritonitis. She is buried at Crumpton Cemetery in Queen Anne’s County, Maryland.

1903: WILMINGTON CITY DIRECTORY
Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware
Guthrie, Elmer T, machinist, 919 W 2d
Guthrie, E Theresa, stenographer, 1005 W 8th
Guthrie, George C, (Martha) (Jones, Guthrie & Co.), 622 Harrison
Guthrie, Harry J, (Martha), clerk, 1009 Kirk Ave
Guthrie, James J, painter, 1005 W 8th
Guthrie, John, sec and trees Wil Ice Mig Co, 1005 W 8th
Guthrie, Jones, (Hannah), (Jones Guthrie & Co), h New Castle av
Guthrie, Joseph W, helper, 919 Pine
Guthrie, Leonard K, plumber, 622 N Harrison <—Leonard Kittinger Guthrie
Guthrie, Mary A, principal P S No 6, New Castle av
Guthrie, Mary V, 1005 W 8th
Guthrie, Thomas, lab, 1106 Tatnall
Guthrie, Thomas R, tel opr, 1005 W 8th
Guthrie, William C, (Anna V), builder, 819 Vandever av
Guthrie, William T, (Rebecca D), carriage trimmer, 713 W 7th
(img 210)
Note that the Leonard K Guthrie, plumber, listed in the directory is not this Leonard Guthrie. Leonard Kittinger Guthrie was the son of George Crosby Guthrie & Martha Robinson and born about 1874 whose line of Guthries descends from GFG2A-Branch B and is not genetically related to this family from GFG1A.

1903: DEATH of LEONARD GUTHRIE
Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware on 30 October 1903

Leonard and Frances Guthrie made their home at 511 East 6th Street in Wilmington, Delaware. The 1904 city directory reveals that location was the home where son Elmer had moved between 1903-1904. This card from the Health Department Registrar’s Office show that he died on Edematous Laryngitis on 30 Oct 1903. His body was to be sent to Smyrna, Delaware for burial. The year following his death, Florence moved in with son Ernest at 10 Lord street.

1904: WILMINGTON CITY DIRECTORY
Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware
Guthrie, Elmer, machinist, 511 E 6th
Guthrie, Ernest, lab, 10 Lord
Guthrie, E Theresa, stenographer, 1005 W 8th
Guthrie, Florence E, wid Leonard, 10 Lord
Guthrie, George C, (Martha) (Jones Guthrie & Co), 626 Harrison
Guthrie, Harry J, (Martha J) salesman, 1009 Kirk av
Guthrie, James J, painter, 1005 W 8th
Guthrie, John, ice mir, 4th cor Harrison, h 1005 W 8th
Guthrie, Jones, (Anna), (Jones Guthrie & Co), New Castle Av
Guthrie Jones & Co (William T, Jones and George C), Causeway S of Market-st Bridge
Guthrie, Joseph N, lab, 919 Pine
Guthrie, Leonard K, plumber, 626 Harrison
Guthrie, Mary A, principal P S No 6, New Castle av
Guthrie, Mary V, 1005 W 8th
Guthrie, Thomas, (Mary), grainer, 854 Bennett
Guthrie, Thomas R, operator, 1005 W 8th
Guthrie, William C, (Anna V), 819 (919) Vandever av
Guthrie, William T, (Rebecca) (Jones Guthrie & Co), 713 W 7th
(img 208-209)

1905: WILMINGTON CITY DIRECTORY
Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware
Guthrie, Elmer, machinist, 511 E 6th
(img209)
Elmer is the only one of the family left in Wilmington in 1905. Widowed mother Florence and brother Ernest seem to have moved on. There is no directory in Ancestry for 1906. Elmer is not listed in Wilmington in the 1907 directory.

1905: LEAVING WILMINGTON
Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware
Publication: The Evening Journal, Saturday, July 8th, 1905, page 5
The entry is partially covered by tape and is illegible.
“Elmer T Guthrie has left _(illegible)_ having accepted a position _(illegible)_.”
Based on what is known about Elmer T Guthrie, he accepted a position as a foreman for the Florida East Coast Railway and moved to Florida.

1906: MARRIAGE (2nd) of SON – ELMER THOMAS GUTHRIE & MAY LUCILLA MURPHY
Jacksonville, Florida on 27 March 1906
Publication: Wilmington Every Evening Wilmington Daily Commercial – 16 Apr 1906 (Wilmington DE)

1908: WILMINGTON CITY DIRECTORY
Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware
Guthrie, Ernest, laborer, h 518 East Church
(img226)

1910: THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL CENSUS
Philadelphia Ward 44, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – 56 Peach Street
Elmer T Guthrie, head, M W 28 M1 (actually2), married 4 yrs, Self/Father/Mother: Born DE, machinist (automobile)
Mary Guthrie, wife, F W 28, M1, married 4yrs, 2 children, 2 living, Self/Father/Mother: Born DE
Margaret, daughter, F W 3, single, Born: Florida
Leonard, son, M W 2, single, Born: Florida
Note: Elmer Guthrie is not listed in the 1910 Philadelphia City Directory including the late entries.

I haven’t found Florence or the rest of the family in the 1910 census.

1911: PHILADELPHIA CITY DIRECTORY
Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Guthrie, Elmer T, machst, h, 56 N Peach
Note: Not listed in 1912 or 1913, 1916, 1917, 1918, or 1919. No 1920 directory found.

1914-1915 – MARRIAGE of DAUGHTER – VIOLET ANNIE GUTHRIE and DAVID FRANCIS CAREY
Worcester or Wicomico, Maryland, presumably

David Francis Carey was the son of Sanders & Laura Carey born on 8 Apr 1897 near Pocomoke, Maryland. Violet was listed as his wife when he completed his 1918 WWI Draft Registration Card, and during the 1820 census. Although I cannot find a document confirming the dissolution of the marriage, this couple must have divorced within the next decade. They had one son, Ralph (1916). David F. Carey died in 1988.

1915-1916 – MARRIAGE of SON – LEROY GUTHRIE and MARY ELIZABETH DRUMMOND
Virginia or Maryland, presumably about 1915-1916

Mary was the daughter of John Fairfax Drummond and Mary J Tapman. She was born in Accomack County, Virginia, so it is possible that Leroy met and married her there. This couple had 3 daughters: Virginia Lee (1917), Mary Jane Elizabeth (1926), and an infant daughter born prematurely.

1917 – WORLD WAR I DRAFT REGISTRATION CARDS 1917-1918
Precinct 1, Worcester, Maryland on 5 June 1917
Lee Roy Guthrie
Permanent Address: Pocomoke City, Maryland
Age: 24
Date of Birth: March 29 1892
US Citizen: USA
Place of Birth: Smyrna Delaware
Present Occupation: Machinist
By Whom Employed: Roberson Bro.
Where Employed: Pocomoke City MD
Have you a father, mother, wife, child under 12 or a sister or brother under 12 solely dependent upon you for support?: Wife
Married or Single: Married
Race: White
Do you claim exemption from draft (specify grounds)? Sickly not in good health
Signed: Lee Roy Guthrie
Reverse:
Height: Tall, Build: Slender, Eye Color: Blue, Hair Color: Dark, Bald: No
Date of Registration: June 5 / 17

1917-1918 – MARRIAGE of SON – ERNEST GEORGE GUTHRIE and ENID GRACE CORBIN
Virginia, presumably, before 12 Sep 1918
Enid Grace Corbin was the daughter of Joseph & Sallie Corbin. She was born on 27 March 1885. I haven’t yet found a marriage record or specific DOM, but it was before 12 Sep 1918 when Ernest listed Enid as his wife on his WWI Draft Registration card. This couple had 3 children: Leonard Joseph (1919), Myrtle Adell (1921), and Ada Marie (1922).

1918 – WORLD WAR I DRAFT REGISTRATION CARDS 1917-1918
Northampton County, Virginia on 12 September 1918
Ernest George Guthrie
Permanent Address: 653 Monroe Ave Cape Charles Northampton County VA
Age: 34
Date of Birth: April 16 1884
Race: White
US Citizen: Native Born
Present Occupation: Machinist
Employer’s Name NYPN RR Co.
Place of Employment: Cape Charles VA
Nearest Relative: Enid Guthrie (wife), Cape Charles VA
Signed: Ernest George Guthrie
Reverse:
Height: Medium, Build: Medium, Color Eyes: Grey, Color Hair: Brown
Has person lost arm, let, hand, eye, or obviously physically disabled?: No
Date of Registration: September 12 1918

1920: THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL CENSUS
Pocomoke, Worcester, Maryland – 109 Oak Street
The Carey Household:
David F Carey, head, rents home, M W 23, married, can read/write, born Maryland
Violet A Carey, wife, F W 23, married, can read/write, born Delaware
Ralph F Carey, son, M W 2/12, single, born Maryland
Florence E Guthrie, mother-in-law, F W 58, Wd, born Delaware

Girdletree, Worcester, Maryland
The Gutherie Household:
Ernest G Gutherie, head, rented house, M W 34, married, reads/writes, Self/Father/Mother: Born Delaware
Enid G Gutherie, wife, F W 32, married, reads/writes, Self/Father/Mother: Born Virginia
Leonard J Gutherie, son, M W 11/12, single, Born in Maryland

Stockton, Worcester, Maryland
The Gutherie Household:
LeRoy Gutherie, head, M W 29, married, Self: MD, Father: MD, Mother: DE, machinist, garage
Mary E Gutherie, wife, F W, 23, married, Self: VA, Father: VA, Mother: MD
Virginia L Gutherie, daughter, F W 2-6/12, single, born Maryland

Note: I cannot find son Elmer Thomas Guthrie & family during the 1920 census.

1921: PHILADELPHIA CITY DIRECTORY
Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Guthrie, E T, garage, 304 W Coulter Gtn

1925/6 – MARRIAGE of DAU. – VIOLET ANNIE GUTHRIE and JAMES ALFRED NICHOLSON
Worcester County, Maryland, probably between 1925-1926
Violet presumably divorced her first husband, David Francis Carey, between 1920-1925. She married again to James Alfred Nicholson with whom she had two daughters: Rose (1927) and Shirley May (1928)

1930: STOCKTON NEWS
Worcester Democrat, Pocomoke City, Maryland, Friday, April 9, 1937, Page 9
“Mr James Nicholson and children, and Mrs. Florence Guthrie were guests Sunday of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Guthrie at Fruitland.”

1930: THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL CENSUS
I cannot find Florence (Tilghman) Guthrie listed in the 1930 census. She is not listed in the households of any of her children.

Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – 5534 Morris Street
The Bourland Household:
Robert J Bourland, head, M W 84 widowed, no occupation, S/F/M: N. IRE
Angelina M D Bourland, daughter, F W 47 Born: PA, F/M: N.IRE, cashier for church board
Violet R Braselman F W 40, daughter, Born: PA, F/M: N. IRE
Ruth Braselman F W 13, granddaughter, S/F/M: PA
Elmer T Guthrie, boarder, M W 50 married, 21 yrs old at marriage, Born: MD, F: USA, M: MD, mechanic automobile

Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – 5312 Green Street
The Guthrie Household:
Mary L Guthrie, head, owns home, home value 9000, has a radio, F W 49, married, age 25 at marriage, D/F/M:DE
Leonard T Guthrie, son, MW 22, single, Born: FL, F: MD, M: DE, assistant accountant dental supplies
Elmer T Guthrie Jr, son, MW 19, single, Born: PA, F: MD, M: DE, stenographer Steel Body Factory

Pocomoke City, Worcester, Maryland – Third Street
The Gutherie Household:
Ernest G Gutherie, head, M W 44, married @ 31y, S/F/M: born DE, Insurance Agent
Enid Gutherie, wife, F W, 44, married @31y, S/F/M: born VA
Leonard J Gutherie, son, M W 10, single, attended school, born MD
Myrtle A Gutherie, daughter, F W 8, single, attended school, born MD
Ada M Gutherie, daughter, F W 7, single, attended school, born MD

Election District 16, Wicomico, Maryland – Middle Road
The Guthrie Household:
Leroy Guthrie, head, M W 38, married @24y reads/writes, S/F/M:DE, salesman, insurance
Mary Guthrie, wife, F W 34, married @ 20y, reads/writes, S/F/M:VA
Virginia Guthrie, daughter, F W 12, single, attended school, reads/writes, born MD
Mary Guthrie, daughter, F W 3-10/12, single, born MD

Election District 8, Worcester, Maryland – The Stockton Virginia Road
The Nicholson Household:
James A Nicholson, head, rents, farm, M W 44 married @39, reads/writes, S/F/M:MD, electrician wiring houses
Violet A Nicholson, wife, F W 33, married @ 28, reads/writes, S/F/M:DE
Ralph F Carey, stepson, M W 12, single, attended school, reads/writes S/F:MD, M:DE
Rose M Nicholson, daughter, F W 3, single, S/F:MD M:DE
Shirley M Nicholson, daughter, F W 1, single, S/F:MD M:DE

1935: DEATH of SON – ELMER THOMAS GUTHRIE
Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 23 May 1935
Elmer Thomas Guthrie of 5312 Greene Stree, Ward 22, Philadelphia died of Bilateral Lobar Pneumonia secondary to exposure on 23 May 1935. The doctor had been in attendance on him for three days. He is listed as a married white male, born in Maryland. His father is listed as Leonard Guthrie, born in Maryland, mother is not named, but she is listed as being born in Maryland. The informant was Leonard’s wife Mary L Guthrie of 5312 Greene Street. At the time of his death his occupation was a Restaurant Owner (Could be Restaurant Driver considering his past as an automobile mechanic.) Elmer was buried on 27 May 1935 at the Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Cheltenham Township, Montgomery, Pennsylvania.

1940: THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL CENSUS
8th Election District – Stockton, Worcester, Maryland – Route 12 from Stockton to Virginia Line
The Nicholson Household:
James A Nicholson, Head, M W 54 Married, Completed 6th Grade, Born Maryland, Farm Laborer
Violet A Nicholson, Wife, F W 43 Married, Completed 5th Grade, Born Delaware
Rose Nicholson, Daughter, F W 13 Single, Attended School Completed 7th Grade, Born Maryland
Shirley Nicholson, Daughter, F W 11 Single, Attended School Completed 5th Grade, Born Maryland
Florence Guthrie, Mother-in-Law, F W 79, Widowed, Completed 3rd Grade, Born Delaware
Note: All were living in the same place in 1935.

Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – 5312 Green Street
The Guthrie Household:
Mary L Guthrie, head, owns home, home value 6000, F W 60, widowed, Schooling:H4, born Delaware
Leonard Guthrie, son, W M 32 M, Schooling:H4, born Florida, machinist, stainless steel
Leonard Guthrie Jr, grandson, W M 7, single, attended school, born PA
Helen Guthrie, granddaughter, F W 4, single, born PA

Atlantic, Accomack, Virginia – Road 692
The Guthrie Household:
Ernest G Guthrie, Head, M W, 54, Married, 6th Grade Educ., Born: DE, mechanic town garage, automobile repair shop
Enid G Guthrie, Wife, F W 54, married, 6th Grade Educ., Born: VA
Lenard Guthrie, Son, M W 21, single, H1 Educ., born MD, mechanic helper, automobile repair
Ada M Guthrie, Daughter, F W 17, single, H1 Educ., born MD, Store Clerk, Gen. Merchandise Store
Notes: Rents, Farm: Yes, 1935: Residence in Same House

Election District 16, Fruitland, Wicomico, Maryland
The Gutherie Household:
Leroy Gutherie, head, M W 47, married, Highest Grade: 6, Born DE, No Job, Unable to Work
Mary Elizabeth Gutherie, wife, F W 43, married, Highest Grade: 6, Born VA, Trimmer, Shirt Company
Mary Jane Gutherie, daughter, F W 13, single, Attended School, Highest Grade: 4
Note: 1935 – Same House

1942: WORLD WAR II DRAFT REGISTRATION CARD
Accomack County, Virginia
Ernest George Guthrie
Place of Residence: Hallwood, Accomack, Virginia
Age: 57
Place of Birth: Smyrna, Delaware
Date of Birth: April 16 1885
Contact: Enid Guthrie
Employer: Self Employed
Signed: E G Guthrie

Wicomico County, Maryland
Leroy Guthrie
Place of Residence: Division Street, Fruitland, Wicomico, MD
Age: 49
Place of Birth: Smyrna, Delaware
Date of Birth: March 29 1893
Contact: Wife – Mary Elizabeth Guthrie, Fruitland, MD
Employer’s Name: Not working, disabled
Signed: Leroy Guthrie
Reverse:
Race: White, Height: 5’11”, Weight: 170, Eyes: Blue, Hair: Brown, Complexion: Ruddy
Other obvious physical characteristics: Middle finger of right hand cut
Date of Registration: April 25, 1942

1942: DEATH of WIDOW – FLORENCE E (TILGHMAN) GUTHRIE
Stockton, Worcester, Maryland
Articles published on 3 Sep 1942 and 4 Sep 1942
Democratic Messenger (Snow Hill MD)
Pocomoke City Worcester Democrat and Ledge Enterprise (Pocomoke City MD)

1948 – DEATH of SON – LEROY GUTHRIE
Fruitland, Wicomico, Maryland on 4 June 1948

1956 – DEATH of SON – ERNEST GEORGE GUTHRIE
Onancock, Accomack, Virginia on 2 August 1956

1990 – DEATH of DAUGHTER – VIOLET ANNIE (GUTHRIE) NICHOLSON
Worcester County, Maryland on 8 December 1990

Violet Annie (Guthrie) Nicholson died on 8 December 1990 and is buried in Whatcoat United Methodist Cemetery in Snow Hill, Worcester, Maryland. She shares a memorial stone with her husband James Alfred Nicholson.

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 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: None

Findings:
Leonard’s line is currently 1 part of 3 lineages believed to descend from John Guthrie of Snow Hill, MD and his 3 wives.

Reviewe as combined branch, 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.