GUTHRIES of ANTRIM N.IRE / SCT / NY / NC / TN

GUTHRIE RESEARCH TREE: GFG13

Guthrie Family Group 13 (GFG13):
Tracing Antrim Roots to American Branches

If you’re delving into your ancestry, you’re likely following trails of migration, family stories, and DNA revelations that span generations and oceans. GFG13 forms a focused segment of the Guthrie lineage, anchored by Y-DNA haplogroup I-M223 and confirmed through three Y-DNA-tested participants bearing the Guthrie surname, supported by autosomal DNA contributors. Our primary goal is tracing the common paternal ancestor, potentially uniting these branches in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, before their divergence to America.

GFG13 includes an intimate set of branches without grand claims, yet rich in migration from Ulster’s landscapes to U.S. frontiers. Here, we’ll detail lineages, analyze DNA data, explore origin theories, and review evolving insights from the Guthrie DNA Project—considering historical backdrops, online tree pitfalls, and record discrepancies. As a descendant, DNA aficionado, or curious explorer, join us to forge connections and uncover shared roots.

The Three Branches: Lineages and Stories

GFG13 comprises three distinct branches, each with unique migration paths but shared genetic roots. Below, we summarize their lineages, highlighting key ancestors, historical migrations, and common pitfalls in research. For full descendant charts, documents, and timelines, visit the dedicated branch pages.

Branch A: James Guthrie (c1762 IRE – 1839 NY) & Jane Smith – From Antrim to New York

This branch anchors GFG13’s Irish origins, with family traditions of Covenanter ancestry—Scottish Presbyterians fleeing 17th-century persecutions to Ireland, then America. James, born in Ballymena, County Antrim, married Jane around 1792 and immigrated between 1800-1805, settling first in Saratoga County, NY, then Livingston County. They raised seven children amid frontier life, with sons Robert John and James Jr. becoming farmers and church elders.

• Key Lineage Highlights:
  • Sons: Robert John (1793 IRE-1875 NY) m. Mary Cameron (14 children); James Jr. (1796 IRE-1851 NY) m. Dorothy Burrell (11 children).
  • Daughters: Jane (1799-1853, unmarried), Mary (1805-1881) m. Thomas Copeland, Margaret (1810-1886) m. James Stewart (migrated to WI), Eliza Ann (1813-1852, unmarried), Martha (details sparse).
• Migration Angle: Arrived during the post-Revolutionary influx of Ulster Scots, drawn by land opportunities. Census discrepancies (e.g., birthplaces varying between Antrim and Down) highlight edge cases in records—always cross-verify with wills and family letters.
• Research Nuances: Often confused with a similar James Guthrie/Jane Smith from GFG2A; DNA disproves links. A 68-page correspondence collection at FamilySearch offers raw insights.
• DNA Participants: Y-37 kit from James Jr.’s line; no autosomal yet—ideal for expansion.

Explore Branch A in Detail

Branch B: Robert Guthrie (1773 NC – 1856 TN) & Jane Norwood – Southern Pioneers

Born in North Carolina, Robert moved to Abbeville, SC by 1800, then to Giles County, TN by 1812, embodying the southward expansion of early Americans. His marriage to Jane (likely Norwood, per family Bible and will references) produced eight children, but family challenges like early deaths and separations add poignant layers. No proven parents, but DNA suggests Irish ties rather than erroneous links to Scottish GFG9.

• Key Lineage Highlights:
  • Sons: John (1794 SC-1843 KY) m. Jane Alexander (10 children); Francis (1795-1828) m. Mary Davis Kirk (2 daughters); Samuel (1801-1846 MS) m. Mary E (2 children); Robert (1802-1850) m. Ann Beal (6 children, separation noted); Theophilus (1804-deceased pre-1856) m. Sarah Thornbush (6 children); Andrew (1813-1856) m. Mary Ann Taylor (2 children).
  • Daughters: Cynthia Amanda (1806-1890) m. Zopher Smith Compton; Jane Caroline (1816-1880+, unmarried, disabled).
• Migration Angle: From NC to SC amid post-Revolutionary land grabs, then TN for fertile soils. 1790 census hints at a possible father Robert, but unconfirmed—consider probate records for breakthroughs.
• Research Nuances: Wife’s name often inflated to “Mary Jane” from errors; autosomal matches to Norwoods suggest intermarriages. Church minutes reveal family dramas, like Ann’s excommunication.
• DNA Participants: Y-67 kit from Robert’s line; one autosomal kit—strong Norwood connections.

Explore Branch B in Detail

Branch C: Edwin Guthrie (1808SC – c1875AL) & Mary Elizabeth Cagle –Deep South Settlers

Edwin, born in SC, married Mary in Georgia around 1834, relocating to Winston County, AL by 1860. This branch’s story intertwines with Civil War-era records, including voter oaths, and potential ties to Branch B via Norwood autosomal matches. Seven children navigated post-war hardships in AL and AR.

• Key Lineage Highlights:
  • Sons: Robert Lepezant (1835 GA-1904 AR) m. Lydia Dodd & Laura Waynick (10 children); William Edmond (1844 GA-1910 AL) m. Nancy Wilson (7 children); Charles B (1850-1880s AR) m. Martha Ann Berry (4 children); John D C (1857 AL-unknown, possible TX migration).
  • Daughters: E Milla (1836 GA-after 1860); Sarah J (1841 GA-1910 AL, unmarried with son); Idella Elizabeth (1855 AL-1919 AL) m. Jerry M Martin (8 children).
• Migration Angle: SC to GA amid cotton boom, then AL for Reconstruction opportunities. Conflicting birthplaces (SC vs. NC) underscore transcription errors—prioritize originals.
• Research Nuances: Often merged with unrelated Thomas Guthrie lines; DNA refutes. 1867 voter list offers loyalty oath context, reflecting post-Civil War allegiances.
• DNA Participants: Y-37 kit from Robert Lepezant’s line; two autosomal kits—Norwood overlaps hint at Branch B descent.

Explore Branch C in Detail

These branches illustrate diverse American experiences: Northern settlement (A), Southern frontier (B), and Deep South resilience (C). Common themes? Ulster Scots heritage, farming livelihoods, and large families facing mobility and mortality.

Insights and Developing Theories

At the heart of GFG13 is Y-DNA haplogroup I-M223, a branch of the broader I haplogroup associated with ancient European populations. This haplogroup traces back to prehistoric migrations, with I-M223 often linked to Germanic and Nordic influences, though in an Irish context, it may reflect Viking-era settlements or earlier Indo-European movements. In modern distributions, it’s found across Northern Europe, including Ireland, where it appears in about 5-10% of the male population, particularly in Ulster provinces like Antrim.

The group’s Y-DNA profile is confirmed through testing at Family Tree DNA (FTDNA), with participants from each branch showing close matches at the STR (Short Tandem Repeat) marker level. Branch A and C testers have completed Y-37 tests, while Branch B has advanced to Y-67, providing deeper resolution. These tests reveal a modal haplotype (the group’s “signature” DNA pattern) with minor variations that could indicate how recently the branches diverged.

Key Insights from the Y-DNA Tests:

• High Similarity: All three share 35/37 markers at the Y-37 level, with the main difference in DYS458 (16 for Branches B and C vs. 17 for Branch A). This suggests a common ancestor within 8-12 generations (roughly 200-400 years ago).
• Genetic Distance: At Y-67, Branch B shows additional markers, but no conflicts with the modal. Upgrading A and C to Y-67 or Big Y-700 could refine the timeline.
• Implications: The close matches rule out connections to other Guthrie groups like GFG9 (different haplogroup). Non-Guthrie matches imply surname switches, possibly in Ireland during turbulent times.

Autosomal DNA (e.g., Family Finder) adds nuance: Testers from Branches B and C show overlaps with Norwood surnames, reinforcing potential shared ancestry. However, small sample sizes limit conclusions—more testers could reveal hidden cousins or confirm theories.

GFG13 is a compact yet intriguing puzzle in the broader Guthrie tapestry, defined by its Y-DNA haplogroup I-M223 and represented by just three Y-DNA-tested Guthrie surname participants, alongside a handful of autosomal DNA testers. This group stands out for its ties to non-Guthrie surnames like Gillespie, McNicol, Diamond, and Malone, hinting at historical “causal events” such as adoptions, name changes, or non-paternity occurrences—common twists in genealogy that add layers of mystery and discovery.

Developing Theories

The Guthrie DNA Project refines GFG13 through ongoing analysis:

• MRCA Timeline: Genetic distance suggests a shared ancestor 1700-1800, possibly in Antrim. Branches B and C’s DYS458=16 vs. A’s 17 may mark a mutation—upgrade tests to confirm.
• Branch Connections: Autosomal overlaps imply Branch C descends from B (Norwood links), but small samples caution against certainty. Theory: Edwin as a grandson of Robert via an undocumented son.
• Non-Guthrie Surnames: Matches suggest NPEs (non-paternity events) in Ireland, perhaps during 18th-century upheavals. Broader testing could identify a “proto-surname.”
• Future Directions: Big Y-700 for SNP mutations; more autosomal kits for triangulation. Implications? Resolving misattributions, uncovering lost branches.
• Edge Cases: If MRCA is pre-1700, Scottish Covenanter origins strengthen; post-1700 favors Irish-born patriarch.

These theories aren’t set in stone—DNA is probabilistic, influenced by tester pools and historical gaps.

From Covenanters to County Antrim

GFG13’s roots likely lie in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, a hotspot for Ulster Scots (Scots-Irish) emigration. Branch A’s traditions evoke Covenanters—17th-century Scottish Presbyterians persecuted for rejecting Anglican conformity, fleeing to Ireland during the “Killing Times” (1680s). Some returned to Scotland post-1688 Glorious Revolution, but others stayed, blending with local Irish populations.

• Multiple Angles:
  • Historical Context: Antrim’s linen industry and ports like Belfast fueled 18th-19th century outflows. Economic pressures (rents, famines) and religious freedoms drew families to America, peaking 1717-1775.
  • Edge Cases: Branch B’s NC birth for Robert (1773) suggests an earlier U.S. arrival, possibly via Philadelphia or Charleston. Could a common Antrim patriarch link all branches?
  • Nuances and Implications: Non-Guthrie matches (e.g., Gillespie) point to Gaelic-Irish integrations or surname Anglicizations. Mislinks to Scottish Guthries (e.g., GFG9) ignore DNA—always test!
  • Related Considerations: Viking DNA in I-M223 aligns with Antrim’s Norse history, but cultural identity was Scots-Irish Presbyterian.

Supporting evidence? Branch A’s Ballymena birthplace; autosomal Norwood ties in SC/TN. Theories evolve with new data—Irish parish records or Big Y tests could pinpoint a MRCA (Most Recent Common Ancestor).

🧩 Is This Your Piece of the Puzzle?

Your family story is a thread in a global tapestry.

While you may only know your immediate relatives, you are genetically linked to thousands of Guthrie cousins across the globe. That “minor” detail in your grandmother’s journal or that obscure Bible record in your attic could be the missing link a fellow researcher has been hunting for decades.

How You Can Help:

• Share Your Knowledge: Have you found a record that clarifies an ancestor’s location?
• Contribute a Story: Do you have a family legend or a photo that brings a branch to life?
• Write with Us: Want to feature your branch in an article? We can help you draft it!
• Solve a Mystery: Are you a DNA enthusiast? Help us analyze pattern markers.
• Get Tested: Join the Guthrie DNA Project at FTDNA for Y-DNA or autosomal insights.

Don’t let your branch of the tree remain a secret. [Contact Ann] today to share info, suggest an article, or start a collaboration.

Let’s write the next chapter of the GFG13 story together.