Guthrie Family Group 2A – Branch G
JAMES GUTHRIE c1720IRE-p1801PA and JEANETTE WILSON
of Londonderry, Northern Ireland
and Cumberland & Westmoreland, Pennsylvania

CONTENTS:
Origin Theories
The Family of James Guthrie & Jeanette Wilson
Historical Highlights
Mistaken Identities
The Guthrie DNA Project

ORIGIN THEORIES for GFG2A BRANCH G

Genetic testing can corroborate or debunk old theories about who is related to whom. This Guthrie line belonging to James Guthrie and Jeanette Wilson provides us with the perfect example. In his excellent collective on colonial era lineages, ‘American Guthrie and Allied Families’ author, Rev. Laurence R. Guthrie occasionally hypothesized on the placement of individual men into a family of his own making. While this is definitely an imperfect practice, it appears to be based on logical means by taking origins, residency, or other common factors into consideration. He also emphasized that the decision to do so was his own.

James Guthrie was placed by LRG into a family the DNA project labels as Guthrie Family Group 2A – Branch B headed by Robert Guthrie and a wife of the Darlington surname. The entire family was structured from theory, and for the most part the hypothesis was sound. All descendants tested for the men believed to be Robert Guthrie’s sons match the GFG2A genetic profile. However, closer examination of higher quality tests revealed “markers of inheritance” (familial mutations) among the descendants of James Guthrie that matched the descendants of John Guthrie & Jane Reed of Branch G. This tells us that James & John share a close common ancestor, likely a father based on their dates of birth and same location. LRG made the assumption that James was a son to Robert instead of just a relative living in the same area as his sons.

Now that James Guthrie has been placed with John Guthrie as a likely brother, he also shares the Branch G Origin Theory, which claims descent from James Guthrie, the Laird of Pitforthie. There are several younger sons of the Pitforthie line whose lineages remain untraced, so the possibility is open for one or more to have left Scotland for Northern Ireland, especially considering the stories of religious strife, death penalties, and necessity to flee for their lives, or a better life.

THE FAMILY of JAMES GUTHRIE & JEANETTE WILSON

JAMES GUTHRIE
Parents: Unknown
Born: c1720
Location: Londonderry, Northern Ireland (presumed)
Marriage: Jeanette (Wilson) Moore in 1748 Pennsylvania
Occupation: Unknown
Death: After 1801
Location: Greensburg, Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, USA
Burial: Unknown, presumably in Westmoreland County, PA

JEANETTE WILSON
Parents: Unknown
Born: 1720
Location: County Tyrone, Ireland
Marriage 1: William Moore
Moore Sons: John Moore
Moore Daughters: None
Guthrie Sons: James Guthrie, William Guthrie
Guthrie Daughters: Mary Guthrie, Elizabeth Guthrie
Death: After 1787
Location: Greensburg, Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, USA
Burial: Unknown, presumably in Westmoreland County, PA

CHILDREN:

JOHN MOORE
1738PA-1811PA
A stepson to James Guthrie, John Moore served in the Revolutionary War as Frontier Ranger in Westmoreland county with Capt Jere Lochry’s Company. The Hon. John Moore became first President Judge of Westmoreland County Courts, both at Hannastown and Greensburg. He was also a member of the first Constitutional Convention of Pennsylvania held in 1776 and was a State Senator before 1790 representing the Westmoreland County District. John married Elizabeth Parr. They were parents to 2 sons and 3 daughters.

MARY GUTHRIE
c1749PA-Unknown
Mary Guthrie’s DOB is unknown. Estimated to be between 1749-1759. She married William Parker.

Children: 3
Parker Sons: George Parker, John Parker
Parker Daughters: Mary Elizabeth Parker

Family Finder Participants: Yes

JAMES GUTHRIE
Before 1751PA-1812PA
James Guthrie’s DOB ranges between 1745-1751 in Pennsylvania. He purchased land in Mount Pleasant Township, Westmoreland, PA in 1769, and another 200 acres in Derry Township in 1773. He served as a private in the 6th Battalion for Cumberland County in 1778. James was a tavern keeper, but he was also he was appointed as a Justice of the Peace for Westmoreland County, PA. A few years later he received the appointment of Wood Ranger for Westmoreland and later elected High Sheriff of the county. James was twice married. Sometime prior to 1775, he married Jennet Culbertson, by whom he had 3 children. She died in 1801 and according to a newspaper notice, James Guthrie Esq of Greensburg married Mrs Martha Scott, late widow of John Scott Esq, decd, on 30 Oct 1803. James wrote his will on 23 April 1812 and died on the 14th of May that year.

Children: 3
Sons: James Guthrie, Samuel Guthrie
Daughters: Hettie Guthrie

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

WILLIAM GUTHRIE
1751PA-1828PA
William was born on 9 July 1751 in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. He married his 1st cousin Elizabeth Guthrie Brownlee, the widow of Joseph Brownlee. 3 sons and 6 daughters. The harrowing story of Elizabeth Guthrie Brownlee’s capture by indians is a well-documented event. William died 10 March 1828 in Armstrong County, PA.

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

ELIZABETH GUTHRIE
1754PA-UNK
Elizabeth Guthrie was born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania in 1754. She married Isaac Parr. No further details.

Children: Unknown

Family Finder Participants: No

HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS

Use caution when reading LRG’s ‘American Guthrie’. This generation and the next are somehow merged together in the book, so that it takes some careful investigation to divide the facts. Part of the confusion stems from the given names of the two wives: Jeanette and Jennet, both variations of Jane or Janet.

1715-1720: BIRTH of JAMES GUTHRIE SR
LONDONDERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND
These details are based on a series of presumed factoids based on the genetic data linking the descendants of James Guthrie & Jeanette Wilson and John Guthrie & Jane Reed. Genetic ‘pattern’ markers indicate a close common ancestor, suggesting that James & John were probably brothers. John was known to be born in Londonderry, he married there and his children were born there. A story told by a descendant of John’s daughter indicated that her husband traveled back to Ireland to visit them and the details of immigration documents show that he travelled to Londonderry. 

Taking the details of John’s family, knowing that he is likely the brother of James, tells us that James was also likely to be born in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, but that he immigrated to America some time before his brother and without his parents who remained in Londonderry. 

c1720: BIRTH of JEANETTE WILSON
LANCASTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Jeanette’s parent’s names are unknown, but she had at least 2 brothers named Charles Wilson, Esq. and John Wison 

1730s: JEANETTE WILSON’s 1st MARRIAGE in LANCASTER, PA
Jeanette married William Moore. They had 1 son: John Moore. William died while the children were still young. Jeanette & her children moved to Westmoreland, Pennsylvania with her brothers.

1738: BIRTH of JOHN MOORE,
SON of JEANETTE WILSON MOORE & WILLIAM MOORE
John was born in 1738 in Lancaster County, PA. His father died when he was still a boy. He emigrated with his mother Jeanette Wilson Moore and their uncles, Charles & John Wilson, to Westmoreland, PA. John became the first president judge of Westmoreland County. He married Elizabeth Parr.

Source: History of Westmoreland County, Pa., by John Newton Boucher {Google Books}
“(Judge John Moore) was born in Lancaster county. His father, Wm. Moore, died when he was but a boy; and afterwards, his mother Jeanette Moore, and her son, in company with her brothers Charles Wilson, Esq. and John Wilson removed to the district of Westmoreland County. 

What his opportunities for an education were are not known. He wrote a good hand, and in language and orthography, his composition indicated a man of strong, vigorous and clear intellect. After his mother had removed to Westmoreland County, she was again married, to James Guthrie of Greensburg, by whom she had several children, one of whom, named James, was afterward Sheriff of Westmoreland county.” 

Westmoreland County was not officially formed until 1773 and Jeanette’s future 2nd husband, James Guthrie, was living in Cumberland from the late 1740s-1770s. Their first son was born in Cumberland County in 1751.

1748: ESTIMATED MARRIAGE DATE of JAMES & JEANETTE

1748: LAND PATENT, BACK CREEK, CUMBERLAND, PENNSYLVANIA
264 acres on Back Creek, patented to the said James Guthrie, March 5, 1748

Source: ‘American Guthrie and Allied Families’, by Laurence R. Guthrie (LRG) p.181 
Usually the Scotch Irish families who settled together in a locality were connected by ties of consanguinity, and not so infrequently when a man of past middle life migrated with grown sons, the land was taken up in their names, while the patriarch passed away leaving no records of himself, not even a tombstone in an ancient Presbyterian cemetery, for nearly all the first graves were marked only by rough unlettered native stones or by wooden slabs of walnut or locust.

This group of Adam, James, John and William hangs together pretty well. Adam and John Guthrie seem to have been both related to the Darlingtons and connected with the Marshalls. John, James and William were associated with one another as brothers might have been. Each of them lived for a time on Back Creek, in Hamilton Township, Cumberland, now Franklin County, Pa., and may be properly referred to as the Back Creek Guthries.

Although poor in earthly goods and living on the rude frontier James gives ample evidence of having been a man of real quality. He possessed courage, fortitude, patriotism and true piety. It is probable that he worshipped at the Falling Spring Presbyterian Church. It was the nearest church, the next nearest being Rocky Spring. 

Note: One of the drawbacks of Rev Guthrie’s wonderful resource is that he did not have the technology available to us today. He drew conclusions based on the best data accessible at the time. Although James Guthrie’s close proximity to the other Back Creek Guthries led LRG to conclude that they were brothers was incorrect (according to the DNA evidence), it certainly seems possible that James Guthrie chose to live near these Guthries because they were known to be his cousins. If James left Londonderry for America without his parents and seemingly unattached at the time, it makes sense that he would either travel with extended family or seek them out upon arriving in Pennsylvania.

Source: Venago County, Pennsylvania, by Charles Almanzo Babcock
“Soon after his arrival at the new home William Parker built a mill. His wife was a sister or half sister of John Moore, who was presiding judge of Westmoreland county from 1785 to 1791, and who was a son of William and Jeanette (Wilson) Moore; as William Moore died and his widow remarried, becoming the wife of JAMES GUTHRIE, it seems most likely that William Parker’s wife was born to the second marriage. Mr and Mrs Parker had children: Samuel, John, who was the great-grandfather of William M. and Harold T. Parker; and Mary, who married Thomas McKee, one of the first two associate judges of Venago county.”

1749-1750: BIRTH of SON – JAMES GUTHRIE
The exact date of James Jr’s birth is unknown, but census records establish that it was before 1755. If James is presumed to be the eldest son of the family, his birth would have to occur before that of William whose DOB was 9 July 1751. James married twice. First to Jennet Culbertson with whom he had at least 2 sons and 1 daughter. Second, after Jennet’s death on 22 Feb 1801, to Mrs. Martha Scott, a widow, in 1804.

1751: BIRTH of SON – WILLIAM GUTHRIE
William was born on 9 July 1751 in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. He married his 1st cousin Elizabeth Guthrie Brownlee, the widow of Joseph Brownlee. 3 sons and 6 daughters. The harrowing story of Elizabeth Guthrie Brownlee’s capture by indians is a well-documented event. William died 10 March 1828 in Armstrong County, PA.

1752: THE FRENCH & INDIAN WAR BEGINS

Source: LRG 
“The French and Indian War began in this region in 1752 with the abduction of women and children by the Indians. After the defeat of Braddock’s expedition against Fort Duquesne, in July, 1755, the border lay defenseless before the infuriated savages, who made foray after foray that summer and autumn upon the exposed settlements of the Scotch Irish in the upper Cumberland Valley. The interested reader is referred to history for the harrowing accounts of the inhuman fury of the aborigines, which expressed itself in fiendish murders, arsons and massacres. Unparalleled courage was displayed by those frontiersmen in defending their homes and actually pursuing their enemies into the wilderness.

Colonel John Armstrong of Carlisle organized a command of 700 men of the Valley of the Kittochtinny (Cumberland), included in which was the company of Joseph Armstrong, in which James Guthrie was enlisted. Early in September, 1756, Col. John Armstrong marched his command against the Indian stronghold, Kittaning, on the Allegheny River. He made an attack on them just before dawn, totally surprising them, burned their town and drove them out with great slaughter. Returning he built Fort Loudon and garrisoned it, also west of the Tuscarora, Fort Littleton at Sugar Cabins, in what is now Fulton County.”

1753: TAX RECORDS of HAMILTON TWP, CUMBERLAND, PENNSYLVANIA
James Guthrie was enumerated in the county tax records for 1753 

Source: LRG p.181
“James Guthrie a taxable in Hamilton Township, Cumberland County, PA, in 1753, was the first Guthrie to settle permanantly that far west in Pennsylvania. His land lay along Back Creek about a mile above the point where the Lincoln Highway crosses it, about the confluence of Wilson’s Run and Denney’s Run with it.

Source: Tax Lists – Cumberland County Pennsylvania 1750, 1751, 1752, 1753, 1754, 1762, 1763, 1764, by Morri Lou Scribner Schaumann, 1974, US/CAN 974.843 R4sc v.1, FHL. 

1754: BIRTH DAUGHTER – ELIZABETH GUTHRIE
Elizabeth was born c1754 in Cumberland, Pennsylvania. She married Isaac Parr. The 1800 census shows Isaac Parr’s household including a female of 45+ years who is presumed to be his wife. This could potentially be Elizabeth Guthrie Parr. 

1755: PETITION OF INHABITANTS OF THE COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND 
James was the 20th of 68 men to sign the ‘Petition of the Inhabitants of the County of Cumberland’ requesting means of defense along the frontier. 

“Petition of Defense from Cumberland, 1755, to the Honorable Robert Hunter Morris, Esq., Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over the Province of Pennsylvania.

The humble petition of a number of the inhabitants of Cumberland County, heartily joined as a Company under the Care and Command of Joseph Armstrong.

That our petitioners are at present in a most Dangerous Situation as we live upon the frontiers, exposed to the Inhuman Cruelty of Barbarous Savages and nothing to impede them or Defend us but the Sovereign Benignity of Almighty God, for we are in a defenseless condition, having neither arms nor amunition and in this Lamentable Case, our only Door of Hope, (next to the Divine Goodness), is Your Honour’s Compassion, and the more for that ou have given the utmost assurance to us of your Care of this Province and in particular by the late Provisions made for our Brethren in Potter’s Township, who are in equal Jeopardy with us. May it therefore Pleas Your Honour to consider our Case and grant us some Relief by Ordering to us such a number of Guns and Quantity of Amunition and upon such Terms as Your Honour Shall appoint, and your Petitioners as in Duty Bound Shall Ever Pray.”

Dated Aug.7, 1755, and subscribed by sixty-eight men, the twentieth being–“Jas. Guthrie.” Endorsed by the 7th of Aug. 1755, as “The Petition of the Inhabitants of the County of Cumberland.” (Pa. Arch. Ser. 1, Vol. 2 p.385-386)  

1756: MILITARY SERVICE
Colonel John Armstrong of Carlisle organized a command of 700 men of the Valley of the Kittochtinny (Cumberland), included in which was the company of Joseph Armstrong, in which James Guthrie was enlisted.

Source: LRG
“From 1756 to 1760 the Conococheague settlements were abandoned, the settlers returning to the valley of the Susquehanna and eastward, except those who remained on military duty at the outposts. During those silent years it is supposed that James Guthrie did considerable military duty and spent his other time in Chester County. As those fearful and restless times drew to their close, he was among the first to reestablish a home on the frontier.

He laid broad foundations for the future and had he remained on Back Creek, would doubtless have been one of the most substantial citizens of the region. In addition to his original tract of some two hundred and forty acres, he secured warrants for other lands, adjoining or near the first. He sold these, usually having surveys made to the purchasers.”  

1760: EXECUTOR of the ESTATE of JOHN BURNS
“James Guthrie, executor,” in the will of John Burns of Hamilton Township, dated Dec. 2, 1760. (Cumberland County Wills, liber A, folio 83) 

SOURCE: Collections of The Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania Vol. 91, Abstracts of Cumberland County, Penna Wills 1750-1800, Copied by Mrs. A.K. Watts, 1905. US/CAN 974.843 P2c v.1, FHL 

Book A – Page 83. John Burns – Hamilton (Twp) 
2 Dec 1760 
17 March 1761 
Wife. – Son Leard. – Dautrs Ann and Martha 
Exrs – son Leard Burns & JAMES GUTHREY 
Witnesses: John Burns, Robert Campbell 
John (his B mark) Burns 

1762: PROPERTY RECORDS of CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA (WARRANT for SURVEY)
“James Guthrie, warrant for survey in Cumberland County, in 1762. (Pa. Arch. Ser 3, Vol 24, p.678) 

1763: PROPERTY RECORDS of CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA (WARRANTS)
“Warrantees of Land, County of Cumberland, June 3, 1763. James Guthry, 100 acres.”

1763: TAX RECORDS of HAMILTON TWP, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
Source: Tax Lists – Cumberland County Pennsylvania 1750, 1751, 1752, 1753, 1754, 1762, 1763, 1764, by Morri Lou Scribner Schaumann, 1974, US/CAN 974.843 R4sc v.1, FHL., p.40.
Hamilton – 1763 – Gutrery, James 200 W

1763: LAND WARRANT ISSUED IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA (NOW FRANKLIN COUNTY)
SOURCE: First Families of Old Cumberland County: Vol X – Chambersburg (Franklin County), by Hayes R. Eschenmann and Paul Barner, Cumberland County Historical Society, 2007, US/CAN974.843E7eV.10 supp., FHL 
Tract CHM014: Cumberland Co. warrant G084 
Survey C-073-157 dated 30 Jan 1764 on warrant to James Guthrie dated 3 Jun 1763. Part patented to Jacob S. Detwiler, 13 Sep 1869. 
Survey C-203-031 on warrants to James Guthrie dated [3 Jun 1763] and [Daniel Solberger] dated 1 Jun 1805. 
Resurvey dated 18 Jun 1805 on warrant to James Gutherie dated 3 Jun 1763. 
Resurvey dated 11 Sep 1822 for the administrators of the estate of Michael Heckman, on warrant to James Guthrie dated 3 Jun 1763. Patented to Jacob S. Detwiler, 13 Sep 1869. 
Resurvey dated 11 Sep 1822 for the heirs of Michael Heckman on warrant to James Guthrie dated 3 Jun 1763.  

Tract CHM031: Cumberland Co. warrant G097; Franklin Co. warrant S002 
Survey C-192-020 dated 14 Dec 1784 on warrant to Joseph Swan dated 1 Dec 1784. 
Survey B-020-173 dated 23 Dec 1828 on warrant to James Guthrie dated 28 Apr 1767. This tract is included within a tract surveyed 14 Dec 1784 on warrant to Joseph Swan dated 1 Dec 1784. Currently owned by Jacob Stauffer. 

The following entries denote that James Guthrie (of variant spellings) was listed as the owner of a tract adjacent to the one listed: 
Guthery, James – Document # A-049-210 – Map: CHM – #081 – Surveyed 1 Apr 1790 for John Jestnut on order #1726 to John Erwin dated 29 Oct 1766. 
Guthery, James – Document # C-006-135 – Map: CHM – #079 – Survey dated 21 Jun 1765 on warrant to David Brigham dated 3 Jun 1762. 
Guthery, James – Document # C-006-138 – Map: CHM – #079 – Survey dated 21 Jun 1765 on warrant to David Brigham dated 3 Jun 1762. 
Guthery, James – Document # K-244 – Map: CHM – # 010 – Survey dated 9 Mar 1767 on order #1006 to Samuel Gattys dated 27 Aug 1766. 
Guthrie, James – Document # D-055-132 – Map: CHM – #017 – Survey dated 21 Feb. 1785 on warrant to William Cowan dated 30 Dec 1784. 

1764: TAX RECORDS of HAMILTON TWP, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA
Source: Tax Lists – Cumberland County Pennsylvania 1750, 1751, 1752, 1753, 1754, 1762, 1763, 1764, by Morri Lou Scribner Schaumann, 1974, US/CAN 974.843 R4sc v.1, FHL., p.62.
Hamilton – 1764 – Gutrery, James 200 W 

1767: PROPERTY RECORDS of CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
“Guthry, James, 50 acres, –April 28, 1767.” (Pa Arch Ser 3, Vol 24, p.679) 

1776: PURCHASED LAND in HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
See 1779 entry below. Purchased 284 acres of land in Hamilton twp on 20 May 1776 from Peter Gingery, who obtained the same from the heirs of Joseph Kinzer, by deed dated 8th April, 1763.

1777: PROPERTY RECORDS of CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA (SALE of BACK CREEK PROPERTY)
On 27 June 1777. James Guthrie of Hamilton Township, and Janet his wife, convey to Robert Peoples, of Bradford Township, Chester County, PA., 264 acres on Back Creek, patented to the said James Guthrie, March 5, 1748; adjoining the lands of Jos. Swann, John Irwin & others.

LRG: “James Guthrie sold his homestead on Back Creek in 1777 and moved to Chambersberg.” 

1778: PROPERTY RECORDS of CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
May 16, 1778; Peter Gingery conveys to James “Gurthery” a tract of land in Hamilton Township, containing 181 acres. 

1779: TAX RECORDS of CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Guilford Township, –Freemen, … James Guthrie, one horse, one cow; (tax) 3 pounds, 8 shillings. (PA Arch Ser 3, Vol 20, p.36)
“Supply Rates, County of Cumberland, 1779; Guilford Township, . . .Guthrie, James; 2 horses, 2 cows.” (PA Arch Ser 3, Vol 20, p.167)  

April 12, 1779; James Guthrie of Chambersberg, Cumberland Co., Pa, and Janet his wife convey to Mathhew Forguson, 284 acres of land in Hamilton Township, purchased by  him May 20, 1776, from Peter Gingery, who obtained the same from the heirs of Joseph Kinzer, by deed dated 8th April, 1763. Recorded Aug. 10, 1784. (Cumberland Co., Pa., Deeds, liber G-1, folio 207). 
[Note: This is one footnote where the entries might be a little mixed between James Sr. and Jr. The Guilford tax entries could be either man. James Jr was a married man with a small family by 1779. The same goes for the 1779 sale of property in Chambersberg. Does ‘Janet’ refer to the wife of James Sr. or Jr.?]

1783: TAX RECORDS of WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
“Transcript of property in Westmoreland, Mt. Pleasant Township, 1783:–Guthrie, Jas., Sen’r., 210 acres, 2 horses, 2 cattle.” “Return of State Tax, Westmoreland, Mt. Pleasant Township. Guthrie, Jas Sen’r. 2 pounds, 2 shillings.” (Pa Arch, Ser.3, Vol 22, p. 432 and 521) 
[Note: This almost certainly belongs to James Sr., though by this date James Jr. also has a son named James]

1784: FRANKLIN COUNTY FORMED FROM CUMBERLAND COUNTY

1786: TAX RECORDS of MOUNT PLEASANT, WESTMORELAND, PA
Listings for James Guthrey Sr, James Guthrie, William Guthrey, Jonathan Guthrey

1786: PROPERTY RECORDS of WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PA
Tract in Donegal Township, property now or late of McKnab Christy, sold for taxes, 1785-86, by County Commisioners, September last. (1786), situate on Four-Mile Run, containing 210-1/2 acres to James Guthrie of said Township. (Westmoreland County, Pa Deeds, liber B, folio 255). 

1790: CENSUS of UNITY, WESTMORELAND, PENNSYLVANIA
The Jas Guthrie Household: 1M 16+ 1F 
This is a possibility, but there are only 2 people in the household. 

1790: PROPERTY RECORDS of FRANKLIN COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
July 30, 1790. James Guthry, Westmoreland County, PA, Farmer, and Jannet his wife, to Robert Peoples, of Hamilton Township, Franklin Co., PA, innkeeper, wheras in pursuance of a certain agreement made between the said parties 23rd January, 1777, the said James Guthrey and Jannet his wife, on the 27th day of April, 1777, by deed recorded at Carlisle, in Book P., p.230, did convey the said Peeples all that certain plantation whereon he now lives; and whereas by mistake and contrary to the true intent and meaning under date of Sept 6, 1787, a patent under the seal of the State was issued to James Guthrey for the said lands, whereas the said patent ought to have granted the said lands unto Robert Peeples:–now, therefore the said James Guthrey and Jannet his wife, deed to said lands to the said Peeples. (Signed) James Guthery, Jennet her x mark Guthery. In the presence of John Parker, Wm. Guthrie, Isaac Parr. all of Westmoreland County, PA. A true copy taken from the original, 4th May 1808. (Franklin Co., PA Deeds, liber 8, folio 133). 

1791: PROPERTY RECORDS of WESTMORELAND, PENNSYLVANIA
Granted to James Guthrie, Sen’r., by the State of Pennsylvania, a patent dated Sept. 9, 1791, for a certain tract of land situate on Crab Tree Run, now in the Township of Salem, containing 320 acres, 139 perches

1800: CENSUS of DERRY, WESTMORELAND, PENNSYLVANIA
The Isaac Parr Household: 1M&1F 45+ 1M&1F 26-44, 1M16-25, 1M&1F 10-15, 1M&2F<10, 1Slave.
James would be enumerated here if he was living with his son-in-law the time of his death.

1817: PROPERTY RECORDS of WESTMORELAND, PENNSYLVANIA
May 15, 1817:–William Jack, Thomas Hoge, James Guthrie and Samuel Guthrie, executors of the last will and testament of James Guthrie, late of Hempfield Township, deceased:–

Whereas there was granted to James Guthrie, Sen’r., by the State of Pennsylvania, a patent dated Sept. 9, 1791, for a certain tract of land situate on Crab Tree Run, now in the Township of Salem, containing 320 acres, 139 perches,–and the aforesaid James Guthrie, Sen’r, died intestate leaving issue–James Guthrie, William Guthrie and Elizabeth Guthrie intermarried with Isaac Parr to whom the said tract of land by the law of this Commonwealth descended as tenants in common, and the undivided interest of William Guthrie was duely sold by the Sheriff of Westmoreland County to said James Guthrie; and wheras the said James Guthrie, the elder in his life time was endebted to the said Isaac Parr for boarding, etc., in the sum of $425.26, which sum the said James Guthrie, Jr., assumed; and whereas it hath been agreed by the executors of the said James Guthrie, deceased, and Isaac Parr to make equal partition of the land, and the said James Guthrie having made his last will and testament in writing dated 23rd April, 1812, in which Wm. Jack, Thomas Hoge, James Guthrie and Samuel Guthrie were duely appointed executors:–now therefore, they in consideration of the premises and in addition, one dollar paid by the said Isaac Parr, convey to him the right and interest of James Guthrie, in the estate of James Guthrie, Sr., of a tract of land containing 160-1/2 acres and allowances. Drafted April, 1816. (Signed) Samuel Guthrie, Thomas Hoge, James Guthrie, Wm. Jack. In the presence of Paul Morrow, Robert Williams. Recorded May 16, 1818. (Westmoreland Deeds, Vol. 12, p.350).

[Note: This document clears up some of the confusing issues amongst various family files as to which generation William and Elizabeth belonged. Both James Guthrie Sr and James Guthrie Jr were dead at the time this document was written and recorded.]

MISTAKEN IDENTITIES

This case is actually a misplacement of James Guthrie in the wrong branch of the Guthrie family. The author of ‘American Guthrie and Allied Families’ had hypothesized that James Guthrie was the son of Robert Guthrie of Chester County, Pennsylvania, along with several other sons. Descendants of those men and James all match GFG2A. Details in Y111 testing reveal that James has a closer genetic relationship with John Guthrie (1725IRE-1797PA) of Londonderry, Northern Ireland and Westmoreland County, PA. Shared genetic mutations in combination with their close ages suggest that the two men were probably brothers.

James Guthrie came to America before John. He settled near his Guthrie relatives, Branch B folk. When John and his family arrived about 1771 and settled in Westmoreland County, PA, James moved there, too.

GUTHRIE DNA PROJECT

Guthrie Family Group: GFG2A
Group Designation: Branch G – Cluster 2 (Guthries of Pitforthie)

Haplogroup: R-M269
Confirmed Haplogroup: R-Z30233

YDNA Matches:  4
Kit 93071
James Guthrie/Jeanette Wilson > James Guthrie/Jennet Culbertson > James Culbertson Guthrie/Mary Rogers Work > John Work Guthrie/Eleanor Gilchrist (GGP) +more

Kit 213881
James Guthrie/Jeanette Wilson > James Guthrie/Jennet Culbertson > James Culbertson Guthrie/Mary Rogers Work > John Work Guthrie/Eleanor Gilchrist (GGP) +more

Kit 282078 (+FF)
James Guthrie/Jeanette Wilson > William Guthrie/Elizabeth Guthrie (daughter of Branch G: John Guthrie & Jane Reed) > James Guthrie/Unidentified MNU > James B Guthrie/Elizabeth Bish > Ira Jackson Guthrie/Susannah Motter > Calvin Lee Guthrie/Susanna Colkitt (GGP) +more

Kit 494912
James Guthrie/Jeanette Wilson > William Guthrie/Elizabeth Guthrie (daughter of Branch G: John Guthrie & Jane Reed) > James Guthrie/Unidentified MNU > James B Guthrie/Elizabeth Bish > Thomas Guthrie/Elizabet Turney > Henry Monah Guthrie/Mary Elizabeth Group (GGP) +more

Family Finder / Autosomal DNA Kits:  8
* Also listed under G: John Guthrie/Jane Reed

Kit 183454
James Guthrie/Jeanette Wilson > Mary Guthrie/William Parker > Mary Elizabeth Parker/Thomas Jefferson McKee Sr > Thomas Jefferson McKee Jr/Elizabeth Anderson > Mary Jane McKee/Robert McCaslin (GGP)

Kit 286533
James Guthrie/Jeanette Wilson > Mary Guthrie/William Parker > Mary Elizabeth Parker/Thomas Jefferson McKee Sr > Thomas Jefferson McKee Jr/Elizabeth Anderson > Mary Jane McKee/Robert McCaslin (GGP)

Kit 295810
James Guthrie/Jeanette Wilson > Mary Guthrie/William Parker > Mary Elizabeth Parker/Thomas Jefferson McKee Sr > Thomas Jefferson McKee Jr/Elizabeth Anderson > Mary Jane McKee/Robert McCaslin (GGP)

Kit 297621*
James Guthrie/Jeanette Wilson > William Guthrie/Elizabeth Guthrie (daughter of Branch G: John Guthrie & Jane Reed) > James Guthrie/Unidentified MNU > James B Guthrie/Elizabeth Bish > Phillip David Guthrie/Rachel Susan Milliron > Simeon Augustus Guthrie/Mary C Wolfe (GGP) +more

Kit 378374
James Guthrie/Jeanette Wilson > Mary Guthrie/William Parker > Mary Elizabeth Parker/Thomas Jefferson McKee Sr > Thomas Jefferson McKee Jr/Elizabeth Anderson > Mary Jane McKee/Robert McCaslin (GGP)

Kit 501068
James Guthrie/Jeanette Wilson > Mary Guthrie/William Parker > Mary Elizabeth Parker/Thomas Jefferson McKee Sr > Thomas Jefferson McKee Jr/Elizabeth Anderson > Mary Jane McKee/Robert McCaslin (GGP)

Kit B150723
James Guthrie/Jeanette Wilson > Mary Guthrie/William Parker > Mary Elizabeth Parker/Thomas Jefferson McKee Sr > Thomas Jefferson McKee Jr/Elizabeth Anderson > Mary Jane McKee/Robert McCaslin (GGP)

Kit B515095* (Male Guthrie with FF only)
James Guthrie/Jeanette Wilson > William Guthrie/Elizabeth Guthrie (daughter of Branch G: John Guthrie & Jane Reed) > James Guthrie/Unidentified MNU > James B Guthrie/Elizabeth Bish > Ira Jackson Guthrie/Susanna Motter > Van Buren Guthrie/Susanna Hinderliter (GGP)

Findings:
James Guthrie has 2 sons, both of whom are represented in the Y-DNA Project.

GFG2A – Branch G includes two key genetic markers found in Y-DNA tests:
DYS442 = 11 (Group Mode = 12)
DYS712 = 20 (Group Mode = 19)

These two genetic mutations compared to the most common result in the group show a pattern of inherited genetic change.

The two major lines for Branch G are descendants of John Guthrie & Jane Reed and James Guthrie & Jeanette Wilson. They all share these markers.

Participant 779502 is a descendant of Andrew Milton Guthrie 1830-1905PA & Susan Frain. He has only tested at the Y67 level, which includes only 1 of the 2 markers. He is also DYS442 = 11. An upgrade of his test to Y111 would reveal if the other marker matches. His ancestor’s parents remain unidentified, so it is quite possible that he descends from either John or James.

Participant 916898 is a descendant of Wilson Guttry 1828AL-1911AR & Sarah Sterritt. He is in the same situation with a Y67 marker test matching the DYS442=11 mutation.