Guthrie Family Group 3A
ROBERT GUTHRIE 1727PA – 1789VA & ESTHER GILES
of Lancaster, PA, Frederick & Washington, MD and Rockbridge, VA

ROBERT GUTHRIE
Parent (Theorized): Francis Guthrie Sr of Coleraine Twp, Lancaster, PA
Born: 1727
Location: Pennsylvania (unproven)
Marriage: Esther Giles est. 1750-1754, probably in Maryland
Occupation: Unknown
Death: 1789
Location: Rockbridge County, Virginia, USA
Burial: Rockbridge County, Virginia, presumably

ESTHER GILES
Parents: Unidentified
Born: 29 Mar 1730
Location: Washington County, Maryland
Guthrie Sons: John Guthrie, James Guthrie, Richard Guthrie, Robert Guthrie
Guthrie Daughters: Ann Guthrie, Phoebe Guthrie, Mary Guthrie, Sarah Guthrie, Sarah Jane Guthrie
Death: 6 Sep 1806
Location: Montgomery County, Virginia, USA
Burial: On or near her son Richard’s farm in Montgomery, Virginia, USA

NOTES:
There is no known document linking Robert Guthrie to his theorized father, Francis Guthrie Sr, of Coleraine Township, Lancaster, PA. Robert appears in the local tax records just as as Francis Sr disappears, suggesting that the father had died and the son had assumed the rights and responsibility of taxation upon his land.

Robert Guthrie moved from Pennsylvania into Maryland and from there into Virginia. His wife Esther is listed with the maiden name Giles, but this family has numerous interactions with the Skiles family, so some theorize that may have been her actual surname. However, there are also Giles families in the PA/MD records.

GUTHRIE CHILDREN: 8 or 9
Y-DNA Project Participants: Yes
Autosomal DNA Participants: Yes

CHILD 1: ANN GUTHRIE
1755MD?-Before 1788
Spouse: (FNU) King

Ann Guthrie was born about 1755, presumably in Maryland. She was enumerated with the family in the 1776 census of Elizabeth Hundred, Frederick County, MD at 21 years of age. She married John King between 1776-1788 when her father wrote his will and bequeathed 5 pounds to his grandson, John King. No further info:

King Children: 1 known son
Y-DNA Project Participants: N/A – Female Guthrie
Autosomal DNA Participants: No

1.) John King (born bef. 1788)
There is a marriage record in Frederick County, MD dated 23 June 1798 bet. John King and Margaret Toup. More information needed.

CHILD 2: JOHN GUTHRIE
c1756MD?-c1830OH
Spouse: Mary Fuller

John Guthrie was born about 1756, probably in Maryland. The 1776 census lists him as 20, a year younger than his sister Ann. The family moved to Rockbridge, VA in 1777. He married Mary Fuller sometime between 1776-1783. At the time of his father’s death in 1789, John Guthrie was living next to Cedar Creek. The waters of that creek flow under the famous Natural Bridge. John and Mary were parents to 3 sons and 1 daughter. They moved from Virginia to Hamilton County, Ohio between 1793 and 1808. John died there about 1830 and his estate was probated on 15 Sep 1830.

Guthrie Children: 4
Y-DNA Project Participants: Yes
Autosomal DNA Participants: No

1.) Robert Guthrie (1783MD-1842OH) m1. Hannah McGillard, m2. Amy Ent +children
2.) John Guthrie (1788VA – 1869IL) m. Jane McIntyre +children
3.) William Guthrie (1794VA – 1876IN) m. Elizabeth Rigney +children
4.) Elizabeth Guthrie (1798VA – 18??) No further details.

CHILD 3: PHOEBE GUTHRIE
1758MD-After 1791
Spouse: John Gadberry

Phoebe Guthrie was born about 1758. She was 18 in 1776 and living at home with her parents. On 17 Jan 1791, Esther signed a consent stating that her daughter Phoebe was of lawful age to marry. She was about 33 at the time, so the law may have applied to all single women. Phoebe married John Gadberry on 3 Feb 1791 in Rockbridge, Virginia.

Gadberry Children: Unknown
Y-DNA Project Participants: N/A – Female Guthrie
Autosomal DNA Participants: No Known Descendants

CHILD 4: MARY GUTHRIE
1760MD-1842
Spouse 1: Ephraim Skiles Jr
Spouse 2: John Scott

Mary Guthrie was born about 1760. She was 16 during the 1776 census and living with her parents. She married the following year on 17 dec 1777 to Ephraim Skiles Jr. Ephraim died in 1796. His two daughters, Phoebe and Elizabeth Skiles were appointed a guardian, their uncle, Richard Guthrie. Mary remarried 1 Sep 1796 to John Scott, with Richard as surety. John Scott died in 1809, so the Scott children would have been born between 1797-1808.. Mary Scott is listed as the Head of Household in Christansburg, Montgomery, VA in 1810, Newburn, Montgomery, VA in 1820, and in Frederick, Maryland in 1830. Not found as a HOH in 1840. Online trees list her death as 1842 (unverified).

Skiles Children: 3
Scott Children: 3
Y-DNA Project Participants: N/A – Female Guthrie
Autosomal DNA Participants: No

1.) Joseph Skiles (1778MD – bef. 1850IL) m. Mary Burton Anderson
2.) Elizabeth Skiles (abt. 1779MD -aft. 1860) m. Jeremiah Muncey +children
3.) Phebe Skiles (1779MD – 1814IN) m. Samuel Spears
4.) Mary Ann Scott (born bet. 1797-1808VA)
5.) Jane Scott (born bet. 1797-1808VA)
6.) John Scott (born bet. 1797-1808VA)

CHILD 5: JAMES GUTHRIE
1762-Before 1788

James Guthrie was born about 1762. He was 14 in 1776 and living with his family in Elizabeth Hundred, Frederick, MD. James was not mentioned in his father’s 1788 will, so it is presumed that he died prior to that date and had no heirs.

Y-DNA Project Participants: N/A – No Known Descendants
Autosomal DNA Participants: N/A – No Known Descendants

CHILD 6: SARAH GUTHRIE
1765MD – Bet. 1817-1830VA

Prior to 1850 most census records listed the Head of the Household and enumerated the remainder in to age categories. The 1776 census of Elizabeth Hundred, Frederick County, MD entered people by categories of age and gender rather than by household. we are left with some questions as to the configuration of Robert Guthrie and Esther Giles’ family. There are two females named Sarah, one aged 11, and the other, Sarah Jane, aged 1.

The older Sarah Guthrie was born about 1765 in Maryland. The younger Sarah Jane Guthrie was born about 1775. Robert Guthrie’s will, written in 1788, identifies one of his daughters as Sarah. There is no mention of a daughter specifically named Sarah Jane. Since Esther would have been in her 40s at the time of Sarah Jane’s birth, it is possible that she was not a daughter, but some other relation to the family.

Two marriage records are associated with Sarah Guthrie:
1.) Sarah Guthrie and Isaac Davis 15 July 1796 in Montgomery County, VA, consent by her mother Esther Guthrie
Note that Sarah would be 31 and Sarah Jane would be 21.
2.) Sarah Davis and John Van Lear 17 June 1817 in Montgomery County, Richard Guthrie surety, Consent by the bride
Note that Sarah would be 52 and Sarah Jane 42, but the John Van Lear connected in trees would only be be 19. It seems likely that Sarah was John’s step-mother rather than his wife. Note that the father was also named John Van Lear, and his first wife was also named Sarah, her maiden name being Allison, which is likely the cause of the confusion. John Sr wrote his will about 1820, and it was probated in Oct 1829 in Montgomery, VA. His wife “Sally” presumably survived him being named in his will.

There is no mention in the obituary of John Van Lear, who became a minister, of having any wife other than Jane Ann Bell whom he married on 2 Nov 1826 in Augusta County, VA when he was 28. Jane was the mother of his six children.
Reading: Family of John Van Lear Sr and Sarah Allison – Part 1 – Part 2
Reading: Rev. Van Lear’s Farewell Letter
Note that John and Sarah (Allison) Van Lear also had a daughter named Elizabeth who married a John Guthrie in 1817, Montgomery County, VA.

Davis Children: None Known
VanLear Children: None
Y-DNA Project Participants: N/A – Female Guthrie
Autosomal DNA Participants: N/A No Known Descendants

CHILD 7: RICHARD GUTHRIE
1767MD-1850VA
Spouse: Elizabeth Esther McIntosh

Richard Guthrie was born on 2 April 1767 in Maryland. He was 9 years old at the time of the 1776 census and living with his parents and siblings in Elizabeth Hundred, Frederick County, MD. Upon his father’s death in 1798, he and his brother Robert received the residue of lands not inherited by their mother and sisters. Esther got 1/3 and the daughters 1/12 shares.

Richard was married on 20 April 1790 in Rockbridge County, VA to Elizabeth Esther McIntosh. They owned land on Cedar Creek in Rockbridge and later resided in Montgomery County, Virginia. Richard and Elizabeth raised a large family and were parents to 3 sons and 9 daughters, the youngest of whom died in infancy.

Guthrie Children: 12
Sons: John Guthrie, James Giles Guthrie, William Guthrie
Daughters: Elizabeth Guthrie, Nancy Guthrie, Mary Guthrie, Cassandra Guthrie, Eliza Guthrie, Hettie Guthrie, Cynthia Guthrie, Melinda Guthrie, (Infant Daughter) Guthrie
Y-DNA Project Participants: Yes
Family Finder Participants: Yes

1.) Elizabeth Guthrie 1791VA-1829OH m. William Cecil +children
2.) John Guthrie 1793VA-1843IN m1. Elizabeth Van Lear, m2. Margaret (Miller) Wyser +children
3.) Nancy Guthrie 1796VA-1817VA m. John Fergus – no known children
4.) Mary Guthrie 1797VA-1799VA. Died in early childhood.
5.) James Giles Guthrie 1800VA-1844OH m. Elizabeth Deskins +children
6.) William Guthrie 1802VA-1887VA m. Jane MacLaren Rayburn +children
7.) Cassandra Guthrie 1805VA-1863IL m. John Jaheil Graham +children
8.) Eliza Guthrie 1807VA-1856OH m1. John Muncey + children, m2. Anthony Harp
9.) Hester ‘Hettie’ Guthrie 1809VA-1882IN m. Isaiah Muncey +children
10.) Cynthia Guthrie 1811VA-1874VA m. Sebastian Wygal Jr -no children
11.) Melinda Guthrie 1814VA-1839VA m. Birdine Wygle -no children. Birdine remarried x2
12.) (FNU Daughter) Guthrie 1817VA-1817VA

CHILD 8: ROBERT GUTHRIE
1770MD-After 1794

Robert Guthrie was born about 1770. He was 6 during the 1776 census and living with his family in Elizabeth Hundred, Frederick County, Maryland. Upon his father’s death in 1798, he and his brother Richard received the residue of lands not inherited by their mother and sisters. Esther got 1/3 and the daughters 1/12 shares. The brothers sold 290 acres situated in the Forks of the James on 27 Mary 1794.

That is the last record found known to be connected to this Robert Guthrie. Ancestry hints include suggestions for Robert Guthrie of Giles County, TN, but that line belongs to GFG13 so is genetically unrelated to this group. The year 1770 is also the birth year for Rev. Robert Guthrie, of GFG2A, who was born near Baltimore, MD. Again, not genetically related to this group.

Guthrie Children: Unknown
Y-DNA Project Participants: No Known Descendants
Family Finder Participants: No Known Descendants

CHILD 9 – ?: SARAH JANE GUTHRIE
1775MD-Unknown

Sarah Jane Guthrie was born about 1775. She is listed as 1 year of age during the 1776 Census. Due to the census configuration listing people in gender and age categories, it is uncertain whether Sarah Jane is a daughter to Robert Guthrie and Esther Giles or another relation. Esther would have been 46 at her birth, putting her in the possible, but less category for that era. No further data. See notes on Sarah Guthrie, above.

HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS

About 1727: BIRTH of ROBERT GUTHRIE
Pennsylvania (Reportedly)

The Estimated DOB for Robert Guthrie is calculated from the 1776 census of Frederick County, MD when he was listed as 49. Considering that Robert Guthrie is later documented in the tax records for Colerain as a landowner, yet his presumed brothers are not, suggests that Robert may have been the eldest.

1730: BIRTH of ESTHER GILES
Washington County, Maryland

Esther Giles was born on 29 March 1730 in Washington County, Maryland. Some researchers speculate that her maiden name may have been Skiles instead of Giles because there are records of Guthrie-Skiles interactions. However, Giles is used as a middle name for at least 1 descendant, and one of Robert & Esther’s daughters married a Skiles.

1751: PA, Lancaster County, Coleraine Township. Tax Records.
Robert Guthrie is not listed even though is is over 21 years of age. Adult children living in the family household were not taxed prior to 1755.

1753-1754: MARRIAGE of ROBERT GUTHRIE & ESTHER GILES
Location Unknown, but probably Pennsylvania

This is the approximate year of Robert’s marriage to Esther Giles based on the DOB of their eldest child the following year. It is not until after that date that Robert appears on the lists as a taxable. There is no known marriage record for the couple, but it is most likely to have occurred in Pennsylvania. I have also seen a notation (somewhere I cannot recall) that researchers wondered whether Esther might not actually be a Skiles rather than a Giles because of other close connections with the Skiles family. Since there are also Giles folk in the area it is impossible to say without finding an original document that lists Esther’s maiden name.

1755: BIRTH of DAUGHTER – ANN GUTHRIE
Location Unknown, but probably Maryland

1756: BIRTH of SON – JOHN GUTHRIE
Location Unknown, but probably Maryland

1756: TAX RECORDS
Coleraine Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Robert Guthrie – Land: 40, Grain: 3, Horses: 2, Cows: 2, Sheep: 6, Sows: 0, Negros: 0. He is taxed at different rates for county and provincial taxes.

This is the first year that Robert Guthrie appears on the tax records. He is a land owner despite finding no corresponding deed of conveyance. Did his father Francis Guthrie die in 1755 leaving him the property? If so, there is also no corresponding probate record. Francis Guthrie, landowner, disappears from the Coleraine Township tax records just as Robert Guthrie shows up.

1758: BIRTH of DAUGHTER – PHOEBE GUTHRIE
Location Unknown, but probably Maryland

1758: TAX RECORDS
Coleraine Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Robert Guthrie – Lands: 80 acres, Rents: 0, Cleared: 20 acres, Sowed: 5 acres, Servants: 0, Negros: 0, Horses: 2, Sheep: 2, Cattle: 2
Listed next to Robert is another Guthrie with the five name originally written as Robert and then crossed out with a notation of “poor man” written in. The identity of the man is uncertain.

1759: TAX RECORDS
Coleraine Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Guthery, Robt. – Occupation: Farmer, Land Owners: 00, Quantity: 50 acres, Rent: 00, Cleared: 25 acres, Corn: 5, Servants: 00, Negros: 00, Horses: 2, Sheep: 2, Horned: 2, Cattle: 2, Quit Rents: 00.
This is the last year Robert Guthrie is found in the Coleraine tax records, however the next available year is 4 years later in 1763.

1760-1769: Location Unknown

1760: BIRTH of DAUGHTER – MARY GUTHRIE
Location Unknown, but probably Maryland

1762: BIRTH of SON – JAMES GUTHRIE
Location Unknown, but probably Maryland

1765: BIRTH of DAUGHTER – SARAH GUTHRIE
Location Unknown, but probably Maryland

1767: BIRTH of SON – RICHARD GUTHRIE
Maryland, probably Frederick County, on 2 April 1767

1769: WITNESS to the WILL of ELIZABETH SKILES
Frederick County, Maryland on 29 Jun 1769

Robert Guthrey & John Guthrey were witnesses to the will of Elizabeth Skiles, written 29 June 1769, proved 16 Aug 1769. Liber A #1. pp340-1. Elizabeth was the wife of Ephraim Skiles Sr. They were the parents of Ephraim Jr., who would later be husband to Mary Guthrie, daughter of Robert & Esther.

See General Index of Wills – FHL Film*005451959 0 image 220 of 276.
09842 Shiles, Elizabeth: A-1-340 – 16 Aug 1769 – Executor: John Liberstone

Will – FHL Film#005647647682 – images 356-357 or 610
Will of Elizabeth Skiles
Signed and Witnessed on 29 Jun 1769
Probate: “ON the 16th day of August 1769 came Robert and John Guthrey two of the subscribing witnesses to said will…”

Inventory of Elizabeth Skiles – FHL Film #0058081388 0 images 677-678 of 722.Note: Robert’s eldest son, John Guthrie, was born in 1756 making him only 13 in 1769. The John Guthrie who witnessed Elizabeth Skiles’ will is believed to be Robert’s brother, and therefore another son of Francis Guthrie.

1770: BIRTH of SON – ROBERT GUTHRIE
Frederick County, Maryland

1775: BIRTH of (POSSIBLE) DAUGHTER – SARAH JANE GUTHRIE
Frederick County, Maryland

1776: MARYLAND MILITIA
Elizabeth Hundred, Frederick, Maryland

Council of Safety for the Provence of Maryland, Elizabeth Town (Elizabeth Hundred) District: “No 16, Guthry, Robt. 1 coverlet – 1 pound, 10 shillings. Requisitioned bedclothes, rags, etc.” LRG, p713, ref. 396.

1776: MARYLAND COLONIAL CENSUS
Elizabeth Hundred, Frederick, Maryland

Unlike future census records naming the head of household and enumerating the remaining members, this census names all individuals, but separates them by gender and age group. This give us the advantage of learning their names, but does not reveal if they are living in a single household. The relationship of Mary Guthry, 61 and Sarah Jane Guthry, 1 to this family is unclear.
Males 16 through 50: 
Robert Guthry, 49
John Guthry, 20

Males 16 and Under:
James Guthry, 14
Richard Guthry, 9
Robert Guthry, 6

Females 50 and Upwards
Mary Guthry, 61

Females 16 through 50:
Esther Guthry, 46
Ann Guthry, 21
Pheeb Guthry 18

Females 16 and Under:
Mary Guthry, 16
Sarah Guthry, 11
Sarah Jane Guthry, 1

1776: Maryland Militia – Council of Safety for the Provence of Maryland.
Elizabeth Hundred, Frederick County, Maryland
Elizabeth Town District: “No. 16, Guthry, Robt. 1 coverlet – 1 pound, 10 shillings. Requisitioned bedclothes, rags, etc.”

1777: Formation of Washington County from the western part of Frederick County, MD.
This included the district of Elizabeth Hundred and Elizabeth Town was later renamed Hagertown in 1814.

1777: PROPERTY PURCHASE – ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Rockbridge County, Virginia on 1 Dec 1777

Hugh Bradford of Rockbridge County, VA for the sum of 165 pounds conveys to Robert Guthrie 229 acres in said county. (Rockbridge County VA Deeds Liber A, folio 699)

1777: MARRIAGE of DAUGHTER – MARY GUTHRIE
Frederick/Washington County, Maryland on 17 Dec 1777

Mary Guthrie married Ephraim Skiles Jr on 17 Dec 1777. Minister: George Young. They had 3 children: Joseph, Elizabeth, and Phebe.

1777: WASHINGTON COUNTY FORMATION
Frederick County, Maryland

Washington County was formed from the western part of Frederick County, Maryland, including Elizabeth Hundred. Elizabeth Town became Hagerstown in 1814.

1778: Court Records.
Washington County, Maryland

Even though Robert Guthrie had purchased property in Rockbridge County, VA, he still had dealings in Maryland through 1783 including Court Appearances and paying Taxes.
The Original Writs to November Courts for 1778 – The first entry names Robert Guthrie and Ephraim Skyles.

1778: MD, Washington County. Oaths of Allegiance.
Nine thousand men in Maryland signed Oaths of Allegiance to the state of Maryland and denying allegiance and obedience to Great Britain during the American Revolutionary War.
All voters were required to take the oath no later than 1 March 1778. It was signed by residents of every county, including Washington County where the names of Robert Guthrie and John Guthrie are found on the list. A digitized transcript of the lists is available. I have not yet found digitized copies of the originals. 

For those of you who qualify:
Being a direct female descendant of a signer of the oath is sufficient condition to join the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Being a direct male descendant of a signer of the oath is sufficient condition to join the Sons of the American Revolution.

1778: ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, VIRGINIA PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES
Listed: John Guthrie

This is the earliest tax record listing John Guthrie. It is several years before the marriage of Robert Guthrie’s son by that name. Could he have purchased land in Rockbridge? He will later inherit land in 1789 from his father. This could also be evidence of a second man named John Guthrie who established himself in Rockbridge prior to the arrival of Robert Guthrie and his family. Note that Robert had already purchased property in 1777 (see above), but had apparently not yet moved into the area.

1782: ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, VIRGINIA PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES
James Guffy: 1 tyth, 7 horses, 3 cattle
Alex Guffy: 1 tythe, 3 horses, 5 cattle
Note: Robert Guthrie does not yet show up in Rockbridge County on the personal property list. James and Alexander Guthrie are both attributed to be sons of John Guthrie.

BEFORE 1783: MARRIAGE of SON – JOHN GUTHRIE
Rockbridge County, Virginia, USA (Probably)

John Guthrie and Mary Fuller likely married in Rockbridge County, VA before the birth of their eldest child in 1783. Children: Robert, John, William, and Elizabeth

1783: MARYLAND TAX ASSESSMENT
Elizabeth Hundred, Washington County, Maryland

John Guttery. WA Elizabeth p. 25. MSA S1161-11-4. 1/4/5/54 Robert Guttery. Salisbury Plain, pt, 150 acres. WA Elizabeth p. 25. MSA S1161-11-4. 1/4/5/54

1783: MD, Washington County, Elizabeth Hundred. Maryland Tax Assessment. Digital Images and Transcript

1783: ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, VIRGINIA PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES
Again, Robert Guthrie has not yet shown up in Rockbridge County despite having purchased land there. His brother’s sons seem to have moved into the area.
Alexander Guffy: 1 tithe, 3 horses, 6 cattle

1784: ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, VIRGINIA PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES
Robert has still not officially made the move to Rockbridge, but his brother John appears on the tax list for 1784.
John Guthry: 1 tithe, 2 horses, 2 cattle
William Gotted: 1 tithe, 2 horses, 2 cattle
Alexander Guffy: 1 tithe, 3 horses, 7 cattle

1785: ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, VIRGINIA PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES
Robert Gutherie: 1 tithe, 2 horses, 2 cattle
Getridge? Gutherie Junr: 1 tithe, 2 horses, 8 cattle
John Guthrie: 1 tithe, 2 horses, 2 cattle
Alexander Guffy: 1 tithe, 3 horses, 6 cattle
Note: The ‘junior’ here is likely Robert’s eldest son John. This designation is being used to indicate he is younger than the other John Guthrie rather than a father-son relationship.

1786: ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, VIRGINIA PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES
Robert Gutery: 1 tithe, 2 horses, 5 cattle
John Gutterry: 1 tithe, 1 horse, 1 cattle
John Gutry: 1 tithe, 2 horses, 3 cattle
Alexr. Guffy: 1 tithe, 3 horses, 6 cattle

Robert Guthrie: 2 tithes, 4 horses, 7 cattle
John Guthrie: 0 tithe, 2 horses, 1 cattle
John Guthrie: 0 tithe, 3 horses, 4 cattle
Alexr. Guffy: 1 tithe, 3 horses, 6 cattle

BEFORE 1788: DEATH of SON – JAMES GUTHRIE
Maryland (presumably)

James Guthrie is not named in his father’s will. The only mention we have of him is the 1776 Maryland Colonial Census when he was 11. His death likely occurred in Maryland between 1776 – 1788.

1788: ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, VIRGINIA PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES
Robert Guthery: tithes 2 over 16, 3 horses
John Guthery: tithes 1 over 16, 3 horses
John Guthery: 2 horses
Alexander Guffy: tithes 2 over 21, 3 horses
Note: FYI – This is the year Robert Guthrie Sr died and the last time he appears in the tax records for Rockbridge County, Virginia.

1788: ROBERT GUTHRIE’S WILL WRITTEN
Rockbridge County, Virginia, USA

Robert Guthrie wrote his will on 28 Feb 1788. It was probated in Rockbridge County, Virginia. 
Ester Guthrie, wife: 1/3 part of estate both real and personal during her life and then distributed to heirs
John Guthrey, son: 50 acres of land on NE corner where he lives.
Phebe Guthrie, daughter: 1/12 part of estate both real and personal
Mary Guthrie, daughter: 1/15 part of estate both real and personal
Sarah Guthrie, daughter: 1/12 part of estate both real and personal
John King, grandson: five pounds
Richard and Robert Guthrie, sons: remainder of land and personal estate to be equally divided equally
Executors: Ester Guthrie, wife, and Richard Guthrie, son.
Signed on 28 Feb 1789
Witnesses: Caleb Sisson, William Miller, James Ochiltree
Probated on 7 April 1789
Note: John King was the son of Robert & Esther’s daughter, Ann whose death presumably predated the writing of this will.

1788-1789: DEATH of ROBERT GUTHRIE
Rockbridge County, Virginia, USA

Robert Guthrie died sometime between 28 Feb 1788, when his will was written, and 7 Apr 1789 when his will was probated. Likely in 1789. His burial location is unknown, but is probably in Rockbridge County, VA.

1789: ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, VIRGINIA PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES
Listed: John Guthrie Senior
Richard Guthrie
John Guthrey
Note: Richard is the son of Robert Guthrie & Esther Giles

1790: MARRIAGE of SON – RICHARD GUTHRIE
Rockbridge County, Virginia, USA

Richard Guthrie was married to Elizabeth Esther McIntosh on 20 April 1790 in Rockbridge County, Virginia by Presbyterian minister Samuel Houston. They were located on Cedar Creek.

1790: US CENSUS of VIRGINIA – LOST/DESTROYED
The closest available records would be the 1790 Tax Records. Other GFG3A families lived in the Rockbridge County area. Tax Records include a John Guthrie and John Guthrie Sr.

1790: ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, VIRGINIA PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES
Listed: John Gutherie
Richard Gutherie
John Gutherie Senior

1791: MARRIAGE of DAUGHTER – PHOEBE GUTHRIE
Rockbridge County, Virginia, USA on 3 Feb 1791

On 17 Jan 1791, Esther (Giles) Guthrie signed a consent stating that daughter Phebe was of lawful age to marry. John Gadberry and James Carruthers signed the marriage bond on 25 Jan 1791. Phebe Guthrie and John Gadberry were married on 3 Feb 1791. Children unknown.

1791: ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, VIRGINIA PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES
Listed: John Guthrey
John Guthrey Junior
Richard Guthrey
Note – This is the last year the elder John Guthrie appears on the records.

1792: ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, VIRGINIA PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES
Listed: John Guthrie
Richard Guthrie

1793: ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, VIRGINIA PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES
Listed: John Gutherie
Richard Gutherie
Robert Gutherie
Note – All sons of Robert Guthrie & Esther Giles. This is the only year Robert appears in the tax records.

1794: SALE of PROPERTY by SONS – RICHARD & ROBERT GUTHRIE
Montgomery County, Virginia, USA on 27 Mar 1794

Richard and Robert Gutherie heirs of Robert Gutherie, deceased, – for 350 pounds – sold James Robertson 290 acres – situated in the Forks of the James.

1794: ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, VIRGINIA PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES
Listed: Richard Guthrie
John Guthrie

1795: ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, VIRGINIA PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES
Listed: John Guttery

John Guthry is the only man of the surname listed between 1796 thru 1804. His sons, Robert Guthrie is listed in 1805. By 1806 there are no Guthrie men listed as paying property taxes in Rockbridge County, Virginia.

About/Before 1796: DEATH of SON-IN-LAW – EPHRAIM SKILES JR
Montgomery County, Virginia, USA

The husband of daughter, Mary (Guthrie) Skiles died.

1796: MARRIAGE of DAUGHTER – SARAH GUTHRIE
Montgomery County, Virginia, USA

Sarah Guthrie married Isaac Davis on 15 Jul 1796 in Montgomery County, Virginia, David Love, surety. Consent by her mother Esther Giles.

1796: 2ND MARRIAGE of DAUGHTER – MARY GUTHRIE SKILES
Montgomery County, Virginia, USA on 1 Sep 1796

Mary Guthrie Skiles married 1 Sep 1796 to John Scott. The marriage bond had been signed 23 Aug 1796 with Richard Guthrie as surety. Minister: Edward Morgan.

1797: SKILES CHILDREN APPOINTED GUARDIANS
Montgomery County, Virginia, USA

Acknowledging the death of her husband, the court appointed Mary’s brother, Richard Guthrie, as the guardian for daughters Phebe & Elizabeth Skiles. Daniel Howe was security for the guardianship.

1806: DEATH of ESTHER (GILES) GUTHRIE
Montgomery County, Virginia, USA

Esther moved to Montgomery County, Virginia about 1795 with her son Richard and his family. She died on 6 Sep 1806 and is said to be buried on or near Richard’s farm.

1809: DEATH of SON-IN-LAW – JOHN SCOTT
Montgomery County, Virginia, USA

John Scott’s will was proved in 1809 naming wife Mary and her brother Richard Guthrie as executors. The will was witnessed by Joseph Skiles and Frederic Carper. (Book 1, page 381)

BEFORE 1817: DEATH of SON-IN-LAW – ISAAC DAVIS
Virginia, presumably

Since Sarah (Guthrie) Davis remarried on 17 Jun 1817 to John Van Lear it is apparently that her first husband, Isaac Davis, died sometime prior to that date. They were married 1796.

1820: US CENSUS – HOUSEHOLD of SON – RICHARD GUTHRIE
Montgomery County, Virginia, USA

RICHARD GUTHRIE HOUSEHOLD: 1M & 1F 45+; 1M 26-44; 2M 16-25; 3F 10-15; 2F <10; 4 in agriculture; 2 slaves.

1830: US CENSUS- HOUSEHOLD of SON – RICHARD GUTHRIE
Montgomery County, Virginia, USA

RICHARD GUTHRIE HOUSEHOLD: 1M 60-69; 1M 50-59; 1M & 1F 20-29; 3F 15-19; 3 slaves.

1840: US CENSUS- HOUSEHOLD of SON – RICHARD GUTHRIE
Montgomery County, Virginia, USA

RICHARD GUTHRIE HOUSEHOLD: 1M 70-79; 1F 60-69; 4 slaves.

1850: DEATH of SON – RICHARD GUTHRIE
Pulaski, Pulaski, Virginia, USA on 17 May 1850

Ancestry’s transcription of the 1850 Mortality report indicates that Richard Guthrie’s cause of death at age 83 was ‘hung’, but the word is a little blurry. It may actually be ‘lungs’, which would seem to make more sense. His wife Elizabeth was listed in the household of their son William in 1850.

1851: DEATH of DAU-IN-LAW – ELIZABETH (MCINTOSH) GUTHRIE
Pulaski County, Virginia, USA on 15 May 1851

READING and RESOURCES

DOCUMENTS: Lancaster County, Pennsylvania tax records, 1748-1855 : arranged alphabetically by political subdivision, Filmed by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, 1971. LDS Film #008353956 Digital Repository: Family Search.

BOOK: Brumbaugh, Gaius Marcus (1915). Maryland Records: Colonial, Revolutionary, County and Church from Original Sources, Williams & Wilkins Company, Baltimore Maryland.

Includes the 1776 Census of Elizabeth Hundred, Frederick County, Maryland images.

BOOK: Phillips, John (1936) ‘A History of the Guthrie family‘, Digital Repository: Family search
Includes families: Guthrie, Elliott, Skiles, Spear. Copyright Restrictions: Cannot be viewed online.

DOCUMENTS: The Last Will and Testament of Robert Guthrie of Rockbridge County, Virginia, 1788. Rockbridge County, Virginia Wills, 1778-1925, Will Book, Volume 1, 1778-1796, page 329. Digital Repository: Ancestry.com

DOCUMENTS: The Last Will and Testament of Robert Guthrie of Rockbridge County, Virginia, 1788. Virginia County Court (Rockbridge County) Will Books, 1778-1902, Will Book 1 – Page 329, FHL Film 0007646171, Image 500 of 603, Digital Repository: Family Search

DOCUMENTS: Maryland Tax Assessment, 1783. Digital Repository: Maryland State Archives,

DOCUMENTS: Rockbridge County Virginia Deeds, Grantor Index Vol. 1-2 1778-1887., FHL Film 007898605, Letter G images starting at 102 of 586 thru 114 of 586. Digital Repository: Family Search.
Image 106 – July Court 1805 – John Guthrie & Mary his wife to Felix O’Neill – Deed Book E – page 465
Image 108 – 22 Aug 1837 – John Guthrie to James Nelson – Deed Book U – page 51
Image 109 – 7 Jan 1845 – John Gutridge to J B Dorman, trustee, Deed Book Y – page 25_ or 26_ (smudged)
Image 109 – 9 Oct 1845 – John Gutridge to Trustee’s Account – Sales – Book Z – page 35
Image 111 – 5 April 1788 – Robert Guthry’s Heirs to James Robertson – Deed Book C – page 251
Image 111 – 5 April 1788 – Richard Guthrey & wife & c to James Robertson – Deed Book C – page 251
Image 111 – 5 April 1788 – Robert Guthrey & c to James Robertson – Deed Book C – page 251

DOCUMENTS: Rockbridge County Virginia Deeds, Grantee Index Vol 1-2 1778-1887, FHL Film 007895960. Letter G images starting at 104 of 602 thru image 115 of 602.. Digital Repository: Family Search.
Image 108 – 6 Sep 1796 – John Guthrey from William Miller & wife – Deed – Book C – page 304
Image 111 – 1 June 1841 – John Guthrie from James Nelson Trustee, Rel Deed – Book V – page 473
Image 111 – 9 Oct 1845 – John Gutridge from Trustees account – Book Z – page illegible (before 232)
Image 112 – 10 Sep 1828 – Mariann Gutherie from Samuel Clarke Trustee – Deed Book – Q – page 48
Image 113 – 1 Apr 1788 – Robert Guthry from Hugh Braford & wife – Deed Book A – page 699

Is this your branch of the Guthrie Family Tree? 
Contribute research, reading, and resource information 
to share with your Guthrie cousins.
Start a Discussion!