The Guthrie of Halkerton line is a significant branch of the Guthrie family, dating back to the 15th century. While the succession of the title “of Halkerton” (Halcartoun) is generally linear, it includes complex resignations and sales, particularly in the later generations. The following expands on the known history from 1471 to approximately 1700.

A Monograph written by Gideon Guthrie provides a genealogy of the Guthries of Halkerton, 1471-1700 and notes concerning the family of Guthrie of Halkerton. The direct lineage remains somewhat unclear. Online copies of the Halkerton family chart are skewed or partly missing. Opinions on the lineage and additional documentation are welcome.

Since the acquisition of Halkerton by James Guthrie from William Guthrie of Halkerton is unknown, this page will count James Guthrie as “1st of Halkerton” pending new data.

THE LINEAGE at a GLANCE

🧩 GENEALOGICAL PUZZLES & NOTES

• The “William” Mystery: A William Guthrie of Halcartoun appears in 1471, prior to James Guthrie (1st). It is possible James acquired the title via marriage or a maternal grandfather.
• Succession Chaos (c. 1650s): The line becomes murky around the 8th and 9th generations. Documents show the lands passing from John (8th) to his brother Gideon of Kynneries, bypassing or following the death of John’s son, Henry (9th).
• Loss of Halkerton: By the mid-17th century, the direct ownership of Halkerton by this specific line seems to shift, with Gideon Guthrie of Kynneries eventually acquiring the rights.

📍 KEY LOCATIONS

• Halkerton (Halcartoun): The primary estate.
• Kincaldrum: The ancestral home of James Guthrie’s father.
• Forfar: A nearby burgh where many family members were burgesses or witnessed charters.
• Restenneth: Location of the kirk and lands often mentioned in family legal disputes.

DETAILED FAMILY HISTORY

1st of Halkerton: James Guthrie

• Birth: Unk, Est.1418-1438 – Death: Unk, 1472-1480s @ Age: Unk
• Parents: Alexander Guthrie, 1st of Kincaldrum, and Marjory Guthrie
• Spouse: Unidentified Spouse
• Children: Patrick Guthrie of Halkerton

Speculation: Perhaps Marjory was a daughter of William Guthrie of Halkerton and the line came to James Guthrie through a maternal grandfather.

1472. Feb 23 – Witnessed a charter by his brother David Guthrie of that Ilk to Malcolm Guthrie, his natural son, of the lands of Balnabreich, in Brechin.

2nd of Halkerton: Patrick Guthrie and Janet Guthrie

• Birth: Unk, Est. 1442-1455 – Death: Abt. 1493 @ Age: Unk
• Parents: James Guthrie of Halkerton and Unidentified Mother
• Spouse: Janet Guthrie (of Unidentified Guthrie Line)
• Children: Alexander Guthrie of Halkerton

1491. May 21 — The Lords of Counsell assign to John Fere of Cragnathro and Patrik Guthre of Halkertoun the 15th day of June next to prove that they paid certain victual to John Thomsone, factor of the Archbishop of St Andrews, at the command of Mr James Balfour, Chancellor of Brechin, farmer for the time of the kirk of Restonet, of the fruits of the said kirt for the year 1482.–Acta Dominorum Concilii, p.198

1493. May 18 — Instrument narrating that James [Stewart], Earl of Buchan, and Lord of Auchirhous gave sasine to Alexander Guthrie, son and apparent heir of Patrick Guthrie of Halcartoune, of the lands of Halcartoune, with the pertinent, which were resigned into the hands of the said Earl by the said Patrick, who reserved his own life rent and the terce due to Janet Guthrie, his spouse. Among the witnesses were John Guthrie of Essy, and Alexander Guthrie, his son. — The Laing Charters, No. 214.

3rd of Halkerton: Alexander Guthrie

• Birth: Unk, Est. 1472-1482 – Death: Bef. 1542 @ Age: Unk
• Parents: Patrick Guthrie of Halkerton and Janet Guthrie
• Spouse: Unidentified Spouse
• Children: Alexander Guthrie of Halkerton

1493. May 18 — Instrument narrating that James [Stewart], Earl of Buchan, and Lord of Auchirhous gave sasine to Alexander Guthrie, son and apparent heir of Patrick Guthrie of Halcartoune, of the lands of Halcartoune, with the pertinent, which were resigned into the hands of the said Earl by the said Patrick, who reserved his own life rent and the terce due to Janet Guthrie, his spouse. Among the witnesses were John Guthrie of Essy, and Alexander Guthrie, his son. — The Laing Charters, No. 214.

4th of Halkerton: Alexander Guthrie m. Agnes Lindsay

• Birth: Unk, Est. 1489-1502 – Death: January 1578 @ Age: Unk
• Parents: Alexander Guthrie of Halkerton and Janet Guthrie
• Spouse: Agnes Lindsay
• Children: William Guthrie of Halkerton, Gideon Guthrie, Lya Guthrie (m. John Kinninmonth)

1540. Charter by Andrew Guthrie (deceased) to Alexander Guthrie of Halcartoun, his kinsman, of the half lands of Eastertoun, and Haltoun, and the fourth part of the Milntoun, to be held for service of ward and relief.–Guthrie Charter-Chest.

1545. April 21. — Grant by Queen Mary in favor of William Lamb, rector of Conveth, nephew of Patrick, Abbott of Cambuskenneth, and Elizabeth Panter, sister of the said abbot, as the heirs of the said abbot, of a decree before the Lords of Council dated 21st January 1516, obtained by the said abbot for spoliation of his lands against David Lindsay of Hauch and William Arnot. For them the deceased Alexander Guthrie of Halkertoun and two other gentlemen had become sureties, and payment not having been made, the case was again brought before the Lords in 1542, Alexander Guthrie of Halkertoun, the heir of the said dec’d Alexander Guthre, being summoned in his place, for payment certain of his sheep, valued at thirty merks, had been poinded, and a fifth part of the lands of Halkertoun apprised. — Register of the Great Seal, vol. ii No. 3086.

1561. May 16– Alexander Guthre of Halkertoun serves upon an assize in reference to some Forfarshire lands apprised from Sir David Maxwell of Teling.–Register of the Great Seal, vol iii, No. 1391

1571. Resignation by Alexander Guthrie of Halkertoun in the hands of Alexander Guthrie of that ilk of the half of Haltoun and Milntoun, for new infeftment therein to be given to William Guthrie, his son, and Christian Moncur, his spouse. — Guthrie Charter-Chest.

1577-78. Feb 18 — Testament testamentary of “one noble man, Alexander Guthrie of Halkertoun” who died in January 1577*, given up by himself at the Halkertoun on 27th December 1577 before witnesses. (Inventory / Debts listed) He appointed Agnes Lindsay, his lawful spouse, and Gideon Guthrie and Lya Guthrie, his bairns, as executors. Names include William Guthrie, his son and apparent heir.
*Note the year would actually be 1578.

5th of Halkerton: William Guthrie m. Christian Moncur

• Birth: Unk, Est. 1506-1532 – Death: Feb 1580 @ Age: Unk
• Parents: Alexander Guthrie of Halkerton and Agnes Lindsay
• Spouse: Christian Moncur
• Children: Alexander Guthrie of Halkerton, Euphame Guthrie, Adam Guthrie, William Guthrie

1581. Instrument of Sasine in favor of Alexander Guthrie of Halkertoun, as heir to his father, William Guthrie of Halkertoun, upon a precept of clare constat by Alexander Guthrie of that ilk.–Guthrie-Charter Chest.

1583. June 6.– Testament dative of William Guthrie of Halkertoun, in Angus, who died in February 1580, given up by Christian Moncur, his widow, and now spouse of George Ogilvie in Langland of Guthrie, in name of William, Adam, and Euphame Guthrie, their lawful children, and by executors decreed to their deceased father by decree of Mr Thomas Ramsay, Commissary of Brechin, on 24th May 1582. (Inventory / Debts listed)

6th of Halkerton: Alexander Guthrie m. Isobel Guthrie

Birth: Unk, Est. 1523-1562 – Death: Aft. 1591 @ Age: Unk
Parents: William Guthrie, 5th of Halkerton, and Christian Moncur
Spouse: Isobel Guthrie (of Unidentified Guthrie Line)
Children: Henry ‘Harie’ Guthrie of Halkerton

1589. Resignation by Alexander Guthrie of Halkertoun in the hands of Alexander Guthrie of that ilk of the lands which he held of him. Later Isobel Guthrie, his widow, with consent of Harry Guthrie, her son, renounces her life rent.–Guthrie Charter-Chest.

1591. March 27.–Alexander Guthre of Halkertoun and William Guthrie his brother, are two of a number of persons for whom Sir Thomas Lyon of Auldbar, Treasurer, becomes cautioner that they will not molest the inhabitants of Forfar.–Register of the Privy Council, vol. iv. p.603

7th of Halkerton: Henry ‘Harie’ Guthrie m. Margaret Ogilvie

• Birth: Unk, Est. 1560-1580 – Death: Unk @ Age: Unk
• Parents: Alexander Guthrie of Halkerton and Isobel Guthrie
• Spouse: Margaret Ogilvie (of Newtown)
• Children: John Guthrie of Halkerton, Gideon Guthrie of Halkerton and Kynneries, Margaret Guthrie

1606. Nov. 8.–Service of Henry Guthrie of Halkertoun as heir in special to Alexander Guthrie of Halkertoun, his great-grandfather, in the shady half of the three quarters of the lands of Hiltoun of Guthrie, and their thirtieth part of the sunny half of the same lands, in the barony of Guthrie.–Forfarshire Retours, No.52.

1606. Nov 8. General service of Henry Guthrie of Halkertoun as heir of William Guthrie of Halkertoun, his grandfather.–General Retours, No. 270.

1621. July 7.–Decreet in case Peter Oliphant of Kirkton of Rescobie against Isobel Ogilvie, daughter of Mr James Ogilvie, George Lynn, cordiner, burgess of Forfar, her husband, and Harie Guthrie of Halkerton. — National Library of Scotland, Ref: Ch.13813

1625. February 5.–Contract between Mr George Fletcher, advocate, commissioner for Thomas Earl of Kellie, and Harie Guthrie of Halkertoun concerning Restennet.–National Library of Scotland, Ref: Ch.14355.

1636. Henry Guthrie of Halkertoun is one of the inquest for the service of Patrick Guthrie as heir of Mr Patrick Guthrie, his father.–Guthrie Charter-Chest.

1638. July 4.–Renunciation by Bessie Hunter, eldest lawful daughter of the deceased William Hunter, skinner, burgess of Forfar, and by others, heirs-portioners of the said William Hunter, in favor of Harie Guthrie of Halkertoune, of a contract of wadset entered into between him and the said William Hunter and his deceased wife, Jean Jounkine, dated — 162_, whereby for 1000 merks he wadsets to the said William Hunter his mill and mill-lands of Halkertoune. Dated at Forfar. Recorded, 9th July, in the Part. Reg. Sas. Forfar, vol. 1 fol. 95.

1639. May 20.– Instrument of sasine in favor of Gideon Guthrie, lawful son of Henry Guthrie of Halkertoun, in an annual rent of eighty-eight merks uxliftable from the lands of Newton, in the parish of Glenisla, upon an agreement between him and David Ogilvie of Newton, dated 14th November 1637. Registered, 11th June 1639, in Part. Reg. Sas, Forfar, vol. 1, for. 232.

8th of Halkerton: John Guthrie m1. Elizabeth Lindsay, m2. Isabella Philp

• Birth: Unk, Est. 1598-1611 – Death: Unk @ Age: Unk
• Parents: Henry ‘Harie’ Guthrie and Margaret Ogilvie
• Spouse 1: Elizabeth Lindsay (c/m 7 & 25 Nov 1628)
• Spouse 2: Isabella Philp
• Children by Elizabeth Lindsay – Henry ‘Harie’ Guthrie (eldest and only son by 1st wife/heir-apparent)
• Children by Isabella Philp – David Guthrie (eldest son by 2d wife)

Elizabeth Lindsay was a daughter of Mr. John Lindsay, 9th of Downhill, who being trained for the church, was appointed Minister of Muckarsie in 1585. He m. firstly Christina, daughter of John Schaw of Lethangie (c/m 19 March 1601) and surviving her, he m. secondly, to Jean, daughter of George Ramsay of Banff, (c/m 16 & 22 July 1609. Elizabeth Lindsay was a daughter by her father’s first marriage. She m. John Guthrie, eldest son and heir of Henry Guthrie of Halkertoun (c/m 7 & 25 November 1628.)–Red Book of Scotland, Vol. 5, p.1049

1640. March 19.– Instrument of resignation by Harry Guthrie of Halkertoun, in the hands of his superiors, John, Earl of Rothes, and John, Earl of Kinghorn, of his lands of Halkertoun and mill thereof, in favor of his son John Guthrie, fiar of Halkertoun, in life rent, and of his grandson, Henry Guthrie, son of the said John by his first wife, Elizabeth Lindsay, in fee, under reservation of the life rent of himself and Margaret Ogilvie, his wife, of the half of the said lands, and also under reservation of the life rent of Isabella Philp, now spouse of the said John Guthrie, in the said mill and mill lands. Dated at Edinburgh. Recorded on 6th April 1640.–Part. Reg. Sas. Forfar, vol 1, for. 325.

1640. April 1.–Instrument of sasine in favor of John Guthrie, fiar of Halkertoun, in life rent, and Henry Guthrie, his eldest lawful son, procreated between him and the deceased Elizabeth Lindsay, his wife, and the lawful heirs-male of his body; whom failing, his lawful heirs whomsoever, in fee, in the lands and mill of Halkerton, in terms of the foregoing resignation; to be held of John, Earl of Rothes, and John, Earl of Kinghorn, as superiors of the barony of Essie. Recorded on 6th April 1640. — Part. Reg. Sas. Forfar, vol 1 fol 324.

1654. July 14.–Instrument of sasine in favor of Gideon Guthrie of Kynnieries in the lands of Halkertoun and others, proceeding upon a charter and disposition thereof in his favor by John Guthrie, now of Halkertoun (who describes himself as heir-male of provision to the deceased Harie Guthrie of Halkertoun, his only son, procreated betwixt him and the deceased Elizabeth Lindsay, his first spouse, and heritable proprietor of Halkertoun), with consent of Margaret Ogilvie, his mother, and Isobel Philp, his present spouse. Dated at Forfar 13th July 1654. Recorded 14th August 1654. — Part Reg Sas Forfar, vol. iv. fol. 281.

1654. Oct. 31–Instrument of sasine in favor of Isobel Philp, wife of John Guthrie of Halkertoun, in the west or shady half of the lands of Milton of Conan, in security of her annuity in life rent therefrom of fifteen bolls of oatmeal. Recorded 15th November 1654.–Part. Reg. Sas. Forfar, vol., iv, fol. 309.

1649. Aug 11–Instrument of sasine in favor of John Guthrie, fiar of Halkertoun, and Gideon Guthrie in Crachiemylne, his brother-german, equally between them, in the west half of the lands of Milntoun of Conan, in terms of a disposition thereof to them by their father, Henry Guthrie of Halkertoun, of which the date is not given, but it is witnessed by Harie Guthrie of Collision, and John Guthrie, fiar thereof. Recorded 14th August 1649.–Part. Reg. Sas. Forfar, vol. iii, fol. 162

1654. July 14.–Instrument of sasine in favor of Gideon Guthrie of Kynnieries in the lands of Halkertoun and others, proceeding upon a charter and disposition thereof in his favor by John Guthrie, now of Halkertoun (who describes himself as heir-male of provision to the deceased Harie Guthrie of Halkertoun, his only son, procreated betwixt him and the deceased Elizabeth Lindsay, his first spouse, and heritable proprietor of Halkertoun), with consent of Margaret Ogilvie, his mother, and Isobel Philp, his present spouse. Dated at Forfar 13th July 1654. Recorded 14th August 1654. — Part Reg Sas Forfar, vol. iv. fol. 281.

1654. Oct 14 and 31.–Instrument of sasine in favor of John Guthrie of Halkertoun (his brother-german, Gideon Guthrie of Kynneries, acting as his attorney) in the teind sheaves and parsonage teinds of the lands of Halkertoun, and mill-lands of the same, in the parish of Forfar Restennet, proceeding upon a precept from Chancery for infecting him therein as heir of his father, Harrie Guthrie of Halkertoun; as also in the west or shady half of the lands of the Mylntoun of Conan, and the half of the mill. The precept bears the date 18th September 1654. Recorded 15th November 1654. — Part. Reg. Sas. Forfar, vil, iv. f. 304.

9th of Halkerton: Henry ‘Harie’ Guthrie (d. c1649)

• Birth: Unk, Est. 1629-1640 – Death: Abt. 1671 @ Age: Unk
• Parents: John Guthrie of Halkerton and Elizabeth Lindsay
• Spouse: Unidentified
• Children: John Guthrie of Halkerton
• Grandchildren by John: Alexander, David, and Gideon (all no issue), two daughters (m. Mr Alexr Glover and Andrew Jameson)

1640. Dec 28.– Instrument of sasine in favor of Henry Guthrie of Halkertoun in the west or shady half of the lands of Milntoun of Conan, with the half of the mill and mill-lands thereof, which have been sold to him by Peter Buock, great-grandson and heir of the deceased John Buick, portioner of Milntoun of Conan, the charter whereof is dated at Forfar, 27th July 1640, and to which Mr Henry Guthrie, burgess of Forfar, is a witness; John Guthrie, fiar of Halkerton, is a witness to the sasine. Recorded 29th Dec 1640. — Part. Reg. Sas. Forfar, vol. 1, fol. 418.

1641. Feb 15– Instrument of sasine in favor of Henry Guthrie of Halkertoun in the half of the Frithmuir of Arbroath, in terms of an heritable bond granted in his favor by Margaret Quhytelaw, sole daughter and heir of the deceased Patrick Quhytelaw. Dated at Alyth, 10th February 1641. Recorded 23rd March.–PArt. Reg. Sas. Forfar, vol, 1, fol. 432.

1643. Aug. 7.– Charter of novodamus by King Charles the First to Henry Guthrie of Halcartoun, and his heirs and assignees whomsoever, of the wester of shady half of Mynetoun of Connane, with the half of the mill thereof, and the tend sheaves of the said lands, which were formerly occupied by the deceased John Buock, portioner of Mylnetoun of Connane, and the deceased Janet Auchinleck, his spouse, and are situated in the regality of Arbroath and sheriffdom of Forfar. …. Moreover, the king, in respect of the contract entered into between James, Marquis of Hamilton, and John Guthrie, lawful son of Mr David Guthrie, burgess of Arbroath, dated 23rd August and 11th December 1634, and of the assignation thereof made by the said John Guthrie with consent of Mr Henry Guthrie, his brother, on 7th August 1641, to the said Henry Guthrie of Halcartoun, is well pleased that the said Henry retain the rents of the said lands (except one and a half bolls and one and a half pecks–the half lippie–of meal, ordained to be paid to the minister of Carmylie) until he shall be satisfied for them by the king; without prejudice to the king’s annuity and ministers’ stipends.–Register of the Great Seal, vol. vii. No. 1430.

1647. Oct 30.–Instrument of sasine in favor of Margaret Guthrie, lawful daughter of Henry Guthrie of Halkertoun, and future spouse of James Ogilvie, fiar of Newton (her brother, John Guthrie, fiar of Halkertoun, acting as her attorney), in an annual rent granted to her by Captain David Ogilvie of Newton of Ballatie, father of the said James, secured over the lands of Frewchie, dated at Forfar, 6th October, and witnessed by, among others, John Guthrie, apparent of Halkertoun, and Gideon Guthrie, his brother.

1649. Aug 11–Instrument of sasine in favor of John Guthrie, fiar of Halkertoun, and Gideon Guthrie in Crachiemylne, his brother-german, equally between them, in the west half of the lands of Milntoun of Conan, in terms of a disposition thereof to them by their father, Henry Guthrie of Halkertoun, of which the date is not given, but it is witnessed by Harie Guthrie of Collision, and John Guthrie, fiar thereof. Recorded 14th August 1649.–Part. Reg. Sas. Forfar, vol. iii, fol. 162

1654. July 14.–Instrument of sasine in favor of Gideon Guthrie of Kynnieries in the lands of Halkertoun and others, proceeding upon a charter and disposition thereof in his favor by John Guthrie, now of Halkertoun (who describes himself as heir-male of provision to the deceased Harie Guthrie of Halkertoun, his only son, procreated betwixt him and the deceased Elizabeth Lindsay, his first spouse, and heritable proprietor of Halkertoun), with consent of Margaret Ogilvie, his mother, and Isobel Philp, his present spouse. Dated at Forfar 13th July 1654. Recorded 14th August 1654. — Part Reg Sas Forfar, vol. iv. fol. 281.

1654. Oct 14 and 31.–Instrument of sasine in favor of John Guthrie of Halkertoun (his brother-german, Gideon Guthrie of Kynneries, acting as his attorney) in the teind sheaves and parsonage teinds of the lands of Halkertoun, and mill-lands of the same, in the parish of Forfar Restennet, proceeding upon a precept from Chancery for infecting him therein as heir of his father, Harrie Guthrie of Halkertoun; as also in the west or shady half of the lands of the Mylntoun of Conan, and the half of the mill. The precept bears the date 18th September 1654. Recorded 15th November 1654. — Part. Reg. Sas. Forfar, vil, iv. f. 304.

10th of Halkerton: Gideon Guthrie (c1605-c1671) m. Agnes Junkin

• AKA: Gideon Guthrie of Kynneries
• Birth: Unk – Death: Unk @ Abt. 66 years old
• Parents: Harie Guthrie and Margaret Ogilvie, daughter to Ogilvie of Newton
• Spouse: Agnes Junkin or Jonkyne (widow of Walter Keith)
• Siblings: John Guthrie of Halkerton, Margaret Guthrie (m. James Ogilvie of Newton)
• Children: Henry ‘Harie’ Guthrie (father of Gideon Guthrie, writer of Monograph), Patrick Guthrie (no issue)

1653. Feb. 11.–Instrument of sasine in favor of Gideon Guthrie of Kynneries in the lands of Craichie Mylnetoun and Waltoun of Tullois, and others, proceeding upon a charter of the lands of Chraichie Mylnetoun by the deceased John, Earl of Kingorn, to Walter Keith, sometime at Craichie Mill, and Agnes Jonkyne, his wife, dated 10th October 1636–she is now his widow, and wife of the said Gideon Guthrie; also on a charter of Waltoun of Tulles by Patrick, now Earl of Kinghorn, to the said Gideon Guthrie, dated in December 1652. Recorded on 8th March 1653. — Part. Reg. Sas. Forfar, vol. iv, fol. 36.

1653. June 25.–Instrument of sasine of Gideon Guthrie of Kynneries in the lands of Birkenbush and Garlawbank, in terms of a bond and disposition by Alexander Kyle of Birkenbusch. David Jonkyne of Damside acts as attorney. Recorded on 28th June 1653. — Part. Reg. Sas. Forfar, vol. iv, fol. 78.

1653. Oct 1.–Renunciation by Mr Thomas Hunter of Reswallie, narrating that on 8th June 1628 Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrome wades to him and Catherine Ogilvie his wife, for 2800 merks, the lands of Kynneries in the barony of Idvie; that the said Alexander Guthrie sold the right of reversion to these lands to the deceased Sir John Blair of Balgillo, who redeemed them from the renouncer on 3rd July 1635. Sir William Blair, as grandson and heir of Sir John, afterwards sold these lands to Gideon Guthrie, now of Kynneries, but under the declaration that the deeds above referred to had gone amissing; and in order to secure the said Gideon Guthrie, the renouncer makes this renunciation, declaring that the lands were lawfully redeemed from him as aforesaid. Recorded on 2nd October 1653. –Part. Reg. Sas. Forfar, vol, iv, fol. 127.

1653. Oct. 8.–Instrument of sasine in favor of Gideon Guthrie, now of Kinneries, in the lands of Kinneries, proceeding upon a charter of confirmation thereof in his favor by Harry Wade, now of Bonitoun, as superior, dated at Lethal, 28th September 1653. Recorded on 9th October 1653. — Part. Reg. Sas. Forfar, vol. iv, fol. 128.

1654. July 14.–Instrument of sasine in favor of Gideon Guthrie of Kynnieries in the lands of Halkertoun and others, proceeding upon a charter and disposition thereof in his favor by John Guthrie, now of Halkertoun (who describes himself as heir-male of provision to the deceased Harie Guthrie of Halkertoun, his only son, procreated betwixt him and the deceased Elizabeth Lindsay, his first spouse, and heritable proprietor of Halkertoun), with consent of Margaret Ogilvie, his mother, and Isobel Philp, his present spouse. Dated at Forfar 13th July 1654. Recorded 14th August 1654. — Part Reg Sas Forfar, vol. iv. fol. 281.

1657. May 4.– Instrument of sasine of Gideon Guthrie of Halkertoun in the lands of Milntoun of Crachie, upon a disposition thereof to him by Alexander Keith, lawful son of the deceased Walter Keith, sometime at Crachie Milntoun, dated 16th January 1655. Recorded on 7th May 1657. — Part. Reg. Sas. Forfar, vol. v, fol. 248.

1661. May 21. Instrument of sasine in favor of Agnes Jonken, spouse of Gideon Guthrie of Halkertoun, given to her by her said husband in fulfillment of an obligation granted by him in her favor on 19th March last, in the mill and mill-lands of Halkertoun. She received sasine by her son, Alexander Keith in Little Lore, as her attorney, and among the witnesses are Thomas Guthrie, late bailie in Forfar, and Henry Guthrie in Thornton. Recorded on 11th July 1661.–Part. Reg. Sas Forfar, vol. 1, fol. 51.

1662. Dec 1.–Instrument of sasine in favor of Gideon Guthrie of Halkertoun in the lands of Halkertoun and others, in terms of a Crown charter thereof to him by King Charles the Second, dated 1st July 1662. Recorded on 8th December 1662.–Part. Reg. Sas. Forfar, vol. 1, fol. 211.

1663. March 21.–Renunciation by Isobel Durie, widow of mr James Guthrie, elder, sometime minister at the kirk of Arbirlot, and by Mr James Guthrie, younger, portioner of Conansyth, narrating that on 13th July 1658 Gideon Guthrie of Halkertoun, Agne Joynkyne, his spouse, and Harie Guthrie, fiar of Halkertoun, their eldest lawful son, had wadset to the said Mr James Guthrie, elder, and his spouse, for 1200 merks, the lands of Craichie Mylne. This principal sum having now been repaid, they renounced the same. Dated at Arbirlot, one witness being Mr John Guthrie, minister at Arbirlot. Recorded on 29th March 1663.–Part. Reg. Sas. Forfar, vol. 1, fol. 235.

1665. Gideon Guthrie of Halkertoun, and Henry Guthrie, apparent of Halkertoun, are upon the inquest for the service John Guthrie of that Ilk, as heir to his father, Francis Guthrie of that Ilk.–Guthrie Charter-Chest.

1657. Oct. 23. — Instrument of sasine in favor of Harie Guthrie, eldest lawful son of Gideon Guthrie of Halkertoun, and Margaret Sibbald, lawful daughter of Mr David Sibbald of Kear, his promised spouse (by Alexander Keith in Muirsyd of Tulloes as her attorney), in the lands of Haltoun of Tulloes, Halkertoun, and others, in terms of their contract of marriage, which is dated 22nd October instant. Recorded 2nd November 1657.– Part. Reg. Sas. Forfar, vol. v, fol. 316

1670. Dec. 13.–Service of David Guthrie, son of John Guthrie, portioner of Milton of Connon, procreated betwixt him and … Philp, as heir-male of Henry Guthrie, fiar of Halkertoun, son of the said John Guthrie, procreated betwixt him and Elizabeth Lindsay, his first spouse, his brother, in the lands of Halkertoun, with the mill thereof, lying in the barony of Essie.– Retours of Forfarshire, No. 445.

11th of Halkerton: David Guthrie

• Birth: Unk – Death: Unk @ Age: Unk
• Parents: John Guthrie, 9th of Halkerton, and 2nd wife Isobel Philp
• Spouse: Marital Status Unknown
• Children: Unknown, presumably no issue

When David Guthrie, the nephew of Gideon Guthrie of Halkerton, reached his majority, it appears that Gideon and his son, Harie, the heir-apparent to Halkerton indicated that David was the official heir as the eldest surviving son of John Guthrie of Halkerton, Gideon’s elder brother. David Guthrie apparently died without issue, so Halkerton may have converted back to Harie only to confirm its sale.

1671. Jan 18.–Instrument of sasine in favor of David Guthrie, eldest lawful son of John Guthrie, portioner of Milton of Conan, by … Philp, now his spouse, in the lands and mill of Halkerton and others, proceeding upon a precept of clare constant by Gideon Guthrie, sometime of Kinneries, in which it is set forth that the deceased Henry Guthrie, fiar of Halkertoun, lawful son of John Guthrie, portioner of Milton of Conan, by his first wife, Elizabeth Lindsay, died last infeft in these lands; that his brother, the said David Guthrie, is his lawful and nearest heir-male, and that he is of lawful age. The precept is dated at Forfar, 16th January 1671, and among the witnesses to it are Thomas Guthrie, lately Provost of Forfar, and Henry Guthrie of Castletoun, eldest lawful son of the said Gideon. Recorded 27th January 1671.–Part. Reg. Sas. Forfar, vol iv. fol. 344.

1671. Jan 18.–Instrument of sasine in favor of George Gray, Sheriff Clerk of Forfar, and Lady Jean Erskine, his wife, in the lands of Halkertoun and mill thereof, in the barony of Eassie, proceeding upon a charter of confirmation thereof to them by Gideon Guthrie, sometime of Kinneries, dated at Forfar, 16th January 1671. In the charter, these lands are stated to have belonged to David Guthrie, eldest lawful son of John Guthrie, portioner of Miltoun of Conan, by ___ Philp, his wife, and to have been disposed by him, with consent of his said father, to the said George Gray and his wife on 26th November last. To the charter Thomas Guthrie, lately Provost of Forfar, and Henry Guthrie of castletoun, eldest lawful son of the said Gideon, are witnesses. Recorded 27th January 1671. — Part. Reg. Sas. Forfar, vol iv. fol. 346.

12th of Halkerton: Henry ‘Harie’ Guthrie m. Margaret Sibbald

• Birth: 6 Jul 1637 – Death: 11 February 1723 @ Age: 85
• Parents: Gideon Guthrie of Halkerton and Agnes Junkin
• Spouse: Margaret Sibbald, a daughter of Mr David Sibbald of Kair
• Children: Gideon Guthrie (24 May 1663-1732) writer of the Monograph, David (d.15 Nov 1697 @39), Margaret Guthrie, and Isobel Guthrie(died unmarried)
• Grandchildren by Gideon: William Guthrie (b. 7 Jan 1708), Harie Guthrie (b. 5 Jan 1709), Margaret (b. 13 Sep 1711-d.7 Aug 1715), Isobel Guthrie (b.3 May 1713-d.14 Sep 1714)
• Grandchildren by David (m. Margaret Arbuthnet): Alexander and Harie (both died without issue), Margaret (m.William Stuart of Inchbrake), Anne, Jean, Isobel.
• Buried: Old Machar Churchyard – Old Aberdeen, Aberdeen City, Scotland

1657. Oct. 23–Instrument of sasine in favor of Harie Guthrie, eldest lawful son of Gideon Guthrie of Halkertoun, and Margaret Sibbald, lawful daughter of Mr David Sibbald of Kear, his promised spouse (by Alexander Keith in Muirsyd of Tulloes as her attorney), in the lands of Haltoun of Tulloes, Halkertoun, and others, in terms of their contract of marriage, which is dated 22nd October instant. Recorded 2nd Nov 1657.–Part. Reg. Sas. Forfar, vol. v. fol. 316.

Gideon Guthrie, Minister of Glenmuick & Fetteresso, and writer of the Monograph, married Anne Melville and by her had two sons and two daughters. William Guthrie (1708-1770) wrote “Guthrie’s Historical & Geographic Grammar”, which became a staple of learning in the old world and the new. He had two sons, both of whom died young. Son Harry Guthrie was also a writer and an Edinburgh lawyer of known Jacobite sympathies. He was twice married, but all of his sons died young or had no male issue. Rev Gideon Guthrie (24 May 1663 – 14 Dec 1732) is buried at Canongate Churchyard in Edinburgh, Scotland.

All surviving descendants go through the line of his daughter Euphan who married Charles Wright.

Harry Guthrie, son of Gideon Guthrie and Anne Melville, died on 5 June 1794, ending the Halkerton line.

READING and RESOURCES

BOOK: Guthrie, G. (1900). Gideon Guthrie: a monograph written 1712 to 1730. Edinburgh: William Blackwood and Sons. Digital Repository: HathiTrust.

BOOK: Scotland. Privy Council. (18391918). The acts of the Lords of Council in civil causes. (Acta Dominorum Concili) [Edinburgh]. Volume 1 and Volume 2. Digital Repository: HathiTrust.

BOOK: Index to Particular Register of Sasines for Sheriffdom of Forfar: Preserved in H. M. General Register House. (1965). United Kingdom: H.M. Stationery Office.

Sasines

From the beginning of the fifteenth century until the middle of the nineteenth century, title to a piece of heritable property could only be secured by receiving a ‘sasine’ in it, and it is the Registers of Sasines that one finds the registering of transactions of heritable property titles. There are three different types of Registers of Sasines – the General, Particular and Burgh. Generally transactions conducted in Royal Burghs were not recorded in the General or Particular Registers. The General Register could contain transactions from any part of the country and indexes are available for these, while the particular were concerned with sheriffdoms. Angus is covered in the Particular Register of Sasines of the Sheriffdom of Forfar. The Registers of Sasines are held in the National Archives of Scotland in Edinburgh.

Particular Register

Sheriffdom of Forfar (RS33-RS35) covers 1620-1621, 1631-1632, 1637-1658 and 1660-1869

Indexes:

Index to Particular Register of Sasines, For Sheriffdom of Forfar, 1620-1700, Edinburgh, 1965.
Index to Particular Register of Sasines, For Sheriffdom of Forfar, 1701-1780, Edinburgh, 1989 (6 fiche).

Both available from the National Archives of Scotland in Edinburgh to buy.

Burgh Registers are available for:

Arbroath (B4), 1693-1941, indexed 1693-1941;
Brechin (B8), 1648-1707 and 1748-1946;
Dundee (B19), 1639-1812, in Dundee City Archives, 1809-1928, in SRO, indexed 1863-1928;
Forfar (B26), 1680-1699, 1709-1935, indexed 1809-1914
Montrose (B51), 1670-1944.

BOOK SERIES: Thomson, John Maitland (1883) The Register of the Great Seal of Scotland (Registrum magni sigilli regum Scotorum). Latin English. Edinburgh. 11 volumes. Digital Repository: Family Search.

DOCUMENTS: The Retours of Forfarshire, 1544-1699. National Records of Scotland.
The Retours of Forfarshire is a collection of records that provide information about land and inheritance from 1544 to 1699. It is a valuable source of information, but is not widely available. Most printed volumes are held in the National Records of Scotland (NRS) and other specialized archives and libraries.