Find and Share Guthrie Research and Resources.

ANCESTRY: THE GUTHRIE RESEARCH TREE

The Guthrie Research Tree
(Housed on Ancestry.com)

• This huge tree includes all lineages for Guthrie DNA Project members, as well as hundreds of other Guthrie lineages from around the world.
• Organized by Guthrie Family Group, Ungrouped Family Status, and Locations.
• Search Tip: Search for the spouse’s name rather than your primary ancestor.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

Sir David Guthrie, 1st Baron Guthrie of that Ilk
Rev. James Guthrie, Minister of Sterling
Rev. William Guthrie, Minister of Fenwick

FAMILY FOCUS

A Genealogical Review of Lineages in an Ungrouped Family Status
An ongoing series. Contributions and collaborations welcome.

GUTHRIE BLOG TOPICS

• Includes the shortcuts to key Guthrie Genealogy Blog articles found on the Home page list.
• Presentations on Guthrie families, origin theories, with detailed research.
• Research collected by Ann Guthrie, in collaboration with Guthrie Genealogy members like you, or independent work submitted to Guthrie Genealogy.

NOTABLE GUTHRIE FAMILIES

Guthrie of Guthrie
Guthrie of Collistoun
Guthrie of Craigie
Guthrie of Eassie & Hiltoun
Guthrie of Gagie
Guthrie of Halkerton
Guthrie of Kincaldrum
Guthrie of Kingennie and Pitforthie
Guthrie of Lunan
Guthrie of Taybank

MISTAKEN IDENTITIES

A Guide to Discovering, Avoiding, & Correcting Errors in Your Family Tree
with Examples of the Most Common Mistakes.

Do you have a case of Mixed-Up Marthas? Jumbled-Up Jameses? Borrowed Brides?
Check out the ones we’ve found and the evidence behind it. Share your findings too.

• Bad Merges & Online Tree Errors
• Confused Locations
• Correcting the Guthrie Timeline
• False Parentage Claims
• How to Spot a Mistaken Identity
• Misidentified Spouses
• Record Clues that Separate Individuals
• Recycled Birth & Death Dates
• Same Name, Different Person
• Traditional Pedigrees vs. Records

PA ARCHIVES SERIES INDEX

A finding-aid for the Pennsylvania Archives Series. 
Curated and Compiled for your Guthrie Research by Ann Guthrie.

This multi-volume resource holds a tremendous amount of data on 
Pennsylvania including Colonial Records on Townships and Counties, 
Military Records on the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, 
Early Marriage Records, Journals, Letters, and Council Sessions, 
Heroic and Not-So-Heroic Actions, Commissions and Pardons.

Nearly every searchable variation of the name
Guthrie, Guthry, Guthery, Guthrey, Gutry, 
Guthery, Guthrey, Gutry, Gutery, Gutrey, 
Guttry, Guttery, Guttrey, Gutherie, Guthree,
and a few creative variations are found in the records. 

The Pennsylvania Archives Series: 
Summarized by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission
Guthrie Entries Listed For:

• Colonial Records: 16 Volumes
• Archives Series I: 12 Volumes
• Archives Series II: 19 Volumes
• Archives Series III: 30 Volumes
• Archives Series IV: 12 Volumes
• Archives Series V: 8 Volumes
• Archives Series VI: 15 Volumes
• Archives Series VII: 5 Volumes
• Archives Series VIII: 8 Volumes
• Archives Series IX: 10 Volumes

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS of SCOTTISH DOCUMENTS

Document Collections of Medieval Era,
Middle Ages & Early Modern Scottish RECORDS

Every Guthrie mention in these collections have been explored.
Tables with Shortcut Links
Description of the Document
Role of the Guthrie
Historical & Genealogical Significance
Legal Terms & Scottish Practices

RECOMMENDED READING

• The Recommended Reading list includes links to key Guthrie Family Histories.
• Links to Fiction & Non-Fiction Books with a Guthrie connection, either biographies, or authored by Guthries.

RESEARCH BY LOCATION

Collected Guthrie Research and/or Recommended Resources organized by Country, State, and in some cases at the County level.

Submissions welcome.

REVOLUTIONARY WAR SERIES

A research collection on Guthrie Soldiers, Frontier Rangers, & Other Patriotic Service by men and women of the Guthrie name during the period of the American Revolution, organized by Colony.

• Pennsylvania – complete
• Massachusetts – in progress
• New York – pending
• Connecticut – pending
• Delaware – pending
• New Hampshire – pending
• New Jersey – pending
• Rhode Island – pending
• Virginia – pending
• North Carolina – pending
• South Carolina – pending
• Georgia – pending

GENERIC GENEALOGY BOOKS, RESOURCES, & WEBSITES:

Archaic Occupations

Internet Archive: Open Library – Guthrie Search Results

Family Search Historical Records Collection

Family Search Digital Library

The Hathi Trust Digital Library

The National Archives

Tombstone Birthday Calculator

PHYSICAL PLACES for RESEARCH:

Top places for genealogical research in the USA, Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales), and Ireland are major national archives, libraries, and specialized research centers. These institutions stand out for collection size, breadth or depth of records, researcher support, and frequency in expert recommendations.

Much genealogy work now happens remotely through digitized collections and portals (FamilySearch, ScotlandsPeople, IrishGenealogy.ie, Ancestry, FindMyPast, The Genealogist, and institutional catalogs like TNA Discovery or PRONI eCatalogue). However, physical visits remain invaluable for:

• Non-digitized or partially digitized materials (manuscripts, unique maps, unindexed volumes, fragile originals).
• Expert staff consultations (often free or low-cost advisory services).
• Efficient browsing, context from surrounding records, and high-quality copies.
• Serendipitous discoveries and networking with other researchers.

Practical notes across all regions: Always begin with online catalogs and free/paid indexes to identify specific references—this saves significant time and money on-site. Appointments or reader tickets are often required (check websites in advance). Photography is frequently allowed with permission (no flash). Many offer paid research services or can recommend accredited local genealogists if travel is limited. Research trips combine well with heritage tourism.

United States of America

The U.S. system features strong federal records alongside vast state, county, and local collections. Top hubs consolidate or provide exceptional access to national-scope materials.

1. FamilySearch Library (formerly Family History Library), Salt Lake City, Utah The world’s largest genealogical library, with millions of microfilmed records (many now digitized but with additional physical resources), books, maps, and international coverage including strong U.S. vital, church, census, and migration records. Free public access, exceptionally helpful staff, classes, and research guidance. It functions as a central “one-stop” destination even in the digital era because of its scale and on-site expertise. Many FamilySearch Centers worldwide offer more limited access, but the main library remains unparalleled for depth.

2. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), Washington, DC (main facility) and regional branches

Holds core federal records: censuses (images and indexes), military service and pension files, immigration and naturalization records, land entry files, bankruptcy, and more. Researcher registration/card required. Significant portions are digitized (via NARA or partners like Fold3/Ancestry), but physical access aids complex searches, original viewing, and un-digitized series. Regional branches (e.g., Atlanta, Chicago, Fort Worth) hold localized federal records relevant to specific areas.

3. Library of Congress, Washington, DC Vast printed collections of local and family histories, city directories (one of the strongest U.S. holdings), maps (including Sanborn fire insurance maps), newspapers (via Chronicling America and physical/microfilm), manuscripts, photographs, and more. Not a primary source for original vital records, but excellent for context, published genealogies, and visual/historical background materials.

4. Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center, Fort Wayne, Indiana One of the largest public genealogy collections in North America (often ranked just behind or alongside FamilySearch in scale for public access). Strong U.S. and international holdings, including the invaluable PERSI (Periodical Source Index) for articles in genealogical and historical journals, extensive microfilms, books, surname files, and free on-site databases. Particularly valuable for Midwest research but broad in scope; excellent for obscure published sources.

5. New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS / American Ancestors), Boston, Massachusetts Premier institution for New England colonial and later research, with extensive manuscripts, compiled vital records, periodicals, and deep expertise. Day passes or membership options available. Ideal if your lines have New England roots or for methodological guidance that applies more broadly.

Other notable U.S. options: Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Library in Washington, DC (strong for Revolutionary-era and patriotic ancestor research); Midwest Genealogy Center (Independence, MO); state archives and libraries (e.g., Texas State Library and Archives Commission for Texas-specific lines); university collections (e.g., Brigham Young University holdings via FamilySearch).

Nuances and implications: Federal records at NARA excel for 19th–20th century migrations, military service, and naturalizations. For earlier or local detail, combine with state/county repositories or the broad published/microfilm collections at FamilySearch or Allen County. Common brick walls (spelling variations, common names, migration gaps) often yield to cross-referencing multiple hubs. Since you are based in Northern Virginia, NARA and the Library of Congress are relatively accessible for day or short trips.

Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales)

Record systems are largely country-specific (separate civil registration start dates, church structures, and archival traditions), so researchers often focus on one nation at a time while using UK-wide resources like The National Archives for certain government records.

1. The National Archives (TNA), Kew, London (primarily England & Wales, with UK-wide government records) The official UK government archive with over 11 million historical records spanning 1,000+ years: wills (Prerogative Court of Canterbury), military, taxation, court, merchant shipping, some census-related, and more. Excellent online Discovery catalogue and research guides. Free entry; some digitized or downloadable for a fee. Many English and Welsh researchers start or supplement here.

2. National Records of Scotland (NRS) / ScotlandsPeople Centre, Edinburgh, Scotland (General Register House)

The central hub for Scottish genealogy. Statutory births, marriages, and deaths from 1855 onward; Old Parish Registers (baptisms, marriages, burials ~1553–1854); censuses 1841–1921; valuation rolls, wills and testaments, poor relief, and more. ScotlandsPeople provides the primary online/pay-per-view or credit-based access; the physical centre in Edinburgh allows browsing and ordering. ScotlandsPlaces (linked) adds maps and tax records. This cluster (with NLS nearby) is highly efficient for Scottish research.

3. National Library of Scotland (NLS), Edinburgh, Scotland Outstanding printed and manuscript collections: family histories, directories, newspapers (accessible via British Newspaper Archive or own digitization), detailed Ordnance Survey maps and Name Books, estate papers, and more. Free access with strong digital offerings. Perfect complement to NRS for contextual depth, published genealogies, and visual/place-name research.

4. National Library of Wales (NLW), Aberystwyth, Wales Wales’ legal deposit library with exceptional Welsh-specific resources: massive newspaper collections (many digitized), tithe maps and apportionments, manuscripts, probate records, and directories. Strong support for Welsh language, place names, and rural land records. Essential for Welsh lines where English-focused resources fall short.

5. Society of Genealogists (SoG), London, England Specialized family history library with unique or hard-to-find English collections: transcribed parish registers, Boyd’s Marriage Index, apprenticeship and poll book records, and extensive family history books/periodicals. Membership or day research passes available. Particularly strong for pre-1837 research where civil registration does not exist.

Nuances and implications: England often requires county record offices (CROs) for local parish records (many now on FindMyPast or Ancestry). Scotland is more centralized via NRS/ScotlandsPeople. Wales benefits from NLW’s newspaper and tithe strengths. Pre-1837/1855 research leans heavily on church records and published transcripts. Edinburgh offers an efficient “Scotland cluster” (NRS + NLS). Many records involve credits or subscriptions; free indexes (FreeBMD, FreeREG, FreeCEN) are good starting points. For your deep Guthrie Scottish research (charters, testaments, migrations, DNA), the Edinburgh institutions (NRS/NLS) align directly with primary sources you already use extensively.

Ireland (Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland)

Irish records are split between the Republic of Ireland (ROI, 26 counties—Dublin-focused institutions) and Northern Ireland (NI, 6 counties—Belfast-focused). The 1922 destruction of the Public Record Office of Ireland in Dublin created major gaps; researchers rely heavily on surviving substitutes (church registers, Griffith’s Valuation, Tithe Applotment Books, 1901/1911 censuses) and reconstruction projects.

The central hub for Scottish genealogy. Statutory births, marriages, and deaths from 1855 onward; Old Parish Registers (baptisms, marriages, burials ~1553–1854); censuses 1841–1921; valuation rolls, wills and testaments, poor relief, and more. ScotlandsPeople provides the primary online/pay-per-view or credit-based access; the physical centre in Edinburgh allows browsing and ordering. ScotlandsPlaces (linked) adds maps and tax records. This cluster (with NLS nearby) is highly efficient for Scottish research.

3. National Library of Scotland (NLS), Edinburgh, Scotland Outstanding printed and manuscript collections: family histories, directories, newspapers (accessible via British Newspaper Archive or own digitization), detailed Ordnance Survey maps and Name Books, estate papers, and more. Free access with strong digital offerings. Perfect complement to NRS for contextual depth, published genealogies, and visual/place-name research.

4. National Library of Wales (NLW), Aberystwyth, Wales Wales’ legal deposit library with exceptional Welsh-specific resources: massive newspaper collections (many digitized), tithe maps and apportionments, manuscripts, probate records, and directories. Strong support for Welsh language, place names, and rural land records. Essential for Welsh lines where English-focused resources fall short.

5. Society of Genealogists (SoG), London, England Specialized family history library with unique or hard-to-find English collections: transcribed parish registers, Boyd’s Marriage Index, apprenticeship and poll book records, and extensive family history books/periodicals. Membership or day research passes available. Particularly strong for pre-1837 research where civil registration does not exist.

Nuances and implications: England often requires county record offices (CROs) for local parish records (many now on FindMyPast or Ancestry). Scotland is more centralized via NRS/ScotlandsPeople. Wales benefits from NLW’s newspaper and tithe strengths. Pre-1837/1855 research leans heavily on church records and published transcripts. Edinburgh offers an efficient “Scotland cluster” (NRS + NLS). Many records involve credits or subscriptions; free indexes (FreeBMD, FreeREG, FreeCEN) are good starting points. For your deep Guthrie Scottish research (charters, testaments, migrations, DNA), the Edinburgh institutions (NRS/NLS) align directly with primary sources you already use extensively.

Ireland (Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland)

Irish records are split between the Republic of Ireland (ROI, 26 counties—Dublin-focused institutions) and Northern Ireland (NI, 6 counties—Belfast-focused). The 1922 destruction of the Public Record Office of Ireland in Dublin created major gaps; researchers rely heavily on surviving substitutes (church registers, Griffith’s Valuation, Tithe Applotment Books, 1901/1911 censuses) and reconstruction projects.

1. National Library of Ireland (NLI), Dublin A top starting point, especially for Catholic parish registers (microfilms of ~1,000+ parishes, many now digitized on NLI or IrishGenealogy.ie), newspapers, city directories, estate papers, Griffith’s Valuation (with maps), and manuscripts. Free Genealogy Advisory Service. Reading rooms available; some materials require advance ordering. Excellent for context and broad Irish research.

2. National Archives of Ireland (NAI), Dublin Holds surviving state records including full 1901 and 1911 censuses (freely available online via NAI or IrishGenealogy.ie), Tithe Applotment Books, some wills/probate calendars, rebellion and transportation records. Free genealogy advice service; reader’s ticket required. Focus is on what survived the 1922 losses or was reconstructed.

3. Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI), Belfast Essential for the six NI counties (Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry/Derry, Tyrone) and some border counties. Strong holdings of church records (all denominations), 1901/1911 censuses, Griffith’s Valuation/Tithes for NI, estate papers, poor law, and school records. Online eCatalogue; research room access often requires appointments. Critical for Ulster and Ulster-Scots lines.

4. General Register Office (GRO) Ireland resources (Dublin area; some functions in Roscommon) and GRONI (Belfast) Civil registration of births, marriages, and deaths (ROI generally from 1864 births/1845 marriages; NI via GRONI). Many historical indexes and images are free on IrishGenealogy.ie; full certificates require ordering (fees apply). GRO handles ROI requests.

5. Valuation Office (Tailte Éireann) and/or Registry of Deeds, Dublin Valuation Office holds detailed Griffith’s Primary Valuation maps and field books—crucial for identifying tenant farmers and land occupancy post-Famine. Registry of Deeds contains memorials of property transactions from 1708 onward, useful for inheritance and land patterns. Physical access supports detailed land research.

Additional key resource: Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland (virtualtreasury.ie)—a major ongoing project reconstructing destroyed PROI records through transcripts and calendars from global archives. Free and growing; complements physical visits. Irish research frequently begins online with free sites (IrishGenealogy.ie for BMD and some censuses, NLI for Catholic registers, PRONI for Ulster). Physical visits excel for maps, unindexed materials, and context. Common challenges include record destruction (1922), common surnames, anglicized or variant spellings, and religious distinctions (Catholic vs. Protestant patterns).

Overall planning tips

• Sequence your research: Online indexes and images first → targeted physical visits for gaps or depth.
• Prioritize by ancestry: Scottish lines → Edinburgh cluster; English → Kew + county offices or SoG; ROI → Dublin; Ulster/NI → Belfast + Dublin.
• Hybrid approach: Subscriptions (Ancestry, FindMyPast) or free portals reduce travel needs but rarely replace on-site access entirely.
• Costs and logistics: Travel and lodging are the biggest expenses; on-site access is often free or low-cost. Allow time for preparation and unexpected finds.