The Family Focus is on . . .

WILLIAM GUTHRIE
& LETTICE BURK / FRANCES WILBOURN
~ Middlesex County, Virginia ~

We’re following a trail of genetic breadcrumbs to prove the origins of this Guthrie family from Middlesex County, Virginia. The choice may seem like an obvious one since that county is the home base for Guthrie Family Group 1A, but there were other genetically unrelated lineages residing in Colonial Virginia at about the same time.

Assuming a familial relationship exists is the surest way to get it wrong. Don’t bark up the wrong family tree when you’re on the hunt for your ancestors. Some due diligence is necessary before taking that leap.

Family Focus write ups include Origin Theories, Mistaken Identities, Family History and Documentation, Analysis of YDNA & Autosomal DNA results from the Guthrie DNA Project, and a summary with some Conclusions and Recommendations. You are encouraged to discuss the content, add historical data and sources, argue theories or present your own.

Origin Theories:

There is really only one true theory about William Guthrie’s origins, and it is probably right on target. Proving it has been the challenge. Because of William Guthrie’s documented ties to Christ Church Parish in Middlesex County, Virginia, it is believed that he is a descendant of Guthrie Family Group 1A.

As comprehensive as the records of Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County, Virginia seem to be, there are still a few holes created by gap years when the parish went without a minister. Many of the surrounding counties also experienced devastating records loss due to courthouse fires, so events that may have occurred nearby are now mired in mystery.

Based on what we know of the current GFG1A lineage, John Guthrie (1689-1733) is presumed to be the only surviving son of John Guthrie (d.1706) and Elizabeth Baskett. The parish register also credits them with sons Richard (b.1691) and Masey (b.1692), and daughters Ann (b.1687) and Mary (b.1702).

William Guthrie’s date of birth is unknown. If he was born in Christ Church Parish, his birth went unrecorded. His first marriage to Lettice Burk took place in that parish in 1716. If he was at least 16, his birth would have been 1700. If he was at least 30, it would have been 1686. That gives us a range of 1686-1700 as his estimated birth year. These dates easily fall into the birth range for John Guthrie & Elizabeth Baskett’s children.

Both of William’s marriages took place in Christ Church Parish, and the Vestry Books show he was a resident of the parish throughout his life there. He died in Middlesex County, Virginia 1781-1782.

Does that automatically prove he was born there, too? Well, no. It certainly increases the odds, but let’s try to find a little evidence to tip the scales.

Even if William Guthrie is proven to be a descendant of Guthrie Family Group 1A, it may be impossible to determine if he is a son of John Guthrie & Elizabeth Baskett. Maybe he’s just a nephew or cousin having purposely or coincidentally settled in the same place.

Mistaken Identities:

No specific mix ups noted for this William Guthrie. Have you found any?

Mary Guthrie, his daughter with Frances Wilbourn, who died in infancy, is often misidentified as the wife of Granville Gray Haggard of Albemarle County, VA. Haggard descendants do frequently show up in Autosomal DNA results, so Granville’s wife might actually be a Guthrie. Just not this one.

The Family of William Guthrie / Lettice Burk / Frances Willborn:

WILLIAM GUTHRIE
Parents: Unknown
Born: 1686-1700 (Estimated Range)
Location: Unknown, presumably in Virginia
Married 1st: Lettice Burk, 24 Jan 1716, Christ Church Parish, Middlesex, VA
Married 2nd: Frances Willbourn, 29 Nov 1728, CCP, Middlesex, VA
Occupation: Unknown
Died: 1781-1782 (Will dated 2 Apr 1781, Proved 22 Jul 1782)
Location: Middlesex County, Virginia
Buried: Middlesex County, Virginia, presumably

LETTICE BURK
Parents: John Burk & Mary Kendricks
Born: 24 Sep 1693 & baptized 29 Oct 1693
Location: Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County, Virginia
Children: Elizabeth (1718), Ann (1722), Rachel (1723)
Died: 26 Sep 1727
Location: Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County, Virginia
Buried: 28 Sep 1727, presumably in Middlesex County, Virginia

FRANCES WILLBOURN
Parents: Unproven, possibly Thomas Welborne & Arcadia Toft Scarborough
Born: 1702-1713 (Estimation)
Location: Unknown, presumably in Virginia
Children: Mary (1730), William (1731), John (1735), Frances (1737), Benjamin (17??) William (1740), Margaret (1742), Ann (1745), Samuel (1752)
Possible 2nd Marriage: Alexander Bristow on 26 May 1781
Died: After 1781 (William’s Will Names Wife Frances)
Location: Unknown, Virginia, presumably
Buried: Unknown

CHILDREN:

ELIZABETH ‘BETTY’ GUTHRIE
1718VA-p1772VA

Betty Guthrie was born in Christ Church Parish, Middlesex, VA on 20 March 1718, a daughter to William Guthrie & Lettice Burk. She married Robert Chowning on Christmas Eve, 24 Dec 1735, and they were parents to: Ruth (1736), Charles (1739), Christopher (1740), Robert (1740), and Easter (1743). The family eventually moved to Caroline County, Virginia where Betty died sometime after 1772. Robert Chowning was still alive in 1783, his DOD unknown.

Family Finder/Autosomal DNA Participants: Yes
Kit B4566
William Guthrie/Lettice Burk > Elizabeth Guthrie/Robert Chowning > Charles Chowning/Mildred Stephens > Robert Chowning/Mildred Walker > Ezra Walker Chowning/Elizabeth Samuel > Sanford Chowning/Elizabeth Chism > William B Chowning/Mary Lou McCann (GGP)

Kit 385320
William Guthrie/Lettice Burk > Elizabeth Guthrie/Robert Chowning > Charles Chowning/Mildred Stephens > Robert Chowning/Mildred Walker > Ezra Walker Chowning/Elizabeth Samuel > Sanford Chowning/Elizabeth Chism (GGP)

ANN GUTHRIE
1722VA-1737VA

The second child of William Guthrie & Lettice Burk, Ann Guthrie was born on 12 September 1722, baptized on 22 September 1722, and died on 8 September 1737. Her cause of death is unknown.

Family Finder/Autosomal DNA Participants: N/A

RACHEL GUTHRIE
1723VA-Unknown

Rachel Guthrie was the youngest daughter of William Guthrie and his first wife Lettice Burk, born on 29 November 1723 and baptized on 3 January 1724. There is no further data found on Rachel Guthrie in the Christ Church Parish records.

Family Finder/Autosomal DNA Participants: No – Probably N/A

BENJAMIN GUTHRIE
17??VA-1780VA

A son of William Guthrie and his second wife Frances Wilbourn, Benjamin’s DOB is unknown. Presumed to be after the date of his parents’ marriage in 1729 and before youngest brother Samuel in 1752. Benjamin Guthrie died in Middlesex County, VA in February of 1780. His will names siblings, their spouses, and relations suggesting that he was unmarried and had no issue. Both of his parents were also mentioned indicating that both of them were still living at the time he wrote the will in Feb 1780.

Y-DNA Project Participants: No – Probably N/A
Family Finder/Autosomal DNA Participants: No – Probably N/A

MARY GUTHRIE
1730VA-1730VA

Mary Guthrie is believed to be the eldest daughter of William & Frances (Wilbourn) Guthrie. She was born on 26 March and baptized 3 April 1730. She died 1 month later of unknown causes.

This child, despite her documented DOD in infancy is frequently identified as the Mary Guthrie who married Granville Gray Haggard.

Family Finder/Autosomal DNA Participants: N/A

WILLIAM GUTHRIE
1731VA-1732VA

William Guthrie, who was probably William & Frances’ eldest son, also died in his infancy. There is a minor discrepancy in the 1897 transcript of the Christ Church Parish Register, which lists William’s DOD as 1 Jan 1831 despite listing his DOB as 7 Sep 1731. Since his sister Mary was born March 1730, it is more likely that William’s DOB is correct, and that his DOD was in 1732.

Family Finder/Autosomal DNA Participants: N/A

JOHN GUTHRIE
1735VA-Unknown

John Guthrie was born on 25 July 1735 and baptized on 24 August 1735 in Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County, Virginia. I don’t know much about John Guthrie. He was living in Gloucester County, Virginia in 1780 when his brother Benjamin Guthrie wrote his will naming John’s daughter Frances as one of his heirs. The 1782 Tax List for Ware, Gloucester, Virginia lists John Guthrie and his wife Martha with 180 acres, 9 negros, 5 horses, and 12 cattle.

Family Finder/Autosomal DNA Participants: No

FRANCES GUTHRIE
1737VA-Unknown

William & Frances’ daughter, Frances Guthrie, was born on 21 Sep 1737 and baptized on 2 Oct 1737 in Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County, Virginia. She appears to have twice married. First, to John Berry, and second to Griffin Tuggle on 10 Jan 1779. Frances is listed with an estimated DOD of about 1800 in Middlesex County, Virginia (no source data).

Family Finder / Autosomal DNA Participants: No

WILLIAM GUTHRIE
1740VA-1809NC

UNPROVEN CONNECTION. William Guthrie is believed to be the son of William Guthrie & Frances Wilbourn, who was born in Christ Church Parish on 16 March 1740 and baptized 6 April 1740. He was the second son of that name, the first dying in his infancy in 1732.

This William Guthrie married Mary Magdalene Roarke about 1770. They had 4 known sons: William (1771), Claiborne (1777), German (1780), and Beverly (1785).

They had moved to Cane Creek, Orange County, North Carolina by 1777. William purchased property in Chatham County, NC that was originally going to be purchased by Samuel Guthrie. No acreage specified. The family remained in Chatham County, and William Guthrie wrote his will there on 18 April 1809 naming his wife and sons. His son German had predeceased him, and so he also named his three grandchildren by German in the will.

The Y-DNA of William & Mary Magdalene (Roarke) Guthrie’s descendant is a genetic match for GFG1A, which precisely fits the Origin Theory for his prospective parents, William & Frances (Wilbourn) Guthrie.

Y-DNA Project Participants: Yes
Kit 517928 (No FF)
William Guthrie/Mary Magdalene Roark > Claiborne Guthrie/Eleanor Newlin > John Braxton Guthrie/Nancy MNU > Alvis Thomas Guthrie/Emma Valeria Cates (GGP)

Family Finder / Autosomal DNA Participants: Yes
Kit 287202
William Guthrie/Mary Magdalen Roarke > Claiborne Guthrie/Elenor Newlin > John Braxton Guthrie/Nancy MNU > Alvis Thomas Guthrie/Emma Valeria Cates (GGP)

MARGARET GUTHRIE
1742VA-Unknown

Margaret Guthrie was born on 9 Oct 1742 and baptized 7 Nov 1742 in Christ Church, Middlesex, Virginia. She married Richard Daniel on 2 Oct 1764 in Middlesex, VA. They had one known son: Richard (1765). No further details.

Family Finder / Autosomal DNA Participants: No

ANN GUTHRIE
1745VA-Unknown

Ann Guthrie was born on 4 August 1745 and baptized 1 September 1745 in Christ Church, Middlesex, Virginia. She married Samuel Bristow there on 7 January 1765 at the age of 19.

Some online trees, including the Wright Family Tree speculate that the records for various Samuel Bristow men have been confused and mixed resulting in a jumble of misidentified descendants.

He was from Surry County, Virginia. Ann was his second wife. He had been married to a Mary (MNU) with whom he had 4 children. There may be some confusion as to which Samuel Bristow was the husband of Ann Guthrie. Samuel’s will identifies only his 5 youngest: John, Benjamin, James, Hannah, and Willis, as he had already provided for his other children Ann’s DOD is unknown. Samuel died on 2 October 1794 in Southampton County, Virginia having written his will the same year. Records in Southampton establish Samuel, Anne, Nicholas, John, Benjamin, James, Hannah and Willis and possibly Samuel, William, Ruth, Lucy, and Mary as a family. 

We have a descendant of Lucy Bristow in the project. Will there be atDNA evidence of a Guthrie ancestor?

Family Finder / Autosomal DNA Participants: Yes
Kit 210482
William Guthrie/Frances Wilbourn > Ann Guthery/Samuel Bristow > Lucy Bristow/William Stephenson > William George Stephenson/Elizabeth Williford > James Edwin Stephenson/Mary Ann Griffith > Robert Timothy Stephenson/Martha Winifred Rountree (GGP).

LUCY GUTHRIE
c1750VA-c1775VA

The relationship between Lucy Guthrie and her prospective parents, William and Frances (Wilbourn) Guthrie, is speculative. Lucy’s children are named in the 1780 will of her brother Benjamin Guthrie, who made other bequests to his siblings and nieces and nephews. Unknown if her full name was Lucinda or simply Lucy. She married William Daniel in Christ Church Parish, Middlesex, VA on 26 July 1770. They had 2 children: Samuel (1771), and Catharine (1773). No further data.

Family Finder / Autosomal DNA Participants: No

SAMUEL GUTHRIE
1752VA-Unknown

Samuel Guthrie was born on 8 July 1752 in Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County, Virginia. He married Jane Kinningham before 1780. He was still in Middlesex in 1781 as his father named him executor of his estate. By 1788, he had moved to Chatham County, NC and is enumerated there in 1790 and 1800. Samuel and Jane had 3 children: John Wilburne (1780), Elizabeth Reins (1794), and William (17??). Samuel presumably died in Chatham County, NC sometime after 1800.

Y-DNA Project Participants: No
Family Finder / Autosomal DNA Participants: No

Documented Family History / Historical Highlights:

1669-1674: FORMATION of MIDDLESEX COUNTY, VIRGINIA
Lancaster County, Virginia Colony

1686-1700: (EST.) BIRTH of WILLIAM GUTHRIE
Virginia, presumably

William Guthrie’s date of birth and baptism are not found in the Christ Church Parish register. This is the main reason for any lingering doubt in linking him to the family of John Guthrie & Elizabeth Baskett of GFG1A.

The estimated range for his year of birth is based on the date of William’s first marriage. If he was at least 16, his birth would have been 1700. If he was at least 30, it would have been 1686. That gives us a range of 1686-1700 as his estimated birth year.

1693: BIRTH & BAPTISM of LETTICE BURK
Christ Church Parish, Middlesex, Virginia

Lettice Burk was born to John and Mary Burk on 24 Sep 1693. She was baptized on 29 Sep 1693.

1702-1713: (EST.) BIRTH of FRANCES WILBOURN
Virginia, presumably

The estimated dates are calculated based on Frances being no younger than 15 at her marriage and no older than 50 at the birth of her last child.

A few unsourced family trees list Capt. Thomas Wellborn 1640VA-1702VA & Arcadia Toft-Scarborough of Accomack County, Virginia as Frances’ parents. Accomack is on the eastern shore of Virginia across Chesapeake Bay from Middlesex County. Arcadia was one of three illegitimate daughters of Edmund Scarborough, a Burgess in the Virginia court, and his mistress, Anne Toft. The majority of their children appear to be born 1680s-90s, which would be too early for Frances Wilbourn. If she is of that line, it is possibly she was their granddaughter instead of their child.

1716: MARRIAGE of WILLIAM GUTHRIE and LETTICE BURK
Christ Church Parish, Middlesex, Virginia on 24 Jan 1716

William and Lettice would have 3 daughters: Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ Guthrie (1718), Ann Guthrie (1722), and Rachel (1723)

1718: BIRTH of DAUGHTER – ELIZABETH ‘BETTY’ GUTHRIE
Christ Church Parish, Middlesex, Virginia on 20 Mar 1718

Betty was born on 20 Mar 1718, and baptized on 19 April 1719. She married Robert Chowning on 24 Dec 1735 in Christ Church Parish, Middlesex, Virginia. They had 5 known children: Ruth (1736), Charles (1739), Christopher (1740), Robert (1740), Easter/Esther (1743). They lived in Caroline County, Virginia. Betty died there sometime after 1772.

1720: VESTRY BOOK ENTRY
Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County, Virginia on 10 Oct 1720

p.174 Wm Guttry for keeping Honora Baskett – 800 pounds tobacco

1722: COURT RECORDS
Middlesex County, Virginia on 1 May 1722

William Guttrey produced a certificate of his having taken up Pekoney, a negro boy belonging to Mr Phillip Todd of K&Q Co., and made oath sd service was done and that had rec’d no satisfaction for same. Ordered continued for next General Assembly.

1722: BIRTH of DAUGHTER – ANN GUTHRIE
Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County, Virginia on 12 Sep 1722

Ann Guthrie, the second child of William & Lettice (Burk) Guthrie was born on 12 Sep and baptized 22 Sep 1772. She died at the age of 14 years old on 8 Sep 1737. Her cause of death is unknown.

1726: VESTRY BOOK ENTRY
Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County, Virginia on 9 Apr 1726

William Gutrie is listed as a witness to the will of Robert Williamson 9 Apr 1726 / 5 Jun 1726.

1727: DEATH & BURIAL of WIFE – LETTICE (BURK) GUTHRIE
Christ Church Parish, Middlesex, Virginia on 26 / 28 Sep 1727

1728: MARRIAGE of WILLIAM GUTHRIE AND FRANCES WILBOURN
Christ Church Parish, Middlesex, Virginia on 29 November 1728

William and Frances would have (so we believe) 10 children together: Benjamin (1729/52), Mary (1730), William (1732), John (1735), Frances (1737), William (1740), Margaret (1742), Ann (1745), Lucy (1750), Samuel (1752).

1730: BIRTH & DEATH of DAUGHTER – MARY GUTHRIE
Christ Church Parish, Middlesex, Virginia on 26 Mar 1730 / 5 May 1730

Mary Guthrie was possibly William and Frances’ first child. She was born on 26 March 1730, baptized 3 April 1730, and died 5 May 1730 at 40 days of age. Her cause of death is unknown.

1731: BIRTH of SON – WILLIAM GUTHRIE
Christ Church Parish, Middlesex, Virginia on 7 Sep 1731

William Guthrie was born 7 Sep and baptized 17 Oct 1731. He died 1 Jan 1732.

1735: BIRTH of SON – JOHN GUTHRIE
Christ Church Parish, Middlesex, Virginia on 5 Jul 1735

John Guthrie was the eldest surviving son of William & Frances (Wilbourn) Guthrie. He was born on 25 Jul 1735, and baptized on 24 Aug 1735. He married Martha (MNU) and they had at least 1 daughter, Frances Guthrie. John and his family were living in Gloucester County, Virginia by 1780 when his brother Benjamin wrote his will. The Ware Parish, Gloucester 1782 tax list shows John and Martha with 180 acres, 8 engross, 5 horses, 12 cattle.

1736: COURT RECORDS
Middlesex County, Virginia on 6 Jun 1736

On motion of William Gutroy an evidence for William Finney and Honore Tayor agst Sarah Miller. To be paid 1 day attendance & costs as their witness.

1737: BIRTH of FRANCES GUTHRIE
Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County, Virginia on 21 Sep 1737

Frances Guthrie married at least twice. First to John Berry before 1770, secondly to Griffin Tuggle on 10 Jan 1779, and then possibly to Alexander Bristow in 1781. The latter could have been the remarriage of her widowed mother Frances (Wilbourn) Guthrie. She had at least one son, John Miller Berry II (1770). I am not certain if she had issue with Tuggle.

1740: BIRTH of (PROSPECTIVE) SON – WILLIAM GUTHRIE
Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County, Virginia on 16 March 1740

William Guthrie was born on 16 Mar 1740 and baptized on 16 Mar 1740 to William & Frances (Wilbourn) Guthrie. Their son’s DOB and baptism are recorded in the CCP Records. The proof that their son, William Guthrie, is the same man who married Mary Magdalene Roark and lived in Orange and Chatham Counties, NC is lacking. William and Mary Magdalene had 4 known sons: William (1771), Claiborne (1777), German (1780), and Beverly (1785). William died between 1809 and 1810 in Chatham County, NC.

1742: VESTRY BOOK ENTRY
Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County, Virginia on 7 Oct 1742

p.256 (Credit) by William Guthry – 560 (lbs tobacco)
p.257 William Guthrie for keeping Ockaney Panto – 800 lbs tobacco

1742: BIRTH of DAUGHTER – MARGARET GUTHRIE
Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County, Virginia on 9 Oct 1742

Margaret Guthrie was born on 9 Oct and baptized 7 Nov 1742. She married Richard Daniel on 2 Oct 1764 in Middlesex County, Virginia. They had at least 1 son, Richard. No further details known.

1744: COURT RECORDS
Middlesex County, Virginia on 1 May 1744

Upon the petition of William Guthrey who hath the care of Okany Pantor, a poor man. Ordered said Pantor be hence exempted from payment of any county levy.

Henry Tracker v. William Guthrey in debt for concealing a tithable 2 years. (See entry same day re: Ockany Pantor).

1744: VESTRY BOOK ENTRY
Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County, Virginia on 12 Oct 1744

p.262 William Guthry for keeping Okaney Panto – 800 lbs

1745: BIRTH of DAUGHTER – ANN GUTHRIE
Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County, Virginia on 4 Aug 1745

Ann Guthrie was born on 4 Aug 1745 and baptized 1 Sep 1745. She married Samuel Bristow on 7 Jan 1765. Samuel died in Southampton County, VA on 2 Oct 1794. Ann’s DOD is unknown, but it was after Samuel wrote his will in 1794. He also names his “five last children” John, Benjamin, James, Hannah, and Willis having already provided for his other children.

1745: VESTRY BOOK ENTRY
Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County, Virginia on 12 Oct 1745

p.264 William Guthry for keeping Okaney Panto 5 months – 333 lbs tobacco. William Guthry for burying Okaney Panto – 200 lbs tobacco.

ABOUT 1750 – BIRTH of DAUGHTER – LUCY GUTHRIE
Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County, Virginia on 26 Jul 1770

Lucy Guthrie was born about 1750. No record has been found in the CCPR. She married 26 July 1770 to William Daniel. They had 2 children listed: Samuel (1771) and Catherine (1773). Lucy is believed to have died about 1775.

BEFORE 1752: BIRTH of SON – BENJAMIN GUTHRIE
Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County, Virginia , presumably 1729-1752

1752: BIRTH of SON – SAMUEL GUTHRIE
Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County, Virginia on 8 Jul 1752

Samuel Guthrie was born on 8 Jul 1752. He married before 1780 to Jane Kinningham with whom he had 3 known children: John Wilburne Guthrie, Elizabeth Reins Guthrie, and William Guthrie. They lived in Chatham County, North Carolina.

1757: WITNESS to the WILL of ANN TUGGLE
Middlesex County, Virginia on 1 Sep 1757

1767: VESTRY BOOK ENTRY
Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County, Virginia on 1 Dec 1767

p.340 To William Guthry – 100 lbs tobacco (no reason listed).

1780: DEATH of SON – BENJAMIN GUTHRIE
Middlesex County, Virginia in February 1780

134–p.179 Benjamin Guthrie. 22 Feb 1780 – 28 Feb 1780.
Sis Frances Tuggle. Bro John Guthries of Gloucester CO. Bros Samuel Guthrie and William Guthrie. William Berry and John Berry. John Berry, son of my sis Frances Berry and her husband John Berry. Frances Guthrie, dau of John Guthrie. Samuel Daniel, son of William Daniel and Lucy Daniel. Caty Daniel, dau of William Daniel and Lucy Daniel, money for schooling. Schooling of James Stevens, son of John Stevens. Ann Callaham, dau of John Callaham. Letty Cloudas, dau of John Cloudas of Essex CO. Sis Margaret Daniel Daniel [sic twice]. Father and mother during their lifetimes. Sis Ann Bristow. Exrs Robert Stamper and Samuel Guthrie. Leonard Bristow, son of Richard Bristow and Mary Bristow. Wit Samuel Klug, Harry B. Yates and Thomas Roane.

1781: WILLIAM GUTHRIE’S WILL WRITTEN
Middlesex County, Virginia on 2 April 1781

WB F: 237 – William Guthrie…2 Apr 1781 / 22 Jul 1782…Wife Frances Guthrie. My surviving children (not named.) Exors: Wife, son Samuel Guthrie and friend John George. Wit: James Piggot, John Acra and John George, Jr.

1781-1782: DEATH of WILLIAM GUTHRIE
Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County, Virginia, presumably

The date of William’s death is not recorded in the CCP Register. He would have died sometime after he wrote his will on 2 April 1781 and the time his will was proved in court on 22 July 1782.

1781: POSSIBLE 2ND MARRIAGE for FRANCES (WILBOURN) GUTHRIE
Christ Church Parish, Middlesex County, Virginia on 28 May 1781

There is a marriage recorded in the CCP Register for Frances Guthrie and Alexander Bristow on 28 May 1781. This does not appear to be Frances, daughter of William & Frances (Wilbourn) Guthrie, unless it is her 3rd marriage after John Berry and Griffin Tuggle. There is a very tight time frame that would allow this marriage, presuming that William Guthrie died soon after writing his will on 2 April 1781, and then the Guthrie-Bristow marriage on 28 May 1781. The witness to the marriage was Griffin Tuggle.
(VGS.  Middlesex Co., Va. Marriage Bonds and Minister Returns, 1740-1852, p. 12).

After 1781: DEATH of FRANCES (WILBOURN) GUTHRIE
Virginia, presumably

The date and location of Frances’ death are not recorded in the CCP Register. Since she was named in William Guthrie’s will, we know that she was alive in 1781.

If Frances did remarry to Alexander Bristow, it appears that she died between 1781-1794 when Alexander Bristow is recorded as marrying Elizabeth Knowles in Middlesex Co., Virginia.  Bond 23 April 1794; p. 41.  Sur. and Wit. George Atkins.  (VGS. Middlesex Co., Virginia Marriage Bonds and Minister Returns, 1740-1852, p. 12)

The Guthrie DNA Project:

Y-DNA Project Participants

Technically, there are no confirmed direct paternal line descendants from William Guthrie & Frances Wilbourn in the project. The following lineage is only theorized to belong to this line.

Kit 517928:
William Guthrie & Frances Wilbourn > William Guthrie* & Mary Magdalene Roarke > Claiborne Guthrie & Elenor Newlin > John Braxton Guthrie & Nancy Braxton (2xGGP) +More
*William Guthrie’s relationship to prospective parents is unconfirmed.

This participant is a Y-DNA match for GFG1A. He has a Y67 marker test, which matches 67/67 with the Group Mode DNA (most common results at any given genetic marker). No FF test at this time. GFG1A is the Guthrie Family Group that includes the Descendants of John Guthrie & Elizabeth Baskett of Middlesex County, Virginia. To determine whether William Guthrie* is the son of William Guthrie & Frances Wilbourn, the project needs a descendant of one of William & Frances’ other sons to provide a matching Y-DNA test.

Family Finder / Autosomal DNA Project Participants

Kit 210482:
William Guthrie & Frances Wilbourn > Ann Guthrie & Samuel Bristow (5xGGP)

This kit has 11 matches to relatives with Guthrie ancestry.

GFG1A – 1 of 11 – 9% (12.5% of Established Guthrie Family Groups)
GFG2A – 3 of 11 – 27% (37.5% of Established GFG)
GFG2E – 1 of 11 – 9% (12.5% of Established GFG)
GFG4 – 2 of 11 – 18% (25% of Established GFG)
GFG5 – 1 of 11 – 9% (12.5% of Established GFG)
Ungrouped – 2 of 11 – 18%

Relatives #1, 3, and 8 are found in common, but all three have Guthrie ancestors from different genetic groups. Therefore, their shared DNA is from a non-Guthrie source. However, one of them could share Guthrie DNA with this participant.

Appears to skew toward Guthrie Family Group 2A, but there is a small volume of matches and 18% of those group origins remain unidentified.

Impression: Inconclusive

Kit 385320:
William Guthrie & Lettice Burk > Elizabeth Guthrie & Robert Chowning (5xGGP)

This person has 19 matches to people of Guthrie ancestry. Ten more than his 1st-2nd cousin from Kit B4566 below. This is typical of Autosomal DNA. Siblings and cousins inherit a different mix of ancestral DNA, so some of the matches will be unique to one person versus the other.

Own Line – 1 of 19 – 5% (11.1% of Established Guthrie Family Groups)
GFG1A – 1 of 19 – 5% (11.1% of Established GFG)
GFG2A – 5 of 19 – 26% (55.5% of Established GFG)
GFG13 – 1 of 19 – 5% (11.1% of Established GFG)
Ungrouped – 6 of 19 – 31%
No Family Tree – Not in Tree – Private Tree – Other Issue – 5 of 19 – 26%

So far there is no indication of a match with the theorized group GFG1A. Again, GFG2A has the greatest percentage of the matches to established groups, but 57% of the matches either have no group or there is no family data for comparison. Skews toward GFG2A, but too much data unknown.

Impression: Inconclusive

Kit B4566:
William Guthrie & Lettice Burk > Elizabeth Guthrie & Robert Chowning (6xGGP)

The daughter of this project member is also a participant in atDNA testing, however she shares no Guthrie matches with her mother. This is probably due to the generational distance between them and their closest Guthrie ancestor. The mother inherited 0.39% of her genetic makeup from her 6th GGP, while the daughter only 0.195%. It’s a little more difficult to find some cousins with matching genetic segments. That’s why participant volume is so important when it comes to Autosomal DNA.

Own Line – 2 of 9 – 22%
GFG1A – 1 of 9 – 11% (20% of Established Guthrie Family Groups)
GFG2A – 3 of 9 – 33% (60% of Established GFG)
GFG14 – 1 of 9 – 11% (20% of Established GFG)
Ungrouped – 1 of 9 – 11%
No Tree – 1 of 9 – 11%

Once again, the most matches are to people to established groups are from GFG2A, but the volume of matches is too low to consider this a significant skew in that direction.

Impression: Inconclusive

Kit 287202:
William Guthrie & Frances Wilbourn > William Guthrie* & Mary Magdalene Roarke > Claiborne Guthrie & Elenor Newlin > John Braxton Guthrie & Nancy Braxton (2xGGP) +More
*This lineage is theorized to belong to this line.

This confirmed GFG1A participant is a descendant of William Guthrie & Mary Magdalene Roarke. We theorize that William is the son of William Guthrie & Frances Wilborn, but do not have a corresponding matching YDNA test to confirm their relationship. By including these Autosomal DNA we are looking for evidence that there is a relationship to GFG1A or to any of the other groups.

This Guthrie descendant has 27 matches to people of Guthrie ancestry. If there is only 1 Guthrie ancestral line, there can be a direct relationship to only 1 Guthrie Family Group. That means anyone from a different group is related in some other way. People from Ungrouped Guthrie Families do not have genetic or documented evidence of an associated group.

GFG1A – 2 of 27 – 7.4% (15.3% of Established Guthrie Family Groups)
GFG2A – 5 of 27 – 18.5% (38.4% of Established GFG)
GFG3A – 1 of 27 – 3.7% (7.6% of Established GFG)
GFG4 – 1 of 27 – 3.7% (7.6% of Established GFG)
GFG5 – 1 of 27 – 3.7% (7.6% of Established GFG)
GFG9 – 1 of 27 – 3.7% (7.6% of Established GFG)
GFG11 – 1 of 27 – 3.7% (7.6% of Established GFG)
GFG13 – 1 of 27 – 3.7% (7.6% of Established GFG)
Ungrouped – 10 of 27 – 37%
No Family Tree – Not in Tree – Private Tree – Other – 4 of 27 – 14.8%

These matches show you how difficult it can be to prove a connection to a specific family with Autosomal DNA. This descendant definitely belongs to GFG1A, yet has only 2 matches to cousins with a known connection to that group.

Match #4 from GFG1A shares a Guthrie match with this kit owner, however that person’s group is GFG5. That proves the shared DNA comes from a non-Guthrie ancestor.

Match #11 from GFG1A shares some DNA with Guthrie matches 9 and 17, a mother and son who both descend from Sarah Guthrie 1734PA-1799KY & Samuel Brown. This is an Ungrouped Guthrie Family, which means there is a potential for them to belong to GFG1A.

It doesn’t matter that this kit has a few more matches to people who happen to be related to GFG2A. There is Y-DNA proof that the line belongs to GFG1A.

COMBINED KIT RESULTS:

Looking at the combined matches, there are very few that are found in more than one kit. Most are unique matches to the kit owner. The one additional match to their own line is the daughter of a participant. The top two Guthrie Family Groups with matches are:
GFG1A – 4 of 59 – 6.7%
GFG2A – 14 of 59 – 23.7%

Ungrouped + Other Matches – 29 of 59 – 49%

As a percentage of matches to Established Guthrie Family Groups:
GFG1A – 4 of 30 – 13.3%
GFG2A – 14 of 30 – 46.6%

The results skew toward GFG2A when looking at matches to known groups. However, there are still 49% of the matches without a GFG designation.

Impression: Inconclusive

Conclusions, & Recommendations:

The choice we had in selecting Guthrie Family Group 1A suddenly doesn’t seem quite so obvious. Autosomal DNA in its current match volume is not producing enough evidence to conclusively skew toward one group or another. I recommend these participants contact the matches who do not have trees in order to inquire about their Guthrie ancestry.

Descendants who have taken AncestryDNA tests should consider providing the Guthrie DNA Project administrator ‘viewer’ access to your results for a similar analysis. The volume of DNA Kits is significantly higher there than any other testing facility. These results may also be added to the FTDNA database via their free Autosomal Transfer Protocol in order to be directly included in the project. Results from HeritageDNA or 23andMe are also eligible for transfer.

We also need a Y-DNA test from a direct paternal line male descendant of one of William Guthrie & Frances Wilbourn’s sons. A genetic match to prospective son William will conclusively prove a connection to GFG1A. A genetic match to any of the other groups will provide a different origin story.

If you have information on this Guthrie family, details you want to add to their Family Focus story, or would like to chime in with your own theory, add your comments below.