Earl F. Guthrie

Earl F. Guthrie was the son of Frank Guthrie:

Published: June 15, 2007 11:55 am
Frank B. Guthrie — mayor and lawyer
Richard Copeland - HISTORY BUFF

Some historical laws are very difficult for Americans to understand.

Most of Europe had a law of primogeniture that meant that the eldest son inherited the estate or farm. Usually the second son was upposed to be educated for the priesthood and the third son was to become a soldier.

William Guthrie left Scotland because of this rather unique law. He came directly to Indiana and settled on a farm in Switzerland County in southern Indiana.

William left Switzerland County and moved to Washington Township in Cass County. His son, Alexander, received an excellent education and became a school teacher for a while until he had earned enough money to study law.

Alexander practiced law until his death in 1906.

Alexander’s brother, John, actually took part in the skirmish that ensued after Morgan’s Raid in southern Indiana during the Civil War. John later became an attorney in Kansas and was elected Mayor of Topeka, Kansas.

Frank Guthrie, son of Alexander and Mary Guthrie, was born on Aug. 19, 1865. The Guthrie family moved to Logansport and Frank attended the local elementary school and then Logansport High School. After graduating from high school, Frank began the study of law in his father’s law office. In 1892, Frank felt confident enough with his understanding of the law that he took the Bar Examination and passed and was admitted to the bar.

Frank was interested in the political process and was elected Justice of the Peace while still studying with his father. When he felt confident in his ability to practice, Frank entered the law office of DeWitt Clinton Justice, as a partner.

After the death of Mr. Justice, Frank practiced law by himself. He continued his great interest in the political process and soon gained the position of Chairman of the Democratic Central Committee of Cass County.

He held that position from 1906 until 1912. He also was invited to become the County Attorney, a job he held for many years.

Frank was elected mayor of Logansport in 1913. He was elected for a second term in 1921. While mayor of Logansport, he was credited with insisting on the building of the Water Filtering Plant. Under his administration, many of the graveled and brick streets were paved with asphalt and four and one half miles of the sewer system were constructed.

Frank belonged to the Eel River English Lutheran Methodist Church, the Odd Fellows Lodge 417 and Lodge number 66 of the Elks.

Frank married Catherine Miller on June 25, 1890. They had two sons, Earl F. and Asa E. Guthrie.

Frank Guthrie died Feb. 17, 1939.

WPA Marriages:

Mt. Hope Cemetrey Logansport, Indiana

GUTHRIE Earl F. 12 Mar 1891 7 Dec 1957 12 DEC 1957 aet 66 Section 12 Lot 0371 Space 04

GUTHRIE Helen Uhl 18 Jun 1893 17 Dec 1945 22 DEC 1945 aet 52 Section 12 Lot 0371 Space 03

The entire estate of the late Earl F. Guthrie, retired local druggist, was bequeathed to his son. Dr. James Uhl Guthrie, Lafayette, under terms of his will filed for probate in the Cass circuit court Wednesday. The estate was estimated at $50,000 in real estate and $7,000 in personal property. The son was named executor under the will dated July 12, 1951. Charles L. Anderson is the attorney for the estate. Wednesday Evening, December 11, 1957 Logansport, Pharos-Tribune.

funeral services for Earl F. Guthrie, 66, of 527 Brown street, will be at 2 p.m. today at the McCloskey-Hamilton funeral .home, with Rev. Walter Davis, Jr., officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Hope cemetery. Rites will be in charge of Tipton Lodge No. 33.TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1957 LOGANSPORT PRESS

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Earl F. Guthrie