John B. Guthrie

For other people named John Guthrie, see John Guthrie (disambiguation).
John B. Guthrie
Portrait of John B. Guthrie,
c. 1851–1853
18th Mayor of Pittsburgh
In office
1851–1853
Preceded byJoseph Barker
Succeeded byRobert M. Riddle
Personal details
Born(1807-07-28)July 28, 1807
Kittanning, Pennsylvania
DiedAugust 17, 1885(1885-08-17) (aged 78)
Cresson, Pennsylvania
SpouseCatherine Murray
ChildrenGeorge W. Guthrie
Military service
Allegiance United States
Battles/warsMexican–American War

John B. Guthrie (July 28, 1807 – August 17, 1885), a Democrat, was twice elected Mayor of Pittsburgh[1] and served from 1851 to 1853.[2]

Biography

John Brandon Guthrie was born in Kittanning, Pennsylvania, the son of shipbuilder James V. Guthrie and Martha Brandon, daughter of Revolutionary War captain John Brandon. When Guthrie was young, his family moved from Armstrong County to Pittsburgh.[3]

Guthrie married Catherine Murray, daughter of Magnus Miller Murray, the lawyer, businessman, and two-time mayor of Pittsburgh.[3] Guthrie served in the Mexican War with the Duquesne Grays. He was appointed "Collector of Customs" for the port of Pittsburgh.

Guthrie served two terms as mayor. During his terms, Guthrie appointed a new police force who ended the lawlessness of 1851 in Pittsburgh.[3] Guthrie was the father of George W. Guthrie, who would also serve as mayor.

Guthrie was a member of the Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention of 1872–73.[3]

He died in 1885 in Cresson, Pennsylvania. He is buried in Allegheny Cemetery.

See also

References

  1. ^ Cushing, Thomas B. "History of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania: including its early settlement and progress to the present time ; a description of its historic and interesting localities ; its cities, towns and villages; religious, educational, social and military history ; mining, manufacturing and commercial interests, improvements, resources, statistics, etc. ; also, biographies of many of its representative citizens". Historic Pittsburgh Text Collection. University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved 30 September 2013.
  2. ^ Smith, Percy F. (1901). Notable men of Pittsburgh and vicinity. Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh, Digital Research Library. p. 88.
  3. ^ a b c d Fleming, George T. "History of Pittsburgh and environs: from prehistoric days to the beginning of the American revolution, Vol. 2". Historic Pittsburgh Text Collection. University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved 26 September 2013.
Preceded by Mayor of Pittsburgh
1851–1853 		Succeeded by