Son of James J. and Mary A. Guthrie. Brother of Gerald A., Henry J. and Vincent Guthrie and Mayme Guthrie Schuth. Married to Louise Simpson. Father of William Jr., and John Simpson Guthrie and Mary Elizabeth Guthrie Inge, Marian Guthrie Torrance, Ellen Margaret Guthrie and Geraldine Guthrie Entingh. Known for strong religious character and Catholic faith. Entered United States Military Academy from Colorado June 28, 1897 and graduated February 18, 1901 with commission of 2nd Lieutenant, 12th Cavalry. Served in Cavalry at Forts Sam Houston and Clark, Texas until March 1902. Transferred to Corps of Engineers and served at Washington D.C., Manila, Philippines, Fort Leavenworth and Fort Riley, Kansas until 1907. Transferred to Camp Colombia, Cuba where he served with Company M, 3rd Battalion of Engineered and on detached service in Department of Public Works at Havana, until end of Provisional Government in 1908. Served at Oswego, New York, Fort Leavenworth, Texas City, Mobile, Alabama, and commissioned Colonel of Engineers, National Army in August 1917 in command of 309th Engineers.