Courier-Journal
October 24, 1885

DEATH OF MR. J. D. GUTHRIE
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A Man who was Widely Known for his
Enterprise and Public Spirit
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A dispatch received yesterday announced the death of Jephtha D. Guthrie, at his home near Shelbyville, KY. The news came to Louisville as the tidings of a local calamity, for his place in the affection and the business interest of the city has never been relinquished to his later home. He was one of the pioneer business men of the town, and had amassed a fortune of nearly $300,000 prior to his removal to Shelby County, about fifteen years ago. This he afterward largely added to by the breeding of Holstein cattle, which he first successfully introduced into the State.
Mr. Guthrie was an active mason, and the first President of the Masonic Widows’ and Orphans Home. In his later years he was a prominent Granger, being for some time manager of the co-operative store which that body instituted some years ago, and which, under the wise impetus of his policy, is still in existence. At the time of his death, in addition to his large farming interests, he was a partner in the People’s Mil of Shelbyville, a Director of the Shelby County Fair, and one of the managing Directors of the Farmers’ and Traders’ Bank. In addition to his wife, who survives him, he leaves a family of two sons and three daughters.
Mr. Guthrie removed to Shelby County form this city sixteen years ago. He was the uncle of Mr. B. F. Guthrie, the well-known banker. No one who ever knew him failed to love him; and, now that he is dead, the record of his simple life, kept as it is in many hearts, is an epitaph tenderer and more enduring than any to be engraved on stone. At the time of his death he was 67 years of age.
Contributor: Vernon Purvis (49568274)