From the Newark Daily Advocate (Newark, Ohio) June 12, 1888 

A HAPPY EVENT
______________

Col. and Mrs. W. R. Showman Celebrate 
Their Thirtieth Anniversary.
   
   A very happy event occurred at the pleasant and hospitable country home of Col. and Mrs. W. R. Showman, in the Cherry Valley, about halfway between Newark and Granville, last evening. The occasion was the celebration of the thirtieth anniversay of the marriage of Col. and Mrs. Showman, and those who are acquainted with the manner in which that worthy couple entertain, know full well that the happy event was royally celebrated.
   Quite a number of handsomely printed invitations were issued for the occasion, and some hundred guests responded in person. They were received in the happiest manner by Col. and Mrs. Showman, who, with their charming bevy of daughters and agreeable sons, proved to be most agreeable entertainers. The groom looked proud and happy, attired in his wedding suit of thirty years ago, and the bride looked as handsome and satisfied as when she first plighted her maiden troth to the man of her choice.
   On the 11th day of June, 1858, William R. Showman, Esq., a son of Jacob Showman, Esq., one of our pioneer citizens, was married to Miss Mary E. Gilliland, a daughter of Ambrose Gilliland, Esq., a prominent citizen of that time. The fateful ceremony was performed at the residence of Major Hiram Tenney, who lived on South Forth street in this city, at that time, near where Bourner and Phillips’ planing mill now stands. Rev. Banner Mark was the officiating clergyman. Mrs. Showman’s mother, who must be seventy years old, but who seemed thrty years younger, was possibly the only other person present last evening who was at the original wedding. Of this union fourteen children were born, eight daughters and six sons, of whom seven daughters and four sons are still living.
   The guests began arriving at 6 o’clock p.m. and soon filled the spacious mansion. The time was very pleasantly passed with music, social converse and dancing. A pleasant feature of the latter was the presence on the floor of the bride and groom of thirty years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Showman were the recipients of a number of handsome presents appropriate for the occasion.
   An elegant banquet was served, which for profusion and variety of delicious viands could not be surpassed. Altogether, the occasion was a most delightful one, and will linger long in pleasant memory. The numberless friends of Mr. and Mrs. Showman will unite in wishing them many happy returns.

-- transcription by Kate Maynard, 2010