The Van Wert Republican
Van Wert, Ohio
2 August, 1888

A Large Family.

    Last Friday will, for many years, be remembered by the members of Mrs. James G. Gilliland’s family, who held a grand reunion at the residence of J. J. McMillen, about a mile east of this place, on that day. Mrs. Gilliland is one of the oldest settlers in the county, being seventy-nine years of age, and having moved to Van Wert in the year 1835. At that time there were but two other families in this part of the county, and the Wyandot Indians were often to be seen hunting here, this being one of their hunting grounds.
    Last Friday Mrs. Gilliland had the pleasure of having sixty-five of her children, grand-children, and great-grandchildren around her. Sixteen of the family were unable to be present. This was one of the most pleasant reunions ever enjoyed by this large and respected family, and all were sorry when the day came to an end and they had to leave for their different homes; some in Paulding, some in Crestline and some in Illinois.

-- transcription by Kate Maynard, 2011