Couple with 99 grandchildren possibly record holders

Correction — June 29, 2019

Although 99 living grand-descendants is clearly unusual, the central claim of the article — that the case cited was at the time "possibly a world record" — does not appear plausible.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Hans and Josie Schaffer of Bedford, United Kingdom are possibly world record holders, now that they have a total of 99 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The pensioners spend most of the year saving for Christmas gifts. Their eleven children have brought them 56 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren.

"The kids just kept coming – and then their kids just kept coming," said Josie, 77, to the Sun newspaper.

Husband Hans was a prisoner of war in World War II, and went to work as a farmer for Josie's family. Now 85, they're about to celebrate their 60th anniversary.

While there is no existing record with Guinness for alive couples with the most grandchildren, Guinness World Records authorities say the couple very well might hold the record.

Glasgow resident Margaret McMillan had 123 grandchildren, but died last year at 98. It wasn't until her funeral that the number, which included 15 great-great-grandchildren, was established by the family.

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Sources

Virginia Wheeler. Pensioners have 99 grandkids <broken link> — The Sun, January 8, 2008
Lee-Ann Fullerton. GOODBYE SUPERGRAN; EXCLUSIVE Family mourn Margaret, the woman who had an amazing 123 grandkids. <broken link> [archived version] — Glasgow Daily Record, March 3, 2007

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