Jonathan and Mary Buffum Wheeler were blessed with eleven children. Four died at an early age and two never married. Only two sons, Daniel and Jonathan, were left to perpetuate the name of Wheeler. The three girls, Elizabeth, Ruth, and Mary, married men who introduced the names of Babcock, Mowry, and Southwick to our family tree.

It is the descendants of these five children of Jonathan and Mary who have annually gathered for a reunion since 1860. There were no records kept of the first three meetings. However, we know from the minutes of the 1863 meeting, recorded by the Secretary Jonas D. Southwick, that this was the "4th Annual meeting". 

The family's statistical records show that about ninety descendants are thought to have been living at the time of the first Wheeler family gathering. Of the first generation descendants of Jonathan and Mary, only their daughter Mary was known to be living at the time. Daniel died in 1853, Elizabeth died in 1859, Ruth died in 1816, and Jonathan in 1851. At the time of the first gathering there were 19 second-generation, 56 third-generation, and 17th fourth-generation descendants known to be living. It is not known how many of these actually attended the first gathering. 

The Wheeler family gathers annually on the first Saturday in August, rain or shine. The First Parish Church in Berlin, MA is our rain location. Since its conception in 1860, the Wheeler family reunions were held at Elm Farm in Berlin, followed by Robert B Wheeler's home on Highland Street until 1968. The gatherings later took place at various locations, including St. Joseph's Church in Berlin and the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Lynde in Massachusetts. 1981, marked a 36-year span of the reunions being hosted on Balance Rock Farm on Highland Street in Berlin. In 2016, the reunion location moved right down the street to the home of Lauren & Bobby Fillios.

Traditionally, Wheeler reunions revolve around a noon meal, prepared and shared on a cooperative basis. The menu evolved over the years, featuring dishes like ham, tongue, baked beans, salads, pickles, coffee, pie, cake, cheese, and watermelon. Coffee was cherished, and efforts were made to ensure an abundant supply of crockery and silverware. In 1971, buffet-style serving with paper plates and plastic utensils replaced the family-style tradition. In 1972, china and silver storage was discontinued, and the remaining pieces were auctioned. The annual dinner preparations involved dedicated individuals, with a committee established to manage the planning and execution.