Record-breaking American family celebrates FIFTH generation born on the same day
As little Arthur Bell (USA) entered the world on 14 September 2025, his parents were delighted that he shared a birthday with his mother, Emma (1997).
And his grandfather, Donald (1972).
And his great-grandmother, Addie (1949) – as well as her grandfather, Wilber, who started the tradition all the way back in 1907.
Yes, that’s right – with the birth of Arthur, this American family has become the Guinness World Records title holders for the most generations born on the same day in recorded human history.
Donald Harlow (left; b. 14 September 1972), Arthur Bell (centre; b. 14 September 2025), and Emma Bell (right; b. 14 September 1997).
Beating out the long-standing and highly contested record of four generations – held simultaneously by seven different families, dating all the way back to the 1800s – the Bell and Harlow family are the first to trace this remarkable coincidence back through FIVE separate ancestors.
They told GWR that they were aware of the rarity of their situation back when they had an unbroken line of four generations tied to 14 September, but they waited to apply for the official record once they learned that their second child’s due date could fall on that magical day as well.
And sure enough, Arthur repeated the tradition – even continuing the alternate gender track record with boy-girl-boy-girl-boy.
“We kind of always knew that we held a record with four generations, we just never applied because we had that ambition to have the fifth on 14 September,” said mother, Emma. “And then it worked out!
“So we applied – better late, than never – and are now the sole record holders, instead of sharing it.”
Arthur’s grandfather, Donald Harlow, added that: “God works in beautiful ways.”
Baby Arthur’s great-great-grandfather – Wilber Harlow (b. 14 September 1907) – comes from his mom’s side of the family, and unfortunately passed away before even his grandfather Donald was born. Prior to his death, he was a postmaster, and also owned the Harlow General Store in Brooks, Iowa.
And on 14 September 1949, Wilber and his wife celebrated the birth of their daughter, Addie Harlow – Donald’s mom – on her father’s birthday, officially starting off the family coincidence.
Addie worked as a secretary for the Chief of Police in La Vista, Nebraska for over two decades, and after she retired she adored adding to her collections and spending time with her loved ones.
Her child, Donald Harlow, was also born on 14 September in 1972 – and Donald later fathered Emma, who gave birth on her birthday to her son Arthur.
Read more stories about record-breaking families in our dedicated Human Body section!
Sadly, Addie passed away in 2023 before she could meet Emma’s sweet baby boy – but for years, the family would celebrate birthdays together, usually by heading out to a restaurant and getting a cake with candles.
And when Wyatt came into the picture he happily bonded with the Harlows, attending these celebrations as a new member of the family. Wyatt and Emma later welcomed their first child, yet it wasn’t until Arthur’s due date was listed at 14 September that they realized they were about to carry on this wonderful habit.
“It seemed like a crazy coincidence, and even more that it continued the boy-girl-boy-girl-boy tradition,” said Emma, while Arthur sat in her lap.
The baby’s grandfather, Donald, shook his hand as she said it, and afterwards spoke directly to him: “Yup, you’re our miracle boy!”
And get this – the Harlows also told Omaha daily news site FirstAlert6 that 14 September isn’t the only coincidence in their family.
Great-great-grandfather Wilber and his wife, Addie, married in Maryville, Missouri – the same place where Emma and Wyatt met.
Talk about fate, huh?