| At Millburn Works, north of the town centre, Gunning & Son had a power loom weaving factory for the manufacture of plain linens, diapers and damask, which contained over 300 looms.
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| In the late 19th century, when in full operation, the factory gave employment to over 500 people.
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| Gunnings also added a large beetling & finishing concern that was driven by steam power at Wellbrook.
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| The weaving mill at the top end of the town on the Mill Burn was founded by James Gunning. He bought land for a dwelling house in 1851 and built for himself the mansion now called Coolnafranky House.
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| Many Cookstown families were associated with the Gunnings, throughout the town.
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| On a normal day, a steady stream of workers could be seen winding their way north in time for the 8am horn. A large loud steam horn sounded an hour earlier to wake the town. Workers finished at 6pm.
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| Before the factory canteen was introduced, workers had to go home for lunch or sit by the pond outside. The two resident swans were called Muff and Dick.
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 23rd November 1918: Roll of Honour
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| In memory of the following who made the supreme sacrifice during the great world war:-
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Lieutenant Donald Grubb, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
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Private Robert Ross, North Irish Horse
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Lance Corporal Nat Thom, 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
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Private James Smith, 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
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Private Alex McLarnon, 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
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Private Hugh Taylor, 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
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Private David Curran, 12th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
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Private George Usher, 2nd Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
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Private Joseph Bayne, 2nd Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
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Private James S Lavery, 2nd Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
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Private William Long, 5th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
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| Inserted by the workers and staff of Messrs John Gunning & Son, Millburn Works, Cookstown
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| Gunning’s Factory Memorial was originally erected after World War One in the Gunning’s Factory.
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| Mr Leeper, who was the last owner of the factory, lived at Wellbrook and coincidentally died on the day the factory closed on 31 August 1956.
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| The Memorial has since being moved to the Royal British Legion, Cookstown. This is located at the junction of Burn Road and Park Avenue in central Cookstown
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| The factory has since been demolished and is now the site of retail outlets.
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