In 1863, he enlisted in the First Michigan Light Artillery, and spent about a year and a half fighting in the Civil War.

In 1865, after his discharge from the army, William Core returned to Leelanau County and purchased 160 acres[3] to homestead at this site.

The couple had ten children, eight of whom lived to adulthood: Perry, Arzina, Annie, Lucy, Julius, George, David, and Oscar.

[5] Rex Dobson died in 2011, ending 146 years of continuous family operation of the William and Margaret McFarland Core Farm.

[8] The William and Margaret McFarland Core Farm is sited among rolling hills, containing fields, woodlands, and orchards.