The Documents Behind the Story

Image 1

Newspaper Obituary

Ernest A. Williams, 87, of Carlton Township — farmer, factory hand, and the family's clearest documentary link between the Willitts, Williams, and Taliaferro names.

1974

Image 2

Tintype Portrait

Two unidentified young men, believed to be Willitts or Williams family members based on the photograph's era. Names lost to time.

c. 1870s–1890s

Image 3

Family Genealogy Chart

The backbone document connecting Willitts, Williams, Taliaferro, and Stanton across six documented generations. Personalized relationship labels from the source record have been removed for the family member who compiled it.

Compiled record

Image 4

Farm Branding

The Stanton Farm mark — a barn-and-wreath emblem introduced as the property steps into its new life as an event venue.

Present day

Image 5

Wedding Packages Flyer

The farm's current wedding-package offering: Intimate, Elegant, and Royal tiers.

Present day

Image 6

The Barn at Dusk

The historic barn mid-restoration — reclaimed lumber, a lit vintage pendant, and staged furnishings hint at the event space it's becoming.

Present day

Image 7

1947 Family History

"Origin of the Willitts Family in Michigan," as told to Ada L. Willitts by Flora Briggs — the source of the farm’s founding story.

1947