The Delavan Carlton family, which consisted of the parents and five young children, came to Barnes County from Michigan in 1885. Their children were Merrill, Sarah, Howard, Dwight and Laura. The family settled four miles north of Oriska.

Former teachers, the Carltons entered into the community life. Delavan played the church organ and gave music lessons.

Sarah and Laura died while young from meningitis and tuberculosis.

Howard left the farm, became married and eventually became a rural mail carrier in Valley City. He died in 1932. Merrill first married Elvina Huntley, who died in 1921. He then married Mary K. Beatty in 1926. He died in 1928.

Dwight married Adeline Claspill and lived on the home farm.

Delavan Carlton passed away in 1919 and Mrs. Carlton in 1931.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 44