Hilmer Carlson, born April 5, 1891 in Steele County, married Hazel C. Curtis June 23, 1920 at her home in Sibley Trail Township, Barnes County. Two children were born, Grant N. and Keith C.

The newlyweds first lived in Karnak, in Griggs County, where Hilmer was a banker. In 1924, Hilmer, Hazel, and Grant, age 1, moved to Valley City. Hilmer was a Lutheran and Hazel, a Congregationalist, but with the Methodist Church only a block away, they attended there and were active members for many years.

A good provider for his family, Hilmer was a thrifty man. During his thirty-five years in Valley City, he held various jobs, including that of Deputy Sheriff and Deputy Treasurer of Barnes County. He was also the Register of Deeds from 1938 to 1953.

Born and raised on a farm, it was a vacation for him to visit the Curtis farm and help out with the farm work.

Grant and Keith were Valley City High School graduates. Keith married Eleanor Topp and with their two children live in Springfield, Minnesota where he is Assembly of God minister.

Grant, after working for the Teachers Insurance and Retirement Fund, entered the Methodist ministry in 1956, and is now serving the Salem, Dazey and Leal Methodist churches. He married Ruth Moir of South Dakota. Ruth and their daughter, Marilee, completed L P training at Mercy Hospital on September 26, 1975. David is in high school, and Jerry is in the eighth grade.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 43