Lydia Emma Smerchek, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Smerchek, was born in Racine Co. Wisc., September 14, 1862. At the age of six years she moved with her parents to Linn Co., Iowa, where she lived unto the age of twenty five when she was united in marriage to Frank Rigel.

Leaving Iowa they moved to a farm north of Barnes where they resided a few years, then moving to the present location where she lived until her death.

This union was blessed with five children, Alvin (Albin), Emil, George, Leonard and one child dying in infancy, the living children live near the home vicinity. Mrs. Rigel passed away on the 21st day of April 1920, age 57 years, 7 months and 7 days.