William (Bill) Rieth, son of Tobias and Karoline Rieth, was born at his parents' home in Green Township, Barnes County, North Dakota, on June 9, 1896. He was the third of eight children.
In 1903, at the age of 7, he started school in a lean-to on a barn on John P. Black farm, District #40, which was farmed by Charles Chessup. Bill could speak German, some Norwegian, but no English. His first teacher was Miss Cora Coddong, who received $40.00 a month for teaching.
At the age of 13, he started working for other farmers in the surrounding area, and in his early 20's, he rented land and started farming for himself. In 1929, he bought a farm, 138-59 Section 5 in Skandia Township, Barnes County.
On this farm, or land, there had at one time been a pioneer flour mill. It was the only mill southwest of Valley City, and was located in a sod house. Louis and Gust Miller, Knud and Matt Knudtson were owners and managers of the mill. A threshing engine furnished the motive power; both the mill and the engine being located inside the sod house. An ordinary feed mill was used and the wheat was ground whole. Farmers came from as far as Clark City with their wheat. The flour was said to have been good and wholesome, but inclined to be a little gritty.
Hazel Iva Kiser, daughter of Charles and Mabel Kiser, was born in White County, Indiana, on October 18, 1907. She was the fifth of nine children. In 1911, at the age of 4, she moved with her parents to Wisconsin, and in 1914, to McHenry, North Dakota. In April of 1916, the family moved to a farm in Barnes County where Hazel lived until the time of her marriage.
Hazel started her education in a one room school at McHenry, North Dakota, and finished at Green Consolidated School in Barnes County.
William (Bill) and Hazel were united in marriage on February 25, 1931 , and made their home on the farm in Skandia Township.
Bill owned and operated a threshing machine and there were usually 8 to 14 farms on his run, so it would be late fall before the machine could be put away for the season. Bill was and still is handy at shop work and fixes not only his machinery, but will take time to help a neighbor with repair work or welding.
Bill and Hazel were active in their community and church, the Zion Free Lutheran Church of Green Township.
One daughter, Betty Jean (Mrs. Frank Johnson) was born to this couple on March 20, 1932, in Valley City.
Hazel passed away on July 12, 1971, in the St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, after a lengthy illness.
Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 205