Bertha Martha Torley

     Bertha Martha Torley was born on Thursday, 11 August 1853 at Oquawka, Henderson County, Illinois. She was the daughter of John Torley &: Barbara Bischoff. Bertha married James Zigler McCurdy, son of Thomas C. McCurdy and Susan Vassar, on 22 February 1875 at Warren County, Illinois. Her married name was McCurdy. Bertha's husband, James, died on 12 September 1878 in Warren County, Illinois, at age 30 years, 9 months and 7 days, leaving her a widow. Bertha married 2nd Mr. (?) Smith. There were two children born of this marriage. 8 June 1900, the U.S. Federal Census listed Bertha in the household of her son at Lincoln Township, Decatur County, Kansas. Enumerated in this household were James McCurdy [November 1878 - 21 Illinois], his mother: Bertha Smith [August 1855 - 44 Illinois][widow], sister: Clara Smith [April 1882 - 18 Iowa], brother: Harry Smith [May 1886 - 14 Nebraska] & sister: Kellie Smith [8 Kansas - June 1892]. James is working in a restaurant.¹ 1920, Bertha was listed on the U.S. Federal Census. Enumerated in this household were. Bertha died on Sunday, 22 July 1928 at Decatur County, Kansas, at age 74 years, 11 months and 11 days.