Bertha Jane Murphy

     Bertha Jane was born in August 1858 in Ohio. Bertha Jane married Sylvester Milton Ricketts, son of Samuel G. Ricketts and Mary Ann Baird, on 4 April 1878 in Wyandot County, Ohio.¹ 8 April 1880, Bertha and her husband, Sylvester, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Mifflin Township, Wyandot Coutny, Ohio. Enumerated in this household were Milton Ricketts [23 Pennsylvania], Bertha [21 Ohio] & a boarder, Olive Murphy [23 Ohio]. Milton was farming & Olive was a school teacher.² 11 June 1900, Bertha and her husband, Sylvester, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio, at 1098 East Long Street. Enumerated in this household were Sylvester M. Ricketts [43 Pennsylvania - December 1856] & his wife: Bertha J. [41 Ohio - August 1858]. They have been married 20 years with no children. They own a home with mortgage at. Sylvester is a railroad conductor.³ 7 January 1920, Bertha and her husband, Sylvester, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Columbus at 68 East Oakland Avenue. Enumerated in this household were Sylvester M. Ricketts [63 Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania & Pennsylvania] [conductor for railroad], & his wife: Bertha J. [61 Ohio, Ohio & Ohio].⁴ 16 April 1930, Bertha and her husband, Sylvester, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Columbus at 1470 W. 9th Street. Enumerated in this household were Sylvester M. Ricketts [73 Ohio] & Bertha [71 Ohio]. The couple owned their home valued at $20,000. He was 21years of age when married, she 19 years of age.⁵ Bertha's husband, Sylvester, died on 13 January 1932 in Columbus leaving her a widow. Bertha departed this life on Thursday, 6 April 1939 in Columbus at age 80 years and 8 months. She was buried at Upper Sandusky, Wyndot County, Ohio, in Oak Hill Cemetery.