Embedded Files
Bertha Allen (Simmons) McNeill
Bertha Allen (Simmons) McNeill
Bertha Allen Simmons was born August 14th, 1869 to William D. and Mary E. Simmons in Laurel, Clermont County, Ohio.
Bertha Simmons, date unknown (probably a school/graduation photo)
Bertha married Moreton H. McNeill, June 30, 1904. Together, they had two daughters, Ruth Winnifred in 1906 and Dorothy Allen in 1912.
Through recollections passed down from Dorothy to Christine, and ultimately to me, Bertha was hard to get along with. Both daughters left the family farm at young ages due to Bertha's temper and wild mood swings. It was also passed on to me that Mort would play the piano while Bertha was having loud fits of anger.
It is speculated that Bertha suffered from a mental illness, perhaps bipolar disorder, or was manic-depressive. This would also explain why Bertha looks very old in later photos, as these illnesses can age someone quite a lot.
Bertha Simmons McNeill died in Laurel in 1937 and is interred in the Laurel Cemetery.
Bertha and Mort, 1928. Bertha is about 59 years old in this photo.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse