Not much is known about the early life of Bertha, who was born at Neukirch (near Stockwell). However, it is known that in her later teens she was employed as a housemaid for a "Schmidt" family who owned a carrying business in Adelaide. Her husband-to-be, Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich was employed by the same family as a groom for the horses. A friendship developed and the two married in 1891.
After their marraige, the couple moved to Jeparit and built a pug cottage of four main rooms on the banks of the Wimmera River, about a mile from town. Bertha was a devoted and loving wife who was at all times a true helper in every situation that the couple had to face in order to bring up their family and provide for their well-being. The early years of their marriage where characterised by some very harsh conditions.
By 1897 five children had been born by Bertha - two sons and three daughters. It is understood that all of the children had been born at home with the assistance of a midwife, as was the accepted custom in those days. In her book "For Bread and Milk", a grand-daughter Jean (who would have received the information from her father) records that in her sixth pregnancy, certain difficulties were encountered and a doctor was called. However, the child could not be saved, and Bertha was so weakened that grave fears were held for her survival. The doctor declared that all that could be done for her had been done, but suggested administering small doses of champagne at regular intervals might help. Bertha began resonding to this treatment within 24 hours and in due course made a full recovery.
In 1902, Wilhelm acquired 600 acres of crown land from his father in the Hurnbrunin area, about 15 miles West of Rainbow. The land had only be partially cleared, and it took a further two years before sufficient clearing had taken place and a modest dwelling had been erected. The family moved to the new land in 1904, eventually establishing a successful and respected farming operation with the support of Bertha. In 1920 Wilhelm and Berth, with one unmarried daughter Emma, moved to Adelaide where they enjoyed retirement.
Bertha was always a much loved wife, mother and grandmother of a very affectionate and kindly nature. She lived to the age of almost 94 years and following her death in 1964 was buried in the Mitcham Cemetery.