Being rendered penniless by her father's misfortunes, she took the name of "Bertha Welby", and began at the bottom of the theatrical ladder.

She was the leading member of John T. Raymond's company, and afterward filled a similar position with Laurence Barrett.

For five years, she "starred" in legitimate drama, As You Like It, The Hunchback, Jane Shore, School for Scandal, and Camille.

[1] Welby was a good artist, having skill enough to paint three large panel pictures over a side altar in one of New York's churches.

[2] Earlier that year, she became the organization's secretary and explained the reasons for the club's existence:—[4] "Women in the past have been martyrs to their clothing, but I think the time is coming, and very soon, when we shall no longer be handicapped in life and rendered less happy and useful than we might be by our dress.

We haven't put our theory into practice yet, but intend to in the fall, when we have pledged ourselves to wear out-of-doors, and particularly on rainy days, a skirt which will be several inches shorter than the one now worn.

The bicycle has paved the way for the short skirt for general wear.On April 24, 1867, in Manhattan, she married Alexander Kelsey Cutler (1839–1881).