Mollie's parents, Bertha C Montague and Stephen Robert Burton, were married March 29, 1898, in Anderson, Indiana. In this photo, Bertha and Stephen are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.
1899
Mollie was born on August 22, 1899, the first child of Stephen and Bertha Burton.
1900
In June 1900, the Burton family was living in Richland Township, Madison County, Indiana. The household included:
Stephen Robert (Mollie's father)
Bertha C (Mollie's mother)
Mollie Marie
Margaret Ann Blades Montague Fish (Mollie's maternal grandmother, Bertha's mother)
Blanche Ann Montague Dillon (Mollie's aunt, Bertha's sister)
Mollie's paternal grandparents (Stephen's parents) Isham Burton and Nancy Arthuge Betterton Scott Burton lived next door, along with their daughter Catherine S Burton (Mollie's aunt).
Childhood photo (date unknown). Siblings Mollie Marie (b. 1899) and Robert Isham (b. 1901), with their parents Stephen and Bertha Burton.
Childhood photo (date unknown). Siblings Mollie Marie (b. 1899) and Robert Isham (b. 1901), with their parents Stephen and Bertha Burton.
The woman on the far right may be one of Mollie's grandmothers, either Bertha's mother Margaret Ann Blades Montague Fish or Stephen's mother Nancy Arthuge Betterton Scott Burton.
1910
In April 1910, Mollie is living with her parents and younger brother, along with her maternal grandmother Margaret Ann Blades Montague Fish, in Richland Township, Madison County, Indiana
Mollie's paternal grandparents (Stephen's parents) Isham Burton and Nancy Arthuge Betterton Scott Burton lived next door.
June 1910, Mollie attends surprise birthday party given for her maternal grandmother Margaret Ann Blades Montague Fish.
Childhood photo (date unknown). Siblings Mollie Marie (b. 1899) and Robert Isham (b. 1901), with their parents Stephen and Bertha Burton.
1916
August 1916, Mollie visits McCullough Park in Muncie, Indiana with family and friends.
September 1916, Mollie attends sixteenth birthday party of Opha Millspaugh, along with her brother and parents. Vernia Cassell also attends.
November 1916, Mollie attends Sunday dinner at Pansy Hupp's house.
1917
January 1917, Mollie joins the Jolly Stitchers at the Vermillion Christian church, east of Alexandria, Indiana.
April 1917, Mollie attends surprise party. Vernia Cassell also attends.
September 1917, Mollie hosts weekly meeting of the Loyal Daughters of the Vermillion Christian church.
December 1917, Mollie attends party, Vernia also attends
1918
February 1918, Mollie and her mother Bertha attend meeting of the Loyal Daughters class of the Vermillion Christian church, eight miles northwest of Anderson, Indiana.
March 1918, Mollie Marie Burton and Vernia Russell Cassell are married in Campbell County, Kentucky.
Mollie and Vernia's first child, Herschel Burton Cassell, is born May 8, 1918.
Herschel Burton Cassell
Birth Certificate
Richland Township, Madison County, Indiana
August 2018, Mollie, Vernia, and Herschel attend surprise party for Mollie's brother, Robert Burton
1919
November 1919, Mollie and Vernia Cassell, along with son Hershel, and Mollie's parents Stephen and Bertha Burton, attend party at the Foust home near Anderson, Indiana.
Undated photo
Mollie Marie Burton Cassell and son Herschel Burton Cassell (b. May 8, 1918) at 2214 Central Avenue, Anderson, Indiana, residence of Mollie's parents Stephen and Bertha Burton.
1920
In January of 1920, Vernia, Mollie, and Herschel were living at 1803 Noble Street, Anderson Township, Anderson City, Madison County, Indiana
Mollie and Vernia's second child, Geraldine Marie Cassell, is born February 8, 1920.
September 1920, Mollie, Vernia, Herschel, and Geraldine attend surprise birthday party for Vernia's father William Cassell (b. September 3, 1854) in Madison County, Indiana.
November 1920, Mollie and Vernia host Thanksgiving dinner for Vernia's parents William Cassell and Harriet Jarrett Cassell, and other family members.
1923
Mollie and Vernia's third child, Phyllis Lucille Cassell, is born January 11, 1923.
April 1923, Mollie, Vernia, and children Herschel, Geraldine, and Phyllis attend the twenty-fifth wedding anniversary of Mollie's parents Stephen and Bertha Burton at their home (2214 Central Avenue, Anderson, Indiana).
1926
Mollie and Vernia's fourth child, Donald Earl Cassell, is born June 10, 1926.
Donald Earl Cassell
Birth Certificate
Anderson Township, Madison County, Indiana
1928
1928 Anderson Indiana, City Directory, living 2214 Central Avenue, employed Delco-Remy
1930
Following an extended separation, Mollie and Vernia are divorced.
April 1930, Mollie and children Herschel, Geraldine, Phyllis, and Donald are living at the home of Mollie's parents Stephen and Bertha Burton at 2214 Central Avenue, Anderson, Indiana. Mollie's brother is also living in the home.
1932
August 1932, Mollie wins first place in the cucumber category at the annual Fall Festival of Delco-Remy and Guide Lamp units of the General Motors Corporation at Athletic Park in Anderson, Indiana.
1933
Mollie Marie Burton Cassell and Carl Frank Foutz are married on April 30, 1933. It was Mollie's second marriage and Carl's first marriage.
May 1933, Mollie and Carl Foutz move to Middletown, Indiana.
May 1933, Mollie and Carl Foutz, and Mollie's children Herschel, Geraldine, Phyllis, and Donald, host Mollie's parents Stephen and Bertha Burton, Mollie's aunt Blanche Montague Dillon, and other guests at their new home in Middletown.
1934
Mollie and Carl, along with Mollie's children Herschel, Geraldine, Phyllis, and Donald, host several guests for dinner, including Mollie's uncle Levi Burton and aunt Sarah Emma Donovan Burton, Mollie's parents Stephen and Bertha Burton, Mollie's brother Robert Burton and his future wife Clarine Tucker Bailey, Frank Clifton Farmer and his wife Alta Lillian Pate Farmer and their children Mamie Margaret, Woodrow Glen 'Tobe', Mary Alice, Robert, and Marjory Carolyn.
October 1934, Mollie and Carl Foutz, along with Mollie's parents Stephen and Bertha Burton, and others, visit Mollie's uncle Levi Burton and his wife Sarah Emma Donovan.
1935
Mollie and Carl's only child together, Margaret Carol Foutz, is born July 18, 1935.
Margaret Carol Foutz
Birth Certificate
Fall Creek Township, Middletown, Henry County, Indiana
1936
Mollie and Carl Foutz are separated in 1936.
1938
In the spring of 1938, Mollie's son Herschel moved to Denver, Colorado for a few months. During that time, Mollie sent several letters to Herschel.
Herschel Burton Cassell
RR5 Box 368
Denver, Colorado
From:
Mrs. Mollie Foutz
1350 Locust St
Middletown, Ind
Mollie's Letters to son Herschel
March, April 1938
To:
Herschel Burton Cassell
RR5 Box 368
Denver, Colorado
From:
Mrs. Mollie Foutz
1350 Locust St
Middletown, Ind
March 15, 1938, Tuesday noon
Dear Herschel:
I was so glad to get your cards. You had us all worried to pieces. Why didn't you tell me you were going and what are you doing for money and clothes? We are all OK. Donald & Phyllis were sick but have gone to school to-day. Herschel, how did you ever get so far so soon. Woodie & I have finally decided that you must have gone on a semi-truck and how did you ever get a job washing dishes so soon and what are you doing now. Have you any work? If I knew that you had plenty to eat and a good place to stay I would not worry so much but I can't see how you will get along. M.H.S. lost the ball game to Richmond. Then Muncie beat them & Anderson won their tourney. Mr. Strough was buried last Sunday. Frank & Illa & Mary Wisehart were here last night. Carol is all right and she thinks you are down to Franks. Jerry has been to Anderson and she says if you don't come back pretty soon she is coming to Missouri but now she will have to change her plans. Now Herschel I am sending you a stamped envelope and I want to hear from you at once about how you are getting along and where you are going and how long you will be gone. For I am worried to death about you. I am sending you two dollars & let me know at once if you get it all O.K. We will not write again until we get a letter for maybe you won't be there or you going to stay there. Now Herschel don't neglect to write real often. It only takes a minute to send a card and it means so much to us. We are having a storm here thundering & lightning & raining & hailing. Tuck upset a skillet of hot grease on her last Sunday morning and was burned on her arm & chest pretty bad. Now Herschel do be careful and don't hop on trains. And if you need money don't hesitate to send for it. Hoping to hear from you by return mail.
Love, Mother
(Be a good boy) Now Herschel do not plan on being gone very long for I absolutely will not listen to it. (Donald and Woodie are starting a new job using turpentine & cobs on dogs around the garage) Ha Ha
Mon eve April 4
Dear Herschel
How are you by this time? Still gaining. Well good. You could stand 200 lbs easy. We are all right. Girls' arms are about all-right. It has been cold here the last few days. Have got a fire in furnace the first since the day you left. I washed this morning. Robert was here this morning planning to paper and change a few things. My garden is doing fine. Am going to have the big garden plowed about the last of week or first of next. Have got 1/2 bushels of selected early potato to plant. Well the new. Hurrah. Tobe got a job at Walkers. Went to work this morning pretty stiff, job driving a truck. He just gets pd by the bushels of corn that he hauls to the mill and has to load it all by his self. He made $1.60 this morning. Cookie M said he wished he had the money out of sheep business. Pete got a job driving a semi-truck to Chicago and all points east & maybe to St Louis. Since Woodie got this job I suppose poor old Gee(?) and Bob will really get a workout. Frank is putting out 19 acres of tomato and another potato crop. Fern is feeling fine. Able to go about everywhere. Tobe's baby sure is growing. Tobe brings him over about every day. I will be so glad when you come home. Carol helped me pick greens to-day. I have lost 2 chickens. Guess I have forgot how to care for them. Uncle Levi & Aunt Emma was to grandma yesterday. Uncle Joe & Aunt Rose were there too.
Uncle Joe is running for mayor of Gas City (Ha Ha) Grandpa is covered up with work. Robert goes back to work in the morning. He thinks he will take a leave of absence for 3 months and get a job some where else. You know how that will be. He wants to work on a farm or go in the chicken business. These 50 chicks have set him afire. Herschel if you buy a ticket back home it will cost you $24.00 on train or $48.00 on bus. You know you can't save that much & live too. Why don't you let us send you the money. Robert said this morning he would send it any time you will come. Uncle Levi has a little calf that only weighs about 18 or 20 lbs and feeds it with a spoon. His little dog has 5 little pups. He said there will be ($25) THEY GAVE JERRY $1 for her graduation. That broke their heart. Aunt Tuck let her electric stove go back. Well I must put Sissy to bed.
Tues eve
Herschel: Herb Fadely said to write and tell you he would give you a job if he lands this job he is trying to get. It is driving a cream and poultry truck. This is the way he told. He will furnish truck and all expense and you get a percent of the amt of cream you haul & the eggs & chicken you can buy. He said of course you would not make very much to start in with. The building to be occupied now is the Chas Miller room and by the way he talked he said some one is building a room for this purpose. Mrs. Fadely is to take care of cream station. FT is the cloverleaf route. Now don't write & mention this to any one else for it is not signed up yet. But he said to tell you he was all most sure. He said $5 or 6 a week to start in with would be about all you could make until route is made up and he furnishes everything. He said you were so likable and honest and he felt he could depend on you to take care of truck that he wanted you if he could get you. Bud Fadely is taking the other truck too. He said it probably be 2 or 3 weeks before everything would be ready unless you wanted to go out & start your route before that time. Herb said he would come out & let me know as soon as he signed up so I can write you. And don't you think we had better send you the money or a ticket to come back on. You will have to write and tell me just where to wire to or how to send it. I am going to work at the mill a few hours tomorrow. I bought some cobs and this goofey Phil is taking what corn was left off of them to save & feed the chicks. Ha.
Wed Morning
Woodie made $8.10 in the last 2 days. Frank's lost a cow. They are feeding calf with a bottle. We had a terrible hard rain here this morning with lightning & thunder. Norman Fleming & Billy Fadely has the measles. Went to Post office to get mail last night but there was none there. Well Hersch. This is all I can write now. Write as often as you can. I might get you a job at Walkers hauling from Ky. But it is terrible hard work & not much pay. You think this over and let me know as soon as you can. Now do write soon. The Dids all say Hello. Good-bye. I will write you as soon as I hear from Herb.
Love Mother
Sat eve 6 o'clock (no date Ap 1?)
Dear Hersch:
Would not have got your letter but I sent Donald to the post office and your letter was there and was so glad to hear from you. I sent you a letter last Monday night telling you that we would wire you the money to come home if you would come and we were terribly upset by not hearing from you. Robert was here 2 times last Monday and they all were here Wed night and Bob & Tuck were here Friday. He said to tell you to telegraph or write and he would wire the money at once. We are all OK. I am glad you have work but I don't want you to go on the R.R. to work. I am so glad you are with nice people. Woodie fixed the bicycle to-day for Donald. The measles are thick but Don & Carol have escaped so far. Have planted lettuce, radishes & onions. Robert is getting me some little chicks but not as many as you got. Grandpa has plenty of work. Ft Wayne & Hammond play the finals to-nite. Middletown basketball boys went to see the games to-day. Have had some warm weather but cold again to-day. I am just writing you what I can think of now and will write again to-morrow and tell you more. Tobe thinks he has landed a job driving a truck for Walker but don't know for sure yet. Well Herschel I can't think of any thing else right now. Dave & Jerry are taking this to Anderson but will write you everything tomorrow. We are getting along OK. We are pretty lone some without you and every body wants to know about you. Hope you think about coming home soon. Write me as often as you can. Good Luck & Lobe to you. (Herschel if you need money or any thing please let us know. I will send it.)
Mother
Thurs Morn (April 7?)
Dear Herschel,
How are you? We are all right. The girls were vaccinated for small-pox and their arms are getting sore but they are not sick with them yet. Have small-pox thick in school. We had a terrible rain yesterday at noon and last night the wind blew a gale with another down pour. But it is pretty this morning and not very cold. I was so surprised to know that you wanted your clothes I thought maybe you would come home. Remy is worse than ever. Robert is off until April 5th and so is about everybody else.
Forney said there was to be 800 more laid off next Tuesday. Chrysler is working 4 days a week with a small force. Salesmans claim Anderson the worst place in Indiana. It really is dead only in the building business. The roof man measured for the roof Monday. We wanted $190 for the roof. Robert said that was too much. So we will have to look for some one else to do it. My early garden things are coming up. I went to can some greens next week. Herschel don't you think about sending me any money. You keep all you make for we are doing very well. I don't suppose you make very much and you save every penny you can. And if you need clothes I will get them for you if you will tell me what you want & the sizes. These underwear may be too big. I have forgot your sizes. But if they are all right I will send you some more. I am so glad that you have plenty to eat and a good place to stay that is what worried us all. Robert said any time you need money let him know. He was here again yesterday. He is bringing me 50 cockerels Sat. Then 100 or 150 more in a month. He wants me to try 50 cockerels for capons in June. He is all excited about the chicken business. He said try to learn everything you can about the chicken business. He wants to start a ranch too. Ha Ha. They are so dissatisfied with their home. They are moving in Aug. Frank & Illa were here Sunday night. He has not started farming yet. They are in a uproar about Woodie helping down there. But don't mention anything in your letter because Woodie reads every one I get. He said he wanted to see you pretty bad. Herschel do you really like Colo. Grandma had a cousin that lived in Leadsville Colo. Emma Silkit. Herschel write as often as you can even tho it is a card for when I don't hear from you I get all upset. Donald is riding the bicycle every day. Carol is sending you a piece of candy. Am sending you a few extra things and some papers to read. My Apricot tree looks like a picture. It is full of bloom. (I am renting the North forty cash rent) Turbie (?) and the pup about run their legs they won't let a bird get in the yard. The Cheo is still sitting just like you left it. Jerry had been driving quite a bit lately. So I guess she will be able to get her license all right. How's come you are looking for another job. Can't these folks keep you. I would like for you to try & see Yellow Stone Park but I hate to think of your going any farther on. Well I expect you are tired of reading this junk & I am just ironing today.
From:
S R Burton
2214 Central Ave
Anderson, Ind
April 6, 1938
Mr. Herschel Cassell
Received your letter a few days ago and was glad to hear from you. We were glad to know that you had a good job and a good place to stay.
Everyone is well at present. It has been raining all day here and is expected to turn to snow tonight. Lots of snow in the north part of the state.
I have been cleaning wallpaper to day (nice job)
Take in all the sights you can so you can tell us all about it when you come back. When you start back you want to be careful of your money & ticket that some one doesn't steal them from you.
We would like to see you, but have a good time and be nice to girls out there for there might be one of them might want to come to Ind to stay. (ha ha)
Good luck to you and your friends.
Grandmother & G dad
S R Burton
@ Mentions
The letters refer to several family members and friends. The following is a working list of those persons.
The Bids - tbd
Billy Fadely - William Fadely [son of Herbert Fadely and Iva Clark]
Bob - tbd
Bud Fadely - Harry 'Bud' Fadely: nephew of Herb Fadely
Carol - Carol Foutz: daughter of Mollie Burton and Carl Foutz
Cookie - Francis Joseph Mundell
Donald - Donald Cassell: son of Mollie Burton and Vernia Cassell
Emma - Sarah Emma Donovan, wife of Levi Burton
Emma Silkit - Emily Emma Thompson, daughter of Levi Thompson and Rose Anna 'Rosa' Blades, wife of John Ambrose Silcott. Emily Emma ran a boarding house in Leadville, Colorado in the early 1900's. Rosa Blades was aunt of Bertha Montague Burton.
Mrs. Fadely - tbd (Iva Clark, wife of Herb Fadely?)
Fern - Fern Dial: wife of Perry Lee Burton, who was son of Joseph Perry Burton and Rosalie Moore; Joseph is brother of Stephen Burton (Mollie’s father), so Fern would be Mollie’s first cousin
Frank and Alta - Frank Clifton Farmer and his wife Alta Lillian Pate Farmer (relationship?)
(supplemental Frank note: Frank Grandison, husband of Mary Sanders, a cousin of Grace Elizabeth Sanders)
FT - tbd
Gee - tbd
Grandma - Bertha Montague Burton, Mollie's mother, Herschel's grandmother
Grandpa - Stephen Robert Burton, Mollie's father, Herschel's grandfather
Herb Fadely - Herbert Fadely (cousin of John Francis Sanders). Herbert purchased Clark chicken hatchery in 1933, which had belonged to Marcus Clark, Iva Clark’s father (see Mrs. Fadely).
Jerry - Geraldine Cassell: daughter of Mollie Burton and Vernia Cassell
Levi - Levi Burton: half-brother of Mollie's father Stephen Robert Burton, husband of Sarah Emma Donovan
Mary Wisehart - tbd
Norman Fleming - tbd (related to Roberta Fleming?)
Pete - tbd
Phyllis/Phil - Phyllis Cassell: daughter of Mollie Burton and Vernia Cassell
Robert - Robert Burton: brother of Mollie Burton
(Aunt) Rose - Rosalie Moore: wife of Joseph Perry Burton
Sissy - Carol Foutz, Herschel's sister
Mr. Strough - tbd
Tobe - Woodrow Glen 'Tobe' Farmer: son of Frank Clifton Farmer and Alta Lilian Pate Farmer, husband of Thelma Mundell (sister of Francis Joseph Mundell - who was husband of Loretta Marian Sanders, a daughter of John Francis Sanders and Margaret Mary Mowrey)
Tobe's baby - Gene Farmer (son of Woodrow Glen 'Tobe' Farmer and Thelma Mundell, husband of Dianne Kay Blades)
Tuck - Clarine Tucker: sister-in-law of Mollie Burton, wife of Mollie's brother Robert Burton
Woodie - David Wood: son-in-law of Mollie Burton, husband of Geraldine Cassell
June 1938, Mollie attends dinner at residence of her daughter Geraldine Cassell Wood and son-in-law David Wood. Mollie's other children Herschel, Phyllis, Donald, and Carol also attend.
1940
April 1940, Mollie and children Phyllis, Donald, and Carol are living at 1350 Locust Street, Fall Creek Township, Middletown, Henry County, Indiana.
1942
November 1942, Mollie and children Donald and Carol, along with in-laws Lee Wood and Helen Marie Fish Wood, host Mollie's daughter Geraldine Cassell Wood, son-in-law David Wood, and grandson Stephen Wood, and David's brother Marvin John Fish Wood.
Mollie Marie Burton Cassell Foutz (approx. 1942). This photo was taken at the home of Mollie's daughter Phyllis Lucille Cassell Hart and son-in-law Joseph Marshall Hart in Middletown, Indiana. At the time, Joseph was in Germany (World War II). Mollie and her daughter Carol were getting ready to take a bus to New Castle, Indiana for Mollie's radiation treatment.
1943
August 1943, Mollie, along with daughter Carol, attends dinner party at home of son Herschel Cassell, daughter-in-law Grace Sanders Cassell, and granddaughter Rebecca Lu Cassell in New Castle, Indiana. Mollie's daughter Phyllis Cassell Hart and son-in-law Joseph Marshall Hart, and Mollie's parents Stephen and Bertha Burton, also attend.
1944
March 1944, Mollie and daughter Carol visit daughter Geraldine Cassell Wood and son-in-law David Wood in Kokomo, Indiana.
April 1944, Mollie, along with children Donald and Carol, host son Herschel Cassell, daughter-in-law Grace Sanders Cassell, and granddaughter Rebecca Lu Cassell for a weekend.
Mollie died December 30, 1944 following a lengthy illness.