Thelma's mother, Augusta "Gussie" Knittle, was born on December 21, 1874 in New York City. Gussie's parents, Robert and Anna Knittle, were both from Germany. Her family moved to Emporia, Kansas in 1876. After Gussie divored Clifford in June of 1905 she was given full custody of Thelma. For several years she ran a boarding house in Emporia. In 1909 Gussie began having a romantic relationship with Dr. Guy Black. When his wife found out she confronted Gussie on the street and started a fight. The incident made headlines in the local newspapers. Gussie and Thelma moved to Los Angeles, California and opened a cafe. The lived at 1723 Sunset Boulevard. After Thelma died in 1938 Gussie remained in California. She passed away on December 12, 1954 (Thelma's birthday) at the age of seventy-nine.
* I am currently searching for any photos of Gussie and Clifford Hillerman. If you have any please email me at ClassicActress@gmail.com *