Widow Hobbs: Unanswered Questions.pdf

The article "The Widow Hobbs Revisited" by Teddy Goodrich, PRA Historian, explores the life of Estelle Hazel Whiteside Hobbs, a mysterious and wealthy widow who lived in a cabin east of Pine Ridge in the early 20th century. Despite extensive research, many details of her life remain unknown. Here's a concise summary:

- Early Life: Estelle was born in Santa Cruz, California, in 1869. She moved to Seattle with her mother after her parents separated, then reappeared in San Jose as Estelle Westfall.
- Marriage to Louis Hobbs: Estelle married Louis Hobbs in 1904. Louis was a popular saloon owner in San Jose. He died in 1909, leaving his properties to Estelle.
- Life at Deer Horn Springs: After Louis' death, Estelle moved to a 72-acre property at Deer Horn Springs, where she lived a self-sufficient life with her mother. She planted a garden, kept livestock, and had a neighbor help with supplies and transportation.
- Marriages: Estelle married Howard Brown in 1913 and sold her property in 1919. She then married Bert Charles Eaton around 1935. Bert died in 1943, and Estelle died in Richmond in 1948.
- Legacy: Little remains of Estelle's time at Deer Horn Springs. Hunters tore down her cabin, and only an apricot tree marks the spot.
- Mystery: Despite extensive research, many details of Estelle's life remain unknown, including her first marriage (if any) and the circumstances surrounding her later marriages and her death.