These papers were created by one branch of the Hobson family, early settlers in what is now known as Ventura County. Abram Lincoln Hobson (1861 – 1929) owned land throughout southern California and was an owner of Hobson Brothers Packing Company and Hobson City Markets. He was also actively involved in the local community. The documents include both business and personal correspondence and papers relating to his land holdings and business interests.

These records contain the papers of Helen Barnard Hobson (1861 – 1930), Abram Lincoln Hobson (1861 – 1929) and their daughter Grace Barnard Hobson (1892 – 1968). Abram was the son of William Dewey Hobson (1829 - 1915), an early settler in the area now called Ventura County. William is considered the "father of Ventura County" because he was selected to lobby Sacramento for the creation of the county in 1872 and built prominent buildings in Ventura, some of which are still standing. He also worked as a justice of the peace, briefly owned a local newspaper, and he wrote a history of Ventura County in 1876. Additionally, he started a butcher and livestock business in 1876 that his two sons, Abram and William Hobson Jr., eventually took over and that became Hobson Brothers Packing Company, which included Hobson City Markets located in Ventura and Oxnard. Blythe Ranch, along the Colorado River in Riverside County, was acquired by Hobson Bros. in 1905. The property was transferred to the newly formed Palo Verde Land and Water Company. Through this company, Abram was instrumental in developing the Palo Verde Valley and the establishment of Blythe, California. He belonged to several local fraternal organizations, served on the board of the Ventura County Fair, and developed Seacliff Oil Field.

.46 Cubic Feet (1 legal-sized document box)

Property rights to the physical object belong to the Museum of Ventura County. Literary rights, including copyright, are retained by the MVC.

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