A native of Ontario, Canada and a "close friend" of Dr. Bruce Cockrill (perhaps some connection with his wife who was also born in Ontario), who would often visit the family in Cazadero.

Gary Rodgers, an Adams/Trosper family source, has told me that Maruella's name was a contraction of Mary, Louise, and Ella. Apparently her mother could not decide between the three names. Also, from an email message (03/28/03):

The Adams children were all schooled in music. Maruella was an accomplished pianist; John Quincy a violinist. Francis Drake Trosper also played the violin. The three of them played their music at local dances and the Trosper House was always alive with their sound of music. Doc. Cockrill probably enjoyed these special moments there and perhaps joined in.

From Gary Rodgers:

After the Trosper house burned in 1936, my grand uncle Chester Rodgers tore down the dance hall and built Maruella a new house immediately above the dance hall. The new house is under construction in the photo.