Phoebe Apperson Hearst (1842-1919) was born in Franklin County, Missouri. At the age of 19, she married George Hearst, who later became a U.S. Senator. Soon after their marriage the couple moved to San Francisco, California, where Phoebe gave birth to their only child, William Randolph Hearst, in 1863.
A major benefactor of the University of California In 1897 she became the first woman Regent of the University of California, serving on the board from 1897 until her death. She died as a victim of the worldwide influenza epidemic of 1918-19.
She is buried at Cypress Lawn Memorial Park, Colma, San Mateo County, California.
