What is life like now for Kenneth Rattner's widow and son, John Wesley, since Rattner is dead?

Captain Kenneth Rattner's widow and their son, John Wesley, now live a meager existence. They have basically no income now that Kenneth is gone, but they live in their house for free. They do not even pay taxes since the county is not aware the house exists or that anyone owns the land. Their house is sufficient for their needs but they have to put up with a number of annoyances like wasp infestations and a leaky roof that often soaks their beds.