Los Angeles County, CA, Biographies

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives 
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm


WILLIAM H. WORKMAN 
 
was born at Booneville, Missouri, in 1839. His father's name was David Workman, 
and his mother's maiden name was Nancy Rook. The family moved to California in 
1854, where the father had a brother, William Workman, who had come here years 
before, and was then living on the rancho a La Puente, in this county. David 
Workman, who died in 1854, had three sons: Thomas H., who married Mary Alice 
Woodworth, and was killed by the explosion of the Ada Hancock steamer in the 
Wilmington Harbor, April 27,1863; Elijah H. still living on Boyle Heights; and 
William H., the subject of this sketch. The latter learned the printer's trade 
before he left Booneville, and he followed that business after his arrival in 
Los Angeles, working on the Southern California. Afterward, and for about twenty 
years, he was connected with his brother in the saddlery and harness business. 
In 1867 he married Miss Maria E. Boyle, daughter of Mr. A. A. Boyle, from whom 
the bluffs on the other side of the river (where the latter, an early pioneer, 
lived) was named. Mr. Boyle had planted an orchard and vineyard on the bottoms 
between the river and the bluffs, and had built a wine cellar and was engaged, 
in a modest way, in the wine business. Mr. Workman, the son-in-law, has greatly 
enlarged the business by planting on the uplands, east of the old Boyle 
homestead, over 100,000 vines, mostly of the best foreign varieties. He has 
shown much enlightened public spirit in improving that beautiful suburb, Boyle 
Heights, by actively aiding in the introduction of water, street car lines, etc. 
Mr. Workman has served the city as a councilman many terms; also as a member of 
the board of education. He filled the office of mayor for the years 1887�'88. 
Being thoroughly acquainted with the affairs of the municipality, and being a 
man of high probity, his public services have been very valuable. No one has 
ever charged him with being connected with jobbery of any kind. The better class 
of citizens, without distinction of party, especially appreciate his efforts as 
mayor to secure clean, honest and efficient government for the city. During the 
war of the Rebellion Mr. Workman was a stanch Union man; before and since he has 
been a Democrat, nevertheless he has not hesitated to antagonize the lower and 
corrupt wing of that party. It may be said with perfect truth that he has made a 
record as a citizen and an official that he and his children may always be proud 
of. He has six children, two sons and four daughters.
 
An Illustrated History of Los Angeles County, California �  Chicago, The Lewis 
Publishing Company, 1889   Page 826
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler