William H. Workman

William H. Workman
Born	Template:Birth date New Franklin, Missouri, U.S.
Died	February 21, 1918(1918-02-21) (aged 79) Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Politician, banker, businessman
Known for	Mayor of Los Angeles (1886–1888), development of Boyle Heights

William Henry Workman (January 1, 1839 – February 21, 1918) was an influential American figure in politics, banking, and business who held the office of Mayor of Los Angeles for two consecutive terms as the city's 18th and 19th mayor.

Early life

Workman was born in New Franklin, Missouri to parents David Workman (1797–1855) and Nancy Hook (1807–1888). He had two elder siblings: Thomas H. (1832–1863) and Elijah H. (1835–1906). His namesake was his uncle William Workman (1799–1876), a notable rancher, agriculturist, and financier in Los Angeles County. William spent his childhood in Howard County, Missouri until he was 15 years old. David Workman initially ran a saddlery in Missouri before establishing a store during the California Gold Rush in Sacramento; after a fire destroyed this venture, he relocated the family to Los Angeles in 1854 to join his brother William at Rancho La Puente.

Following David Workman's accidental death in 1855, Nancy and her sons moved to Los Angeles. Thomas worked under transportation entrepreneur Phineas Banning until his passing in 1863. Elijah opened a saddlery by 1857, soon partnering with William; together, they developed a prosperous enterprise on Main Street known as the Workman Brothers that thrived for twenty years.

On October 17, 1867, William married Maria Elizabeth Boyle (1847–1933). Her father, Andrew A. Boyle (1818–1871), had moved from San Francisco to Los Angeles and acquired land east of the Los Angeles River called "Paredon Blanco." Boyle managed a shoe store and vineyard there and served on the City Council during the 1860s. William and Maria had seven children, one of whom was future public official Boyle Workman.

Political career

Between 1872 and 1880, Workman held several terms on the Los Angeles Common Council and acted as a delegate substitute at the 1872 Democratic National Convention held in Baltimore. While serving on the council, he contributed to establishing the city’s inaugural high school, which opened its doors in 1873.

Workman’s mayoral tenure spanned from December 14, 1886, to December 10, 1888, representing conservative Democratic interests during an era dominated by Republicans. His administration coincided with the "Boom of the Eighties," a period marked by the creation of multiple parks—including what is now MacArthur Park—and construction of a new city hall. Additionally, he managed updates to the municipal charter and separated the responsibilities of mayor from those of the city judge.

In the 1890s, Workman participated on the city parks commission during the development of significant green spaces such as Westlake, Eastlake (currently Lincoln), and Hollenbeck Parks—the latter donated by him alongside Elizabeth Hollenbeck in honor of her late husband John, who was Workman's partner in real estate ventures.

Serving three terms as city treasurer from 1901 to 1907, he played a key role in transitioning municipal water management from private hands to public control and laid financial foundations for early phases of the Los Angeles Aqueduct initiative.

Boyle Heights

William inherited fertile vineyards and orchards from his father-in-law Andrew A. Boyle. During Los Angeles's initial growth surge (1868–1875), he parceled out much of Paredon Blanco to establish what became known as Boyle Heights. Although an economic downturn in 1876 hindered expansion temporarily, a resurgence in the late 1880s transformed Boyle Heights into one of the city’s most desirable residential districts by century’s end. Over time it grew into one of Los Angeles’s most ethnically varied neighborhoods, accommodating Latino, Jewish, Molokan Russian, Italian, Japanese populations among others. Since the mid-20th century, it has predominantly been Latino, drawing immigrants from Mexico and Central America. The recent extension of the Metro Gold Line has generated hopes for revitalization while raising concerns about gentrification affecting its Latino cultural character.

Beyond his political engagements, Workman operated a thriving real estate firm for many years and served as president of American Savings Bank until his passing.

William H. Workman died at age seventy-nine due to heart failure at his residence in Boyle Heights. He was laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery. His son Boyle went on to serve multiple terms on the city council between 1919 and 1927, including as council president. Boyle’s memoir The City That Grew (1935) remains an important historical resource documenting their family legacy and regional development.

See also

• Boyle-Workman family
• Workman-Temple family
• Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum
• Workman High School