Excerpt from Los Angeles From the Mountains to the Sea, Vol. 2: With Selected Biography of Actors and Witnesses to the Period of Growth and Achievement
William Henry Workman. Statued against the background of early Los Angeles history is a figure that stands out prominently as that of a pioneer city builder, a promoter of constructive enterprises, a leader in civic activities, a benefactor of his fellowmen - William Henry Workman.
Angelenos are just beginning to realize what William H. Workman did for them, for the city, for California. Under the influence of strong personality, they knew him and remember him best as "Uncle Billy," the kindly character, the staunch friend. Through the hallowed memories of years "Uncle Billy" is enshrined in the hearts of those contemporaries yet living; and many those of more recent years glean some concept from this brief sketch of the life and works of this wonder man.
W. H. Workman, shorn of the personal halo which followed him in life, stands out in Los Angeles history with ever-increasing prominence. The man, the historical figure, the city father is assuming the place that eventually the world accords the great in sifting the worth-while doings of mankind. Some day, ere long, it is not too much to expect that to his memory and for the things he did for Los Angeles will be erected a fitting monument of recognition and esteem.
Constructor of the first street railway, builder of Boyle Heights, donor of many church sites and parks, organizer of banks, founder of schools, public official of wide capacities, pioneer of many enterprises and works of civic welfare - these, in composite, tell the story of the William Henry Workman which will go down in the chronicles of Los Angeles.
Mr. Workman"s activities were initiative. He had no models to go by in carving out his career and in erecting the structures he built; he had no precedents to follow. He saw the needs of the growing city of Los Angeles and he created the means of relief; he builded from mental perspective; he completed his works through sheer executive ability and dynamic energy.
It is said that men of noted works are not really appreciated until the lapse of fifty years. Let us not wait so long to relate the good deeds, the great things accomplished by William Henry Workman.
As did many another pioneer, Mr. Workman crossed the plains in an ox cart, migrating with his parents from Booneville, Missouri, to San Francisco, and thence by water to San Pedro and Los Angeles, requiring six months for the trip. The family reached Los Angeles on October 17, 1854, and from that date became a powerful factor in the development of Los Angeles and Southern California.
The Workmans descended from hardy stock, forefather Thomas Workman being a native of England, and John Hook of Virginia serving as a soldier under General Washington. David Workman and Nancy Hook were married in Missouri, and in New Franklin their son, W. H. Workman, was born January 1, 1839.
Young Workman received his education in the Booneville public schools and the F. T. Kemper Collegiate Institute.
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