Workman and Temple Families of Southern California, 1830-1930

The Workman and Temple families played a pivotal role in the transformation of the Los Angeles region from an isolated frontier area of Mexico with only a couple of thousand people to a burgeoning metropolitan area of several million. In an era when most people never traveled further than a few miles from their homes, William Workman, David Workman, Jonathan Temple, and F. P. F. Temple left their homes in England and Massachusetts on journeys covering thousands of miles via ship and overland to such far-flung exotic places as Taos, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Los Angeles.

Through thorough research in archives, public records, family documents, and other sources, Paul R. Spitzzeri takes the reader on a journey into the story of Los Angeles's amazing transformation, as experienced through the lives of the men and women in the Workman and Temple families. These families played active, diverse, and longstanding roles in the development of southern California, achieving great success and wealth as cattle ranchers, farmers, politicians, bankers, businessmen, and real estate developers, while also experiencing the pain of failure.

The Workman and Temple families left a lasting impact on the Los Angeles region. As active participants in its transformation, they witnessed the city's transition from an isolated frontier to a thriving metropolitan area. Their stories, as chronicled by Spitzzeri, offer a unique and valuable perspective on the history of Los Angeles, highlighting the profound changes that took place during this pivotal period.

The book's recognition by the American Association for State and Local History's 2009 Award of Merit underscores the significance of the Workman and Temple families' contributions to the region's development. Their lives and accomplishments serve as a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and entrepreneurial spirit that shaped the growth of Los Angeles, making this work an essential read for anyone interested in the city's rich history.

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