[William Wilson]. American banker, born in Georgetown, District of Columbia, on the 27th of December 1798. His father was an Irishman who settled in Georgetown, where he occupied several minor local offices. For a time the son attended Georgetown College, but at the age of seventeen became a clerk in the dry-goods and auction store of his two older brothers. In 1828 Mr. Corcoran had charge of the real estate held by the United States Bank and the Bank of Columbia in the District of Columbia, and continued their agent until 1836. In 1835 he was married to Miss Louise A. Morris. It was in 1837 that Mr. Corcoran began his career as banker and broker in Washington, and in 1840 formed a co-partnership with the late George W. Riggs. The firm reached a high reputation and attained to great wealth after many risks and a perilous escape from disaster. In 1854 Mr. Corcoran retired from the banking business, and began to give much of his time and attention to objects of benevolence. Oak Hill, the Louise Home and the Corcoran Gallery of Art are among his creations, together with many gifts to colleges, seminaries and charities to the extent of several millions. He died in Washington, DC, on the 24th of February 1888.
