Born in Belfast, Ireland, William McCracken was one of the most successful furniture manufacturers and dealers on Royal Street. He began his business with his brother John around 1832, worked by himself through most of the 1840s and 1850s, and then partnered with his younger brother James by 1860. In addition to making custom furniture for homes and businesses at their manufactory on Derbigny Street, the McCrackens were one of the largest importers of domestic furniture to New Orleans. Each fall and spring, they received freight almost daily on ships from Boston and New York. Despite losing $11,000 worth of stock when a fire burned down several buildings on Furniture Row in 1860, the McCrackens remained leaders in the industry. After William’s death in 1872, the firm continued under the name McCracken & Brewster.