William Gunton (d. 15 Dec 1880) was President of the Bank of Washington from 1835 to 1880. He was born in England and practiced pharmacy in Georgetown, Frederick, Md. and Washington, DC until his election as President of the Bank. He became a very wealthy businessman and served as director and president of numerous companies and organizations including Columbian University (now George Washington Univ.) He was director of the American Colonization Society (which created the country of Liberia for the purpose of repatriating former slaves) from 1846 to his death and was Vice President of the Oldest Inhabitants' Association.

His eldest daughter, Mary (d. 12 Feb 1896), married Edward Temple (d. 1 Mar 1892) who suceeded his father-in-law as President of the Bank of Washington. Shortly after Edward's death, Mary provided the funds to build the Gunton Temple Church to the memory of her father and husband. It was located on the southeast corner of 14th and R streets. It has been replaced by another building.

Other Guntons at the site are: Mrs. William (d. 25 Sep 1839); Mary R.M. (d. 20 Feb 1853); Child (d. 5 Nov 1886); Ann (18 Mar 1877); Mary (d. 3 Jul 1876); Elizabeth (d. 3 Jun 1858); Thomas (d. 25 Dec 1853 as the result of a fall from a horse); Thomas (d. 24 Sep 1821); Jane (d. 12 Nov 1818); and Child (d. 10 Aug 1855).