FAGOAGA, Francisco (fahgoah'gah), Mexican philanthropist, born in the City of Mexico, 7 February 1788; died there, 20 July 1851. He was a son of the first Marquis of Apartado. Fagoaga entered the College of San Ildefonso in 1799, where he studied philosophy, went to Paris in 1SOS to finish his studies, and afterward traveled through Europe. After his return to Mexico he was elected, in 1820, deputy for the province of Mexico to the Spanish cortes, and, sympathizing with the struggle for independence in his native country, spoke often in defense of its political rights, and, together with Ramos Arispe, prepared the recognition of its independence. He returned to Mexico after the fall of Iturbide in 1828, and was immediately elected president of the municipal council of Mexico, where he made many improvements.

In 1832 he was appointed secretary of foreign relations by Bustamante, but, the government of the latter having been overthrown by Santa Anna, Fagoaga was forced to emigrate to Europe, where he lived for several years. After his return adverse circumstances obliged him, in 1841, to make an assignment, and, giving up his art collection and his library to his creditors, he retired from public life. When his elder brother, the Marquis of Apartado, died, leaving the greater part of his fortune for charitable purposes, Fagoaga was appointed trustee, and soon was recognized as one of the public benefactors of Mexico. He rebuilt and endowed the Foundling hospital, the convents of the Capuchin nuns and of Corpus Christi, the hospital of San Juan de Dios and the insane asylum of San Hipolito, the Charitable home, and many other kindred institutions. In the Acordada prison he endowed the School of bookbindery and the Lancaster schools, established, together with Luis de la Rosa, the School of design, and with Francisco Carvajal, the School for trades and mechanical teaching. Moreover, privately and without ostentation, he relieved innumerable needy families. He was elected senator in three legislatures, a member of the board of mines, and of several scientific associations and public boards. At his death the inmates of the Charitable home petitioned that his body be buried in the chapel of the institution, which was done.