Leading Figures in History

Discover the people who shaped our world — from rulers and scientists to artists and activists.

62243 persons found

William Sealy Gosset

b. 1876

British statistician (1876–1937)

William Seawell

United States Air Force general

William Sellers

b. 1824

American engineer, inventor, and businessperson

William Seward Burroughs I

American inventor and businessman (1857–1898)

William Seymour Tyler

b. 1810

American historian (1810–1897)

William Shakespeare

b. 1564

English playwright and poet (1564–1616)

William Shawcross

b. 1946

British writer, lecturer, and broadcaster

William Shawn

b. 1907

American editor of The New Yorker (1907–1992)

William Shippen Sr.

b. 1712

American physician and civic and educational leader (1712–1801)

William Shockley

American physicist (1910–1989)

William Sleator

American science fiction author

William Slim, 1st Viscount Slim

b. 1891

British Army field marshal, Governor-General of Australia, and author (1891–1970)

William Sloane Coffin

b. 1924

American clergyman and peace activist (1924–2006)

William Smith (geologist)

English geologist (1769–1839)

William Smithers

b. 1927

American actor (1927–2026)

William Snodgrass (minister)

William Somervile

English poet (1675–1742)

William Southam

b. 1843

Canadian newspaper publisher

William Sprague (American settler)

b. 1609

William Sprague (Michigan politician)

American politician

William Sprague III

American politician

William Sprague IV

American politician and soldier (1830–1915)

William Spratling

b. 1900

American silversmith (1900–1967)

William Stafford (poet)

American poet