Leading Figures in History

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

21506 persons found

William George Beers

b. 1843

Canadian dentist and lacrosse player

William Giauque

b. 1895

Canadian-born American chemist

William Gilbert (physicist)

b. 1544

English physician and natural philosopher (1544?-1603)

William Gillette

American manager and playwright

William Glackens

American painter (1870–1938)

William Golding

British novelist, poet, and playwright (1911–1993)

William Grant Stairs

Canadian-British explorer, soldier, and adventurer

William Grant Still

b. 1895

American composer (1895–1978)

William Guarnere

b. 1923

US Army soldier

William H. Dana

NASA research pilot and astronaut (1930–2014)

William H. Donaldson

American businessman (1931–2024)

William H. Prescott

b. 1796

American historian and Hispanist (1796–1859)

William H. Riker

American political scientist (1920–1993)

William H. Seward

b. 1801

American politician (1801–1872)

William H. Seward Jr.

b. 1839

US Army general (1839–1920)

William H. Shockley

American engineer, photographer, and botanist (1855–1925)

William H. Webb

b. 1816

American shipbuilder (1816–1899)

William Hall (VC)

b. 1827

Canadian Royal Navy hero

William Halpenny

b. 1882

Canadian pole vaulter (1882–1960)

William Hanley

American dramatist

William Harrison (priest)

b. 1534

English clergyman, born 1534

William Harvey

English physician (1578–1657)

William Hathaway

American politician

William Heberden

English physician (1710–1801)