Leading Figures in History

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

24408 persons found

William Shawcross

b. 1946

British writer, lecturer, and broadcaster

William Sloane Coffin

b. 1924

American clergyman and peace activist (1924–2006)

William Smithers

b. 1927

American actor (1927–2026)

William Standish Knowles

b. 1917

American chemist (1917–2012)

William Stang

b. 1854

German-born American prelate

William Stanier

b. 1876

English railway engineer (1876–1965)

William Stephens (American politician)

American politician (1859–1944)

William Stickney (golfer)

b. 1879

American golfer

William Stoughton (judge)

New England magistrate and colonial administrator

William Strunk Jr.

b. 1869

American professor of English language (1869–1946)

William Stubbs

b. 1825

British historian and Anglican bishop (1825–1901)

William Sturgeon

b. 1783

English electrical engineer and inventor (1783–1850)

William Styron

b. 1925

American writer (1925–2006)

William T. Cahill

b. 1912

American politician (1912–1996)

William Talbot, 1st Earl Talbot

British politician (1710–1782)

William Tate (painter)

English painter (1747–1806)

William Tebeau

American engineer and educator

William the Silent

b. 1533

Dutch revolt leader (1533–1584)

William Thomson Sloper

William Thornton

b. 1759

American inventor and architect (1759–1828)

William Tilbury Fox

English dermatologist

William Tite

English architect (1798–1873)

William Tolbert

b. 1913

President of Liberia from 1971 to 1980

William Trevor

b. 1928

Irish writer (1928-2016)