Leading Figures in History

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

39103 persons found

William H. Shockley

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

William H. Webb

b. 1816

American shipbuilder (1816–1899)

William Halford

b. 1841

William Hall (VC)

b. 1827

Canadian Royal Navy hero

William Halpenny

b. 1882

Canadian pole vaulter (1882–1960)

William Halsey Jr.

United States Navy admiral (1882–1959)

William Hanley

American dramatist

William Hanna

b. 1910

American animator (1910–2001)

William Harnett

b. 1848

American painter

William Harrison (priest)

b. 1534

English clergyman, born 1534

William Harvey

English physician (1578–1657)

William Hathaway

American politician

William Hayden English

b. 1822

American politician (1822–1896)

William Heberden

English physician (1710–1801)

William Henry Barlow

b. 1812

British civil engineer

William Henry Bragg

b. 1862

British X-ray crystallographer (1862–1942)

William Henry Ogilvie

b. 1869

Scottish-Australian poet (1869–1963)

William Henry Perkin

English chemist known for his accidental discovery of the first synthetic dye

William Henry Vanderbilt

b. 1821

American businessman (1821–1885)

William Herbert, 1st Earl of Pembroke (died 1469)

Welsh nobleman and politician

William Herschel

German-British astronomer and composer (1738–1822)

William Hickey (actor)

American actor (1927–1997)

William Holden

b. 1918

American actor (1918–1981)

William Holman

Australian politician