Leading Figures in History

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

62247 persons found

Mary Sumner

British educator and activist (1828–1921)

Mary T. Meagher

b. 1964

American Olympic swimmer (born 1964)

Mary Tappan Wright

American novelist

Mary Tenney Gray

b. 1833

American editorial writer, clubwoman, and philanthropist

Mary Testa

b. 1955

American actress

Mary Theresa Ledóchowska

b. 1863

Polish Roman Catholic sister (1863–1922)

Mary Todd Lincoln

First Lady of the United States from 1861 to 1865

Mary Travers

American folk singer (1936–2009)

Mary Tudor, Queen of France

Queen of France from 1514 to 1515

Mary Two-Axe Earley

Canadian Mohawk and Oneida women's rights activist

Mary V. Austin

b. 1900

Australian activist and community worker

Mary Vaux Walcott

b. 1860

United States artist, photographer, botanist and naturalist

Mary W. Bacheler

Mary Walcott

b. 1675

Witness at the Salem witch trials (born 1675)

Mary Walsh (actress)

b. 1952

Canadian actress, comedian, and writer (born 1952)

Mary Ward (scientist)

Anglo-Irish scientist and writer

Mary Watson Whitney

b. 1847

American astronomer (1847–1921)

Mary Wells

b. 1943

American singer (1943–1992)

Mary Wesley

b. 1912

English writer (1912–2002)

Mary Whitehouse

b. 1910

British conservative activist (1910–2001)

Mary Wickes

b. 1910

American actress (1910–1995)

Mary Wigman

b. 1886

German dancer and choreographer (1886–1973)

Mary Wollstonecraft

b. 1759

English writer and philosopher (1759–1797)

Mary Wriothesley, Countess of Southampton

b. 1552

English noblewoman (1552–1607)