Leading Figures in History

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

62243 persons found

William Henry Perkin

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

William Henry Stark

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 Higinbotham

b. 1910

American physicist (1910–1994)

William Hillcourt

American scouting leader (1900–1992)

William Hobson

Royal Navy officer and colonial administrator

William Hogarth

English artist and writer (1697–1764)

William Hogenson

American athlete (1884–1965)

William Holden

b. 1918

American actor (1918–1981)

William Holman

Australian politician

William Holman Hunt

Pre-Raphaelite English artist (1827–1910)

William Holmes McGuffey

b. 1800

Early influential American educator

William Honan

American journalist and author

William Hooper

b. 1742

American Founding Father and politician (1742–1790)

William Hootkins

American actor (1948–2005)

William Howard (basketball)

b. 1993

French basketball player (born 1993)

William Howard Stein

b. 1911

American biochemist (1911–1980)

William Howard Taft

b. 1857

President of the United States from 1909 to 1913

William Hoyt (athlete)

b. 1875

American pole vaulter (1875–1954)

William Hudson (engineer)

b. 1896

New Zealand–Australian engineer (1896–1978)

William Hull

b. 1753

American military officer and politician (1753–1825)