(Encyclopedia) Safire, William L.Safire, William L.săfˈīrˌ [key], 1929–2009, American journalist and speechwriter, b. New York City as William Safir. A former reporter and public-relations executive…
(Encyclopedia) Bouguereau, Adolphe WilliamBouguereau, Adolphe Williamädôlfˈ, b&oomacr;grōˈ [key], 1825–1905, French academic painter. He won the Prix de Rome in 1850 and became extremely popular…
(Encyclopedia) Prescott, William, 1726–95, American Revolutionary officer, b. Groton, Mass. He saw service in the French and Indian Wars. In the American Revolution, he fortified (1775) Breed's Hill…
(Encyclopedia) Franklin, William, c.1730–1813, last royal governor of New Jersey; illegitimate son of Benjamin Franklin. He grew up in Philadelphia, served in King George's War, and was (1754–56)…
(Encyclopedia) Baffin, William, c.1584–1622, British arctic explorer. He was pilot on two expeditions (1615–16) sent out to search for the Northwest Passage under command of Robert Bylot, who was…
(Encyclopedia) Gell, Sir WilliamGell, Sir Williamgĕl [key], 1777–1836, English archaeologist. He served as chamberlain to Caroline, consort of the prince of Wales (later George IV), and accompanied…
(Encyclopedia) Aytoun, William EdmonstouneAytoun, William Edmonstouneāˈt&oomacr;n [key], 1813–65, Scottish poet. He was (1845–64) professor of belles-lettres at Edinburgh Univ. The Bon Gaultier…
(Encyclopedia) Rives, William CabellRives, William Cabellrēvz [key], 1793–1868, American politician and diplomat, b. Nelson co. (then part of Amherst co.), Va. A lawyer, he sat in the Virginia…
(Encyclopedia) Whitney, William Collins, 1841–1904, American financier and political leader, b. Conway, Mass. After attending (1863–64) Harvard law school, he moved to New York City, became…
(Encyclopedia) Ladd, William, 1778–1841, American pacifist, b. Exeter, N.H., grad. Harvard, 1797. He commanded sailing vessels until the outbreak of the War of 1812, when he retired to a farm in…