keystone shapeFamous Pennsylvanians and Prominent Pennsylvanians

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has been the home of many remarkable people. A diverse group of leaders, heroes, artists, scientists and innovators have contributed to Pennsylvania and to the world. This list includes those born in Pennsylvania, as well as, those who made a noteworthy contribution to society while living in Pennsylvania. The list numbers over 790 Pennsylvanians. The links are to other web sites where you can learn something about each individual.

It honors the courageous sacrifices of 185 Pennsylvanians in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Many Pennsylvania public school students research famous Pennsylvanians. I challenge them to research someone who contributed to their locality or lived in their county. Publish the information in a class website to help others learn more about that special person from your local area. Local and county historical societies can be very helpful in locating facts, figures and even photos.

Helpful hint.
Use the browser Find command to scan the text for a person or town, rather than read the whole page.

To do this:
Go Edit ... Find. Enter a name or county - click Find.
The first occurrence of the text will be highlighted.

Edit ... Find again will take you to the next occurrence of the word.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z Resources

G

Albert Gallatin land speculator

Daniel Garber artist site 1

Melanie Gardner reporter

Robert Garland dancer/choreographer

Erroll Garner musician jazz composer pianist

Arrah Lee Gaul site 1 artist

Sgt. Christopher P. Geiger died Afghanistan US Flag Icon

Pfc. Aaron Genevie KIA Iraq US Flag Icon

Henry George orator/social activist site 1

Lindsay Barrett George author/illustrator site 1

Jean Craighead George author site 1

Richard Gere actor/musician

SSgt John Gary Gertsch soldier Medal of Honor

USMC CPL Albert Gettings KIA Iraq site 1 US Flag Icon

Stan Getz musician

Paola Giangiacomo broadcaster

Joanne Pasquale Giannini gymnastic coach volunteer

Henry Gibson (Bateman) comedian/actor

John Bannister Gibson judge

Madaline Gilbert heroine Civil War

Pvt Landon S Giles KIA Iraq site 1 site 2 US Flag Icon

Dizzy Gillespie musician

Stephen Girard Banker, Philanthropist, Patriot

Simon Girty traitor site 1 site 2, site 3

Sgt. 1st Class B. Charles Good Hero Iraq War US Flag Icon

Martin L. Grass corporate criminal

Spc Michael T Gleason KIA Iraq site 1 US Flag Icon

Spc Christopher A. Golby KIA Iraq site 1 US Flag Icon

Jeff Lynn Goldblum actor

Charles Goodyear, inventor

Sgt. Joseph P. Goodrich KIA Iraq site 1 US Flag Icon

Pfc. Orlando E. Gonzalez KIA Iraq US Flag Icon

John R. Gordner politician PA Senate site 1

Jim Gosling Co-Creator of Java Programming Language site 1

Governors of PA

Lonnie Graham photographer, artist, teacher site 1

Martha Graham dancer/choreographer

Harold "Red" Grange athlete site 1

Elisa Graybill gold medal cosmetology SkillsUSA Championships

Rosemarie B. Greco, Director Health Care Reform

Leonard A. Green environmentalist site 1

Maureen E. Lally-Green PA Justice

Stewart J. Greenleaf politician

Eric Gregg baseball Umpire site 1

Cpl. Kyle Jason Grimes KIA Iraq site 1 US Flag Icon

Jonathan Groff actor

Grove Brothers - Michael & John furnacemen

Justin Guarini entertainer

Amy Gutmann, author, administrator

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County

Fayette

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Bedford, Bedford

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Pittsburgh, Allegheny

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Allentown, Lehigh""

Chambersburg, Franklin

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

White Mills

State College, Centre (PSU Grad)

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Sheffield, Russell, Warren

New Castle, Lawrence ""

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Philadelphia and Luzerne

Monessen, Westmoreland

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Gibson’s Mill, Perry

Mercer

Indiana, Indiana""

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Dauphin

Altoona, Blair ''

Camp Hill, Cumberland

Warren, Warren''

Johnstown, Cambria''

Pittsburgh, Allegheny

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Allegheny ''

New Freedom, York ''

27th District Snyder, Montour, Northumberland, Columbia

Pittsburgh, Allegheny

n/a

Pittsburgh, Allegheny

Pittsburgh, Allegheny

Forksville, Sullivan

Selinsgrove, Snyder

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Butler, Butler

Sharpsville, Mercer

Montgomery & Bucks

Philadelphia

Bethlehem ''

Lancaster

Danville, Montour

Doylestown, Bucks

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Laminate cabinets Northway Industries Inc.

H

Alexander Haig soldier/politician site 1

Mahlon N. Haines shoe entrepreneur|philanthropist site 1

Sarah Josepha Buell Hale author/editor/activist site 1 site 2

Spc. Robert E. Hall Jr. KIA Iraq US Flag Icon

Edward T. Hammer, railroad worker, Carnegie Hero

Oscar Hammerstein II lyricist/producer site 1

Marvin Hamlisch, Composer & Conductor site 1

William Hammond baker

Winfield Scott Hancock, Civil War general site 1

William Edward Hanford scientist

Sgt. Dale Martin Hardiman soldier/good samaritan site 1

Clyde Hare photographer

Cpl. Brandon M. Hardy KIA Iraq site 1 US Flag Icon

Joseph Hardy, Sr. entrepreneur

Frances Ellen Watkins Harper poet activitst

Franco Harris athlete

Melissa Hart politician

Thomas Hartley Revolutionary War soldier/politician site 1

Sgt Jennifer Hartman killed Iraq US Flag Icon site 1

John F. Hartranft Civil War soldier, civil engineer, a lawyer, Governor

Francis J. Harvey Sec of the Army site 1

James G Harvey businessman/mayor of Hazleton 4 terms

John Haviland architect

Spc. Erik Hayes KIA Iraq site 1 US Flag Icon

Mary Ludwig Hays "Molly Pitcher" site 1, site 2, site 3

Sgt Timothy L Hayslett KIA Iraq site 1, site 2 US Flag Icon

Carloyn Haywood author

Robert Hazard musician

Henry Hazlett economist/author

Martin Johnson Heade artist site 1

Jimmy Heath musician

Edward "Ned" Hector hero/wagoneer
Revolutionary War site 1

Henry John Heinz industrialist site 1

William Heiss - coachmaker

Joseph Heller - author site 1
 
James Henry smith/environmentalist

Spc. Joshua J. Henry KIA Iraq site 1 US Flag Icon

Peter Herdic entrepreneur/philanthropist

Spc. Brent Michael Hershey KIA Afghanistan US Flag Icon

Milton Snavely Hershey - site 1 indutrialist

Tim Hewitt adventurer site 1 site 2

John Hewson patriot/fabric printer

Edward Hicks primitive artist Peaceable Kingdom

Joseph Hoeffel politician

Bob Hoffman hero/businessman site 1

Spc. Derek Holland KIA Afghanistan US Flag Icon

Larry Holmes champion boxer

Harold A. Honickman businessman / philathropist

Lynne Korman Honickman activist

Spc. Michael A. Hook KIA Iraq site 1| US Flag Icon

Francis Hopkinson lawyer/signed DOI

Marilyn Horne - opera singer site 1, site 2, site 3

SSgt. Jeremy R. Horton KIA Iraq site 1 US Flag Icon

Colonel George Howard musician band leader

Liliane Stevens Howard suffragette site 1

SSgt. Sean P. Huey, KIA Iraq site 1 US Flag Icon

Daniel Hughes underground railroad raftsman

Robert Hughes activist

Spc Eric R Hull KIA Iraq site 1 US Flag Icon

Cpl. Barton R. Humlhanz KIA Iraq site 1, site 2 US Flag Icon

Edwin M. Hummel politician

Cy Hungerford cartoonist

Mary Morris Husband Civil War nurse

Joseph M. Huston architect site 1

Thomas Hylton author

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County

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

York, York

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Pittsburgh, Allegheny ''

Sunbury, Northumberland

Doylestown, Bucks

Pittsburgh, Allegheny

Lancaster, Lancaster

Montgomery Square, Montgomery

Bristol, Bucks

Somerset

Pittsburgh, Allegheny

Cochranville, Chester ''

Pittsburgh, Allegheny

York and Philadelphia area.

Allegheny and Centre

Allegheny

Reading & York

New Ringgold, Schuylkill''

Montgomery

Latrobe, Westmoreland

Hazleton, Luzerne

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Adams ''

Carlisle

Newville, Cumberland ''

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Lumberville, Bucks

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Norristown, Montgomery

Pittsburgh, Allegheny

Miffinburg, Union

State College, Centre

Bushkill Township, Northampton

Avonmore, Armstrong''

Williamsport, Lycoming

State College, Centre ''

Dauphin

Greensburg, Westmoreland

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Bucks

Montgomery

Wilkinsburg, Allegheny

Wind Gap, Northampton ''

Easton, Northampton

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Altoona, Blair

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Bradford, Bradford

Erie, Erie ''

Reamstown, Lancaster

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Fredericktown ''

Williamsport

Luzerne

Upper Middletown, Fayette

Hellertown, Northampton ''

Snyder

Pittsburgh, Allegheny

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Pottstown, Berks

Laminate cabinets Northway Industries Inc.

I

Lido Anthony (Lee) Iacocca entrepenuer

Harold LeClair Ickes lawyer/activist

William Brantley Van Ingen muralist

Sgt.Thor Harrison Ingraham KIA Iraq site 1 site 2 US Flag Icon

K. Leroy Irvis, speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives site 1

Spc Craig S. Ivory medic Iraq US Flag Icon

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County

Allentown, Lehigh

Altoona, Blair

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Murrysville ''

Pittsburgh, Allegheny

Port Matilda, Centre''

Laminate cabinets Northway Industries Inc.

J

Reggie Jackson athlete

Frederica A. Massiah-Jackson judge

Robert H. Jackson Justice US Supreme Court

Byron Janis pianist

Robert Janosov historian/educator site 1

Betty James Entrepreneur/businesswoman

Richard James inventor site 1

Anna Jarvis, Founder of Mothers Day

Sgt. Brahim Jeffcoat KIA Iraq site 1 site 2 US Flag Icon

Robinson Jeffers poet

Mary Jemison captive

Loretta Sweet Jemmott nurse, health activist regarding AIDS

Patricia H. Jenkins judge

Robert Boyd Jenkins KIA Iraq site 1 US Flag Icon

Otto Emery Jennings, biologist naturalist

Sgt. Andrew Jodon KIA Iraq site 1 US Flag Icon

Cpl Carl W. Johnson KIA Iraq US Flag Icon

Harry D. Johnston coach

Spc Maurice J. Johnson KIA Iraq site 1 US Flag Icon

Rowland, Israel, Ellwood, Sarah, Elizabeth Johnson abolitionists

Davy Jones artist/horseman (lives in PA now)

Spc. Rodney A. Jones KIA Iraq War site 1 US Flag Icon

Absalom Jones religious leader site 1

Shirley Jones singer/actress

Babette Josephs politician

David Joyner site 1 physician/athlete

Edward Zone Carroll Judson - "Ned Buntline" novelist/inventor

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County

Wyncote, Montgomery

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Spring Creek, Warren

McKeesport, Allegheny

Northeast Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Philadelphia ''

Pittsburgh, Allegheny

Chambersburg, Franklin

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Delaware

Altoona, Blair ''

Western Pennsylvania

Burnside Twp., Centre ''

Philadelphia ''

Lewistown, Juniata

Levittown, Bucks''

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Beavertown, Snyder

Philadelphia, Philadelphia''

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Charleroi, Washington

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Hershey, Dauphin

Bethany, Wayne

K

Kristen Kane author

SSgt Joseph M. Kane KIA Iraq site 1 US Flag Icon

Paul E. Kanjorski politician

John Kanzius invented process to "burn salt water"/treat cancer

Sgt. Paul Karpowich KIA Iraq site 1 US Flag Icon

Spc. Mark J. Kasecky soldier KIA Iraq site 1 US Flag Icon

Pfc. Douglas E. Kashmer Killed Iraq US Flag Icon

Spc. Jason C. Kazarick Killed Iraq US Flag Icon

Solomon John Keal musician/composer

Michael Keaton, actor

Sally Miller Keehn author site 1

Paul Keene artist site 1

Paul K Keene inventor/organic farmer

John J Kehoe coal miner | activist | wrongfully executed

Florence Kelley attorney social worker

Gene Kelly dancer/actor

Grace Kelly actress/princess

Walter Crawford Kelly cartoonist

LCpl. Patrick B. Kenny KIA Iraq US Flag Icon

Arthur Atwater Kent, industiralist / philathropist

Spc. Jonathan Kephart KIA Iraq site 1 US Flag Icon

Teresa Heinz Kerry linguist/philanthropist

Kelly Kiely Journalist

Bonnie and Joe Kies conservationists

Fred Morgan Kirby businessman

Gelsey Kirkland ballerina, site 1

Kishacoquillas leader

Shirley M. Kitchen politician

Karl K. Klees farmhand Carnegie Hero

Joshua Klinger KIA Iraq site 1 US Flag Icon

Henry I. Klopp doctor

Jack Klugman actor

SGT 1st Tony Knier KIA Iraq site 1 US Flag Icon

Paul Knight State Climatologist site 1

Catherine Baker Knoll politician/educator/businesswoman

Spc Matthew A. Koch KIA Iraq site 1 US Flag Icon

Chief Petty Officer Michael Koch KIA Iraq US Flag Icon

John H. Kohl Carnegie Hero

Pfc. Martin W. Kondor KIA Iraq site 1 site 2 US Flag Icon

Dean Ray Koontz writer site 1

L. Cpl. Ryan J. Kovacicek KIA Iraq site 1 site 2 US Flag Icon

George Krause photographer site 1

Zell Kravinsky philanthropist site 1

Laura Krell Gold Medal Speaking, SkillsUSA Competition

Sebastian S. Kresge entrepreneur site 1

Pfc. Bradley G. Kritzer KIA Iraq site 1 US Flag Icon

Spc. Kurt Krout, KIA Iraq site 1, site 2, site 3 US Flag Icon

Charles Krumreich invented phone jack

Alice Kulikowski activist

John Kulick KIA Iraq site 1 site 2 US Flag Icon

Sgt. Russell Kurtz KIA Iraq site 1 US Flag Icon

Stephanie Louise Kwolek scientist site 1

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County

Farmington, Fayette

Darby, Delaware ''

Luzerne

Washington County

Freeland/Bridgeport ''

McKees Rocks, Allegheny ''

Sharon, Mercer''

Oakmont, Allegheny ''

Bryn Athyn, Montgomery

Coraopolis, Allegheny

Lehigh

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Penns Creek, Union

Audenried, Carbon

Philadelphia

Pittsburgh, Allegheny

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Pittsburgh, Allegheny ''

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Oil City, Venango''

Pittsburgh, Allegheny

Pittsburgh, Allegheny

Bucks

Wilkes-Barre

Bethlehem, Northampton

Juniata

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Catawissa

Williams Township, Northampton''

Allentown, Northampton

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Westfield, Tioga ''

State College, Centre

Allegheny

Allentown, Northampton ''

State College, Centre ''

Northumberland

York, York ''

Everett, Bedford

Washington County''

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Jenkintown, Montgomery

Mifflinburg, Union

Bald Mount, Lackawanna

Irvona, Clearfield ''

Spinnerstown, Bucks''

State College, Centre

Allegheny

Montgomery ''

Bethel Park, Allegheny

New Kensington, Allegheny

L

Patti LaBelle (Patricia Louise Holt) singer

Harriet Lane First Lady

Mario Lanza singer

Lappawinsoe site 1 site 2

Thomas D. Larson civil engineer, leader in transportation

Jacob Latch shoemaker, Rev War Soldier pdf pg 27 US Flag Icon

Benjamin H. Latrobe architect site 1, site 2

Spc. Timothy J Lauer KIA Iraq site 1 US Flag Icon

Susan Laughlin legislator

Helen Elizabeth Lawson artist

George M. Leader politician

Marie A. Lederer legislator

Joseph Leidy, scientist 19th-Century site 1

Kim Lemon broadcaster

F. Julius LeMoyne physician/abolitionist site 1

Lenape People site 1 site 2, site 3

David C. Leonard Carnegie Hero

Erman E. Lepley teacher, KIA WWI US Flag Icon

David LeVan businessman site 1

Oscar Levant composer/pianist/actor site 1, site 2

William J. Levitt developer

Joan Levy volunteer

Beverly Marie Jones Lewis author

Charles F. Lewis journalist/environmentalist

SSgt. Daniel R. Lightner Jr. State Trooper/KIA Iraq US Flag Icon

Marie Litzinger Mathematician

Sgt. Dale Thomas Lloyd KIA Iraq site 1 site 2 US Flag Icon

FC1 Robert B. Logue submariner KIA WWII site 1 US Flag Icon

Spc. Zachariah Long KIA Iraq site 1 US Flag Icon

Lt Christopher E. Loudon KIA Iraq US Flag Icon

Samuel Loyd inventor mathematician

Barbara Luderowski sculptor site 1

Johnny Lujack athlete

Rebecca Webb Lukens industrialist site 1, site 2

Patrick Lyon blacksmith victim of false imprisonment bank robbery

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County

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Franklin

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

n/a

State College, Centre

Lower Merion, Montgomery ''

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Saegertown, Crawford ''

Allegheny/Beaver

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

York

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Lancaster, Lancaster

Washington, Washington

Delaware, Philadelphia, Chester, Bucks

Sunbury, Northumberland

Spring Townhip, Snyder ''

Gettysburg, Adams

Pittsburgh, Allegheny

Levittown, Bucks

Pittsburgh, Allegheny

Lancaster, Lancaster

Westmoreland

Hollidaysburg, Blair''

Bedford

Watsontown Northumberland ''

Central PA

Milton, Northumberland ''

Brockport, Elk ''

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

Pittsburgh, Allegheny

Connellsville, Fayette

Chester

Philadelphia, Philadelphia

We Remember Them

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This page is updated periodically 6/5/08 by Pennsylvanian, Cynthia J. O'Hora 12/24/04

“All power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority and instituted for their peace, safety and happiness.
For the advancement of these ends they have at all times
an inalienable and indefeasible right to alter, reform or abolish their government in such manner as they may think proper.”
- Article I, Section 2, Pennsylvania Constitution, Authored by Benjamin Franklin