It's wise to get an overview of your person and the major concept associated with them. These are two pre-research links:
Encyclopedia Britannica Online
Pre-research sources cannot be cited in your bibliography but that doesn't mean you shouldn't get a valuable overview of your topic. It will save you time in the long run. Students who have skipped this step reported that it took a lot longer to complete their research.
Type your subject in the box below and spring right into Google Scholar.
for Ipad, smartphone or e-reader
New York Times Historical (1851 - 2006)
A
ProQuest database that includes the entire historical run of The New
York Times from 1851-2006. Digital page and article images.
You will need your library card number and pin.
UPDATE: We now have access to the Academic Pass to the NY Times. Each person needs to set up their pass for one year here:
http://nytimes.com/passes
Having an email with @seattleacademy.org is all it takes to get this pass. This also gives you access to the NY Times archives, beginning in 1851.
Type your subject in the box below and spring right into Google Books.
Five of your topics include famous people so you may want to check out the public library databases above. Often a choice is given as to whether you need a short, medium or long biography.