This is a list of notable individuals who come from the state of Illinois, a state within the larger United States of America. A Aa–Ag Emma Abbott (1850–91), opera soprano. Born and raised in Illinois until age 16; funeral held in Illinois, but interred in Massachusetts. David Abidor (born 1992), soccer player Margaret Abbott (1878–1955), first modern-era Olympic United States female champion. Lived during her teens and learned her Olympic sport of golf in Illinois. Robert Sengstacke Abbott (1868–1940), African-American lawyer, newspaper publisher and editor. Studied law and had his newspaper career in Chicago. Jessica Abel (1969–living), comic book writer and artist. Born and educated in Illinois. Gertrude Abercrombie (1909–77), surrealist painter. Lived most of her life in Chicago and known for her association with the city. Max Abramovitz (1908–2004), architect. Born and college-educated in Illinois. Ben Abruzzo (1930–85), balloonist. Born and college-educated in Illinois. Tony Accardo (1906–1992), organized crime figure. Born and lived entire life in Chicago metropolitan area. Barbara Acklin (1943–98), singer. Came to Illinois at age of five and resided until her death. Ron Acks (1944–living), NFL linebacker 1968–76. Acks was born, attended high school and college in Illinois. Valdas Adamkus (1926–living), president of Lithuania 1998–2009. Lived in Illinois for a number of years after emigrating to the United States from Lithuania, getting a college degree and entering Chicago politics. Berle Adams (1917–2009), founder of Mercury Records. Born and lived first thirty years in Illinois. Franklin P. Adams (1881–1960), writer, member of Algonquin Round Table. Described as "a native of Chicago", he found fame and lived most of his life in New York. John Hicks Adams (1820–78), gunslinger, Wild West lawman. Born and attended college in Illinois. Katrina Adams (1968–living), president of United States Tennis Association. Born and educated in Illinois. Jane Addams, social worker, teacher, Nobel Peace Prize recipient George Ade, author and cartoonist (born in Indiana) Paul Adelstein, actor, Prison Break, Private Practice Victor Adeyanju, NFL defensive end 2006–10 Dankmar Adler, architect (born in Germany) David Adler, architect (born in Wisconsin) Max Adler, founder of Adler Planetarium Scott Adsit, actor, writer, improvisational comedian, 30 Rock, Big Hero 6 John Agar, actor, Sands of Iwo Jima, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, husband of Shirley Temple Alex Agase, football player for Cleveland Browns; head coach of Northwestern, Purdue Lou Agase, football player for Illinois, coach of CFL's Toronto Argonauts Milton Ager, composer, "Ain't She Sweet", "Happy Days