The earliest known account of William Tell dates back to the 15th century, when he was mentioned in a chronicle by the Swiss historian Petermann Etterlin. In this account, Tell is depicted as a skilled crossbowman who shot an apple off his son's head at the command of the evil governor Gessler.
The story of William Tell has been retold and embellished many times over the centuries, and it has become a symbol of Swiss independence and resistance to oppression. However, there is no historical evidence to support the claim that Tell was a real person.
Some historians argue that Tell is based on a real person who lived in the 14th century. However, there is no record of any such person in the historical record. Others argue that Tell is a completely mythical figure, and that his story is a folk tale that was created to explain the Swiss people's love of freedom and independence.
Ultimately, the question of whether William Tell was a real man or not is a matter of debate. There is no definitive answer, and it is likely that the truth will never be known.