William Curnow (1832 – 14 October 1903) was a Cornish Australian journalist, and Methodist minister, and was editor of The Sydney Morning Herald for 15 years.

As a child he competed in a recitation contest at a local Methodist chapel in which he beat a young Henry Irving who at that time was still known by the surname Brodribb.

When he returned Curnow initially ministered in Forest Lodge, however his throat had become adversely affected by public speaking and he finally resigned in 1886.

From 1873 he contributed articles to the Sydney Morning Herald, and John Fairfax highly appreciated his work.

[3][4] He retired in 1903 in failing health, and died aged 70 of cerebrovascular disease at his home at Clifton, Cambridge street, Enmore on 14 October 1903 and was buried in Rookwood Cemetery.