William Eli Sanford (September 16, 1838 – July 10, 1899) was a Canadian businessman, philanthropist, and politician.

Born in New York City, he was orphaned before his seventh birthday and then moved to Hamilton, Canada West, to live with his paternal aunt.

A Conservative, he represented the senatorial division of Hamilton, Ontario.

He is interred in the Sanford Family vault in Hamilton Cemetery.

This article about an Ontario politician is a stub.