William H. Townsend (1812 – October 14, 1873) was a merchant and political figure in Nova Scotia, Canada.
He represented Yarmouth County in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly from 1859 to 1863 as a Conservative and from 1866 to 1872 as a Liberal member.
He was born in New York City, the son of William Townsend, and ran away from home to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia at the age of 16.
Townsend opened a chandlery and hardware business in Yarmouth.
Townsend resigned his seat in the provincial assembly in 1872 due to poor health and died in Yarmouth the following year.