William Harris Wharton (April 27, 1802 – March 14, 1839) was an American colonist, diplomat, senator and statesman in early Texas.

Afterward, Wharton moved to Mexican Texas, and on December 5, 1827, married Sarah Ann Groce, the daughter of a wealthy landowner.

Their only child was a son, John A. Wharton (1828–1865), who served in the American Civil War as a Confederate major general.

After the revolution resulted in the formation of the Republic of Texas in 1836, Wharton supported Austin's unsuccessful candidacy for president, which was instead won by Sam Houston.

In November, President Houston appointed Wharton as minister to the United States, hoping to secure political recognition and possible annexation.