William Harvey JP (1787 – 25 December 1870) was an English industrialist, cotton mill owner, deacon, and activist.

He helped establish the Vegetarian Society, the Manchester and Salford Temperance Union, and the United Kingdom Alliance, serving as President of each organisation.

[2] Harvey had six siblings including Martha, who later married their cousin Joseph Brotherton and authored the first vegetarian cookbook.

[4] Harvey moved to Salford in 1804 to apprentice under Mr. Railton for cotton spinning, weaving, and printing, and resided with Brotherton.

The Christian principles they followed—welfare, no child labour under 13, and a 10-hour maximum workday—were praised in Angus Bethune Reach's Manchester and the Textile Districts in 1849.

[1] Harvey co-founded and presided over the Vegetarian Society, the Manchester and Salford Temperance Union, the United Kingdom Alliance.

[7] Harvey continued his prominent role in the Council till his death on 25 December 1870 at his home at 8 Acton Square, Crescent, Salford, at the age of 83.