William Maclay Awl (May 24, 1799 – November 19, 1876) was a psychiatrist, a politician and a mental health hospital administrator.

Failing to graduate, he began a temporary practice in his hometown, specializing in anatomy and surgery, but later accompanied a knapsacker to Lancaster, Ohio, in 1826.

[2][3] In Columbus he quickly specialized in treating mental disorders and management of people suffering from insanity.

He was once stated that if he could fix his eyes on those of even the most violent lunatic he could control him without difficulty, an accomplishment which he succeeded in doing several times.

In addition, in 1846, he, Daniel Drake, and other leading members of his field to establish the Ohio State Medical Society.