William Robert Taylor (July 10, 1820 – March 17, 1909) was an American politician and the 12th Governor of Wisconsin from 1874 to 1876.

He was orphaned at age 6 when his father's ship was lost at sea; his mother had died when he was an infant.

[2] Taylor moved to Ohio, where he taught school, studied medicine,[2] and served in the local militia.

During his time as Governor, Taylor had the privilege of appointing the 3rd Chief Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Edward George Ryan.

Son of Robert and Mary (Coleman) Taylor, he was orphaned at age six when his father was lost at sea, and was cared for by neighbors.