William Henty (born 23 September 1808 in West Tarring, Sussex, England). He moved to Tasmania in 1837 and for over 20 years practised as a solicitor. In 1857 he was elected a member of the legislative council for Tamar and was colonial secretary in the Weston cabinet. He held this office for five and a half years until his resignation in 1862. He returned to England in 1862, where he remained until his death on 11 July 1881 in Hove, Sussex, England at the age of 72. He was survived by a daughter.