William Kennish (1799 - March 19, 1862) was an engineer, inventor, explorer, scientist, and poet, known primarily for inventions developed while he served in the British Royal Navy (1821-1841). They ranged from improvements for artillery to navigation and steering devices.

After retiring from the Navy, Kennish worked as a schoolteacher on the Isle of Man. But in 1849, he migrated to the United States for more opportunities. He began surveying gold lands in Colombia, South America,