William Albert Ashbrook (July 1, 1867 – January 1, 1940) was an American businessman, newspaper publisher, and Democratic politician from Ohio.

William A. Ashbrook
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Ohio's 17th district
In office March 4, 1907 – March 3, 1921
Preceded by	Martin L. Smyser
Succeeded by	William M. Morgan
In office January 3, 1935 – January 1, 1940
Preceded by	Charles F. West
Succeeded by	J. Harry McGregor
Member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the Licking County district
In office January 1, 1906 – March 3, 1907
Preceded by	Charles D. Watkins
Succeeded by	Robert W. Howard
Personal details
Born	William Albert Ashbrook (1867-07-01)July 1, 1867 Johnstown, Ohio
Died	January 1, 1940(1940-01-01) (aged 72) Washington, D.C.
Resting place	Green Hill Cemetery, Johnstown
Political party	Democratic
Children	John M. Ashbrook
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He was born near Johnstown, Licking County, Ohio, and attended the local public schools. Later, he studied business in Lansing, Michigan.

In 1884 he founded a newspaper, The Johnstown Independent. He also engaged in banking. From 1893 to 1897 he served as postmaster of Johnstown.

He entered politics as a Democrat and won a seat to the Ohio House of Representatives in 1904. In 1906 he was elected to the U.S. House, where he served until he was defeated in the 1920 elections. Returning home, he resumed his newspaper publishing and banking career in Johnstown. He married Marie Swank and they had a son, John M. Ashbrook, in 1928. He ran in a successful comeback campaign for Congress in 1934, and served there until his death.

His son John would later succeed him in that congressional seat from 1961 to 1982 as a Republican.