Charles W. Leonard (November 1, 1844 - November 2, 1941) was an innovator in Textile Manufacturing, Granite Quarry Excavation, as well as Harness Racing and Rail Transport.Leonard was born in Sharon, Mass, the eldest of 7 children. He was the son of Benjamin S. Leonard and Esther (Smith) Leonard. Charles attended Stoughtonham Institute at Sharon. He began work in 1866 as a clerk and salesman with Jackson, Mandell & Daniells of Boston. In February 1880 Charles married Emeline Thatcher Welch.