Charles was Overseer of the Poor in Syracuse for several years. He was also a Salt Manufacturer.

From the book Pioneer Times in the Onondaga Country by Charles Carroll Smith, 1904. Following are a few excerpts from the book’s page 293-295. A sketch shows the buildings on the South Side of Clinton Square, 1824-1834. The fourth building from left is the business of Charles Leonard and the following information is given: “The structures were painted in various colors. The names on the signs were all most familiar: Kasson & Hermans and William Malcolm, hardware dealers; John Leslie, a well-known grocer; Charles Leonard, harness-maker, and later salt manufacturer; Agnew & Wood, tailors; Dr. Jonathan Day, physician and druggist, and Hiram Judson, jeweler; those were the original business men in stores on the Wieting block site.”

From the Syracuse Daily Courier Saturday, March 15, 1884: "At half past two o'clock yesterday morning at the family residence, No. 157 West Onondaga Street, occurred the death of Maria ROOD, wife of Charles LEONARD. Death resulted from a complication of diseases. Twenty years ago Mrs. LEONARD suffered a stroke of paralysis, from which she has never fully recovered. She was taken more seriously ill in November last, and has not been out of the house since. Mrs. Leonard was born at Parish, N.Y. Oct. 14, 1809. She was the daughter of Oliver and Lavina Rood. Her education was in the public schools. She came to Syracuse to reside with her aunt, Mrs. B. Filkine, in 1828. She has since remained here. Her marriage to Charles Leonard took place on August 10, 1832. Their children are: Ellen L, wife of E.P. HOWLETTE, Lillie P., wife of C.W. BARNET. Their son E.D. LEONARD, died about a year ago. Mrs. LEONARD was greatly beloved by a large circle of friends. She was one of the first members of the Unitarian society, and from the organization of the Onondaga county orphans asylum, was a member of the managers. The asylum was an object of her especial solitude, and the last time she was out was at the laying of the cornerstone of the new building."

From the Syracuse Post Standard 1901: "to Hannah M. Leonard by a deed dated Oct. 31, 1841, which was recorded in Onondaga County Clerk's office in Book ... premises conveyed by the party of the first part by Charles LEONARD and others by deed dated January 1st". From the Syracuse Daily Journal, Feb. 7, 1902: "The funeral of Mrs. Ellen Leonard HOWLETT of 110 Onondaga Ave., will be held at 2 p.m. tomorrow at her late home. Mrs. HOWLETT was a member of one of the oldest families who helped to make this city a center of political and religious progress. Her father, Charles LEONARD, was one of the ardent abolitionists who joined in the 'Jerry Rescue', and her mother was a pioneer of the Unitarian faith. Mrs. Howlett was a kind mother and always true in word and thought. She was a member of the board of managers of the Onondaga County Orphan asylum."

NOTE: Charles’ nephew, Charles S. LEONARD (1831-1905) also lived in Syracuse, causing some confusion.