The Buggy Whip, circa 1900

Charles’ parents, John and Agnes (Clark) Leslie, who were born and married in Perthshire, Scotland, immigrated to the United States in 1873. Following one year in Sacramento, California, the Leslies moved to Mendocino County for three years while John managed a fifty four thousand acre sheep ranch, and in 1877 the family settled in Windsor where they established a farm, which included orchards, vineyard, and sheep. While also farming his own land John Leslie worked as Sheep Inspector for the County Board of Supervisors. The couple had five children: William, Thomas, Charles, Margaret, and Jeanette.

The Leslie Family, 1895

Born on his family’s Windsor ranch in 1883, Charles grew up attending local Windsor schools. In 1918, Charles married Miss Anna Hotchkiss. The couple established themselves on the Leslie Ranch, which consisted of one hundred and sixty acres, including a ten acre apple orchard. Charles Leslie also owned a tract of two hundred and forty acres in Knights Valley, purchased in 1916. Charles and Anna had one daughter, June, born in 1919. Charles was a charter member of the equestrian group Sonoma County Trail Blazers, and served as trail boss of that organization for 25 years. Charles lived his entire life on the family ranch, and when he retired moved into a house on Prince Street in Healdsburg. He and his family are buried at Shiloh Cemetery in Windsor.