The Village of Leonard was created and named for Leonard Rowland, a local farmer and businessman.  He platted the first properties to be sold in what would become the Village when it was learned that the Pontiac, Oxford and Northern Railroad would be coming through this area in 1883.  The Village was named "Leonard" in his honor.  He donated the construction of what was to become "Rowland Hall" in gratitude for the honor of having the Village named in his honor.  The Village was recognized as a community by Oakland County in 1884 and due to a change in law regarding the incorporation of communities, the Village of Leonard was officially incorporated in 1889.