William Barclay Charles (April 3, 1861 – November 25, 1950) was an American politician from New York.

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Charles attended private schools and high schools in Stirling and Glasgow, Scotland.

He immigrated to the United States in 1884 and spent two years ranching in Texas and Mexico.

He settled in Amsterdam, New York, in 1886 and engaged in textile manufacturing.

[1] He died in Amsterdam, New York, November 25, 1950, and was interred in Green Hill Cemetery.