Charles Howarth (1814-1868) was one of the founders of the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers' Society, and is regarded as the main architect of the principles that governed the Pioneers' Society and served as a blueprint for future co-operative societies. He served as president of the Pioneers in 1845 and was secretary on several occasions.
Howarth was also an original member of the Co-operative Wholesale Society, serving on the first committee, and was the director of the Co-operative Insurance Society until his death in 1868.