Pioneer history of Ingham County, compiled and arranged by Mrs. Franc L. Adams, secretary of the Ingham County pioneer and historical society.

LESLIE TOWNSHIIP AND ITS HISTORY

639

in Leslie Township. Indians were numerous, and were frequent
callers at his log house, and their demands for food were never
denied. Chief Okemos was a commnon visitor. In 1842 Mr. Russell moved into the village of Leslie and bought a water-power
saw mill. I-le added a small store to this and began his mercantile career. He afterward erected a stean mill which furnished
employment for a nulmber of men. Ie built a brick business
block, also his residence on Bellevue street. Ile married Mary
Fox, of Seneca Falls, N. Y., and to them six children were born.
After her deatl hle married Rumina Ilaynes. lie died in November, 1894. TIe was an active member of Ingham County Pioneer
Society and filled various offices in the society.
JOHN J. TUTTLE
Was born at Metz, N. Y., and settled on section 7, in Leslie, in
1836. In 1837 he brought his wife, Emma 'Warren Tuttle, to
the log house he had erected on his land. She was a granddaughter of General Warren of Revolutionary fame.
It is told of him, "that it was five years after taking up his
abode in this new country before a team plassed his door, or he was
able to see the smoke of any dwelling but his own. His good
wife was ever ready to help indoors or out. Often she assisted
him in clearing land by piling and burning the logs. Iye was obtained from the ashes by leaching in sycamore gums, then boiling
it down into "black salts," which could be sold for making salaratus for cooking purposes. This and maple sugar were the only
products which could be sold for cash in those early days.
Mr. Tuttle was a good friend to the Indians who frequently
camped on his land. He was a strong-minded man, a good story
teller, and always tried to make others happy. During his life
he served at different times as supervisor, justice of the peace and
coroner of Ingham county. Both Mr. and Mrs. Tuttle were
members of the Ingham County Pioneer Society, and many of
Mr. Tuttle's delightful stories of pioneer experiences were told at
the annual meetings of the society.
Three children were born to this couple. Mrs. Tuttle died in
September, 1887, and Mr. Tuttle in January, 1903.