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

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PIONEER HISTORY OF INGHAM COUNTY

were dreaming of the morrow. The dream did not come true.
A horrid war whoop awoke them and as they descended the ladder
the Indians were disappearing with the last of the feast. They
scattered to the bushes and crept behind logs and tears filled the
children's eyes. However, they gave the most heartfelt thanks to
know that their lives had been spared." Automobiles, airplanes,
and associated charities were unknown in those days and no one
appeared with well filled baskets to take the place of the stolen
goodies. The home was left intact.
Luke Prime died in 1883 and Mrs. Prime in 1901. Two sons survive, George, who resides on the old homestead, and Frank, who
lives one mile south of Leslie. They often refer to the sad Thanksgiving of many years ago. George has three sons and one daughter. Frank has two sons and two daughters. The two sons and
one daughter remain of the Luke Prime family.
Sidney O. Russell, of Seneca Falls, N. Y., filed a government
claim on section 20 and 29 in May, 1836, The following year he
moved his family here and settled on his farm. Having made a
small clearing, he sowed that fall the first field of wheat in Leslie
Township. Indians were numerous and made frequent calls at
his log house, demanding flour and numerous other things. One
morning Mr. Russell had started out for his work and a little later
the latch string was pulled and Chief Okemos walked in and asked
for flour. He was a very friendly Indian, but the little mother
knew better than to deny the request. She went up the primitive
ladder to the loft and was filling a small sack when "Tee" screamed.
She made short work of reaching the ground floor and presenting
the sack. After the chief had left she discovered that all the
knives and forks had gone too. He may have thought it only
small payment for the "many happy hunting grounds" the whites
had taken possession of.
In 1842 Mr. Russell moved into the village of Leslie that he
might operate a water-power saw mill he had bought. A small
store for a supply place was built on the present location of the
brick store on Main street and was used for storing supplies for
the men that worked for him. A better building that later was
moved to Armstrong street replaced the first shack. Alba Blake
was in business with him for a few years. A steam mill was
erected which furnished employment for a large number of men.