History Of Leslie Township

In looking back over half a century we find Leslie Township just merging into history and taking its name and place among the numerous townships being formed from government land in lower Michigan. It lies in the central part of the state and, on the government survey, is Township No. 1 North, Range No. 1 West. The eastern and southern boundaries were surveyed by Joseph Wampler in 1824, the northern and western boundaries by John Mullett in 1824-25, and the township was subdivided by Hervey Parke in 1826.

Leslie Township was first a part of the township of Aurelius. It was organized as a separate township on December 30, 1837, and received its name as follows: Dr. J. A. Cornell of Spring Arbor was a member of the legislature at that time. When Ingham County was organized and the townships named, each township was called by description and a name was given by various members of the House. When Township No. 1 North, Range No. 1 West was called, Dr. Cornell proposed naming it "Leslie" in honor of a much respected family by that name whom he knew in Eastern New York. The name was accepted and appears in the formal act of organization of this township, which was passed in March, 1838. The first Township meeting was held at the home of Henry Fiske, a log dwelling which stood near the present site of the Allen House, on the first Monday in April, 1838. Henry Fiske presided as moderator and Benjamin Davis was elected as Supervisor.