Leslie, Eugene H. (Eugene Hendricks), 1892-

Chemical engineer and research scientist, pioneer in the refining of petroleum and synthesis of rubber.

From the description of Eugene H. Leslie papers, 1916-1964. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 34421279

Eugene H. Leslie was a Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Michigan during the 1920's. He left the University in 1928 to become a consulting engineer, working with numerous petroleum refiners and manufacturers in the processing industries and also as an engineering contractor in the sale of complete plants and plant units. He was the owner of Leslie Laboratories, a private research laboratory located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Leslie gained his early fame by developing a better process for refining gasoline. He served as consultant for firms building refineries, making White Star Company (the Kennedy-Earhart family of Ann Arbor) an early leader in the field. On the eve of World War II, he became involved in synthetic rubber experimentation, serving as a governmental advisor during the war. He died in 1976, leaving his home, laboratory, and grounds (now Leslie Park Golf Course) to the people of Ann Arbor for recreational purposes.

From the guide to the Eugene H. Leslie Papers, 1916-1964, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)