Leatherman (vagabond)

The Leatherman (* 1839, † 1889) was a famous American in Connecticut tramp. He emigrated from 1856 to 1889 in a constant circle of 590 km between the Connecticut River and Hudson River; His handmade leather clothing influenced his person. Although he is sometimes called by the name of Jules Bourglay, his real name is unknown. It is believed that he was Canadian or French origin, as he fluent in French, but only broken spoke English.

Life

The Leatherman lived in caves, which are now known as " Leatherman Caves ", and visited at intervals of 34 days, the cities that were in his area to find food and other items. According to statements he emigrated always clockwise and never changed his way. He was called " Leatherman " because his whole outfit consisted of leather.

Although he spoke fluent French, he communicated mostly through gestures and short sounds. Questions about his background meant that he ended the conversation abruptly. After his death, a prayer book was found in the French language with him.

The people in his territory gave him every 34 days food he always ate at the doorstep or nearby under a tree. Jules Bourglay accepted no money, only took tobacco, leather pieces and matches.

Death

The Leatherman died of cancer in the oral cavity, probably caused by his smoking. One of enforced treatment by the " Connecticut Humane Society ," he withdrew 1888th His body was found on 24 March 1889 in one of its caves in the Saw Mill Woods near Ossining. He was buried in Sparta Cemetery in Scarborough. On his grave stone is found the following inscription:

FINAL RESTING PLACE OF Jules Bourglay OF LYONS, FRANCE "THE LEATHER MAN" Regularly who walked a 365 mile route through Westchester and Connecticut from the Connecticut River to the Hudson living in caves in the years 1858-1889