The Leatherman (ca. 1839–1889) was a particular vagabond, famous for his handmade leather suit of clothes, who traveled a circuit between the Connecticut and the Hudson River from about 1856 to 1889. Although of unknown origin, he was thought to be Canadian, or possibly French … Living in rock shelters and “leatherman caves”, as they are now locally known, he stopped at towns along his 365 mile loop once every 34 days for food and supplies. He was dubbed the “Leatherman” as his entire adornment, from hat, scarf, clothes to shoes were handmade of leather. Fluent in French, he communicated mostly with grunts and gestures, rarely using his broken English. When asked about his background, he would abruptly end the conversation. Ten towns along the Leatherman’s route passed ordinances exempting him from the state “tramp law” passed in 1879. MORE.
