Ever Hear Of The "Leatherman"...?

Here is another one of those characters that pops up in our history from time to time.

I had never heard of this man until I was doing a bit of research on another subject. I got so caught up in this story, I just had to share it with you!

This man could be the poster boy for words like personal freedom, privacy, and making do! Making his own clothes, finding food the best way he could, finding a way to weather out the harshness of brutal weather, finding out a way to avoid being treated by doctors he obviously did not trust and being held in a hospital against his wishes! That, my friends, is what freedom is all about!

An extreme case? You bet! Does it prove a point? You better know it! Would any of us go this far? Unfortunately, probably not! Certainly makes for a good read, though!

Leatherman, June 9, 1885

The Leatherman (ca. 1839–1889) was a 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, because of his fluency in French, his broken English and the French Language prayer book found on his person after his death. Although sometimes identified as Jules Bourglay, his identity remains unknown.

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. Upon his death, a French prayerbook was found among his possessions. He declined meat as food on Fridays, giving rise to speculation that he might be Roman Catholic.

It is unknown how he earned money, although one store kept a record of his order: "one loaf of bread, a can of sardines, one-pound of fancy crackers, a pie, two quarts of coffee, one gill of brandy and a bottle of beer".

Leatherman was quite popular in Connecticut. Reliable in his rounds, people would have extra food ready for him, which he often ate on their doorsteps. Ten towns along the Leatherman's route passed ordinances exempting him from the state "tramp law" passed in 1879.


The Leatherman survived blizzards and other foul weather by heating his rock shelters with fire. The Connecticut Humane Society had him arrested and hospitalized in 1888, because of a spot on his lip which they thought was a result of the blizzard of 1888. He finally died from cancer of the mouth due to tobacco use, having escaped before he could be treated. His body was found on March 24, 1889 in his Saw Mill Woods cave near Ossining, New York.

His grave is located at the Sparta Cemetery, Route 9, Scarborough, New York. The following inscription is carved on his tombstone:

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

Sometimes the most interesting characters can be found quite by accident. I'd be willing to bet that if you checked your local history, you would no doubt find some interesting people lurking in the background, just waiting for you to discover their story!

History can be so much fun...! The secret is to learn from it, and not repeat it! Know what I mean?

BTW, in the article the reference is made to a "gill" of brandy! That is equal to 4 US ounces! Just thought you should know!

Now, let's get some fresh coffee and sit on the patio! I'm sure liking this warmer weather!