The article “He Wandered Connecticut in a Home-Made Suit That Weighed 60lb: Meet the Leatherman” details the life of the Leatherman, a vagabond known for his distinctive leather suit, who roamed New England from approximately 1857 to 1889.

Here are the key points:

  • Identity: The Leatherman, believed to be named Jules Bourglay, was a French-Canadian vagabond. His origins remain somewhat mysterious, with speculation about his background stemming from his fluency in French and a French-language prayer book found after his death.
  • Route: He followed a precise 365-mile loop through western Connecticut and eastern New York, returning to each town roughly every 34 days. This journey included notable towns like Danbury, Waterbury, and various locations along the Connecticut River.
  • Lifestyle: Living in caves and rock shelters, he was known for his solitary existence. He rarely spoke, communicated in monosyllables, and accepted food from locals without asking for work or lodging. Residents would often prepare food for him, anticipating his visits.
  • Physical Characteristics: The Leatherman’s leather suit weighed about 60 pounds. He was known for his remarkable appetite and preference for tobacco, often smoking pipes and accepting cigar butts from townsfolk.
  • Health Issues: Towards the end of his life, he developed severe lip cancer likely due to his smoking habits. He passed away on March 20, 1889.
  • Cultural Impact: The Leatherman has become an urban legend in Connecticut, inspiring stories, documentaries, and even songs (notably by Pearl Jam). His grave is located in Sparta Cemetery in Ossining, New York, where he was reburied in 2011.

The article encapsulates the enigmatic nature of the Leatherman’s life and how he has become a symbol of wanderlust and mystery in American folklore.

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