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The Leatherman (ca. 1839–1889) was a particular vagabond, famous for his handmade leather suit of clothes, who traveled a circuit between the Connecticut River and the Hudson River, roughly from 1856 to 1889. Of unknown origin, he was thought to be French-Canadian, or simply French, because of his fluency in the French language, his "broken English", and the French-language prayer book found on his person after his death. His identity remains unknown, and controversial. He walked a 365-mile route (taking 34–36 days) in western Connecticut and eastern New York. ==Life== Living in rock shelters and "leatherman caves", as they are now locally known,〔(Connecticut State Forests – Seedling Letterbox Series Clues for Mattatuck State Forest ) (retrieved September 23, 2007)〕 he stopped at towns along his 365-mile loop about every five weeks for food and supplies.〔(Hudson Valley Ruins ) (retrieved July 21, 2006)〕 He was dubbed the "Leatherman" as his adornment of hat, scarf, clothes, and shoes were handmade leather.〔(Samantha Hunt, ''Jules Bourglay, Notable Walker.'' McSweeney's Internet Tendency, 11/2002 ) (retrieved July 21, 2006)〕 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.〔(History of Redding ) (retrieved July 21, 2006)〕〔(NY Hudson Valley ) (retrieved July 21, 2006)〕 Upon his death, a French prayerbook was found among his possessions.〔〔 He declined meat on Fridays, giving rise to speculation that he was Roman Catholic.〔Piece broadcast on (US) National Public Radio, in Connecticut, 19 Dec 2008〕 It is unknown how he earned money. One store kept a record of an 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".〔〔Canning, Jeff and Wally Buxton, ''History of the Tarrytowns'', Harbor Hill Books 1975〕 Leatherman was popular in Connecticut. He was reliable in his rounds, and people would have food ready for him, which he often ate on their doorsteps.〔〔(Research by Dan W. DeLuca ) (retrieved July 21, 2006)〕 Ten towns along the Leatherman's route passed ordinances exempting him from the state "tramp law" passed in 1879.〔 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Leatherman (vagabond)」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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