Leather Man Mystery May Be Uncovered
OSSINING, N.Y. (WCBS 880) – He remains a mystery in much of Westchester County and parts of Connecticut, but information behind a 19th century costumed wanderer might finally be solved.
He's called the "Leather Man," and his stories fascinate many. The man who in the 1800s walked to parts of Westchester County and parts of Connecticut for more than 30 years dressed in a leather suit and sleeping in caves. He even called the attention of Pearl Jam, who wrote a song about him.
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LISTEN: WCBS 880's Catherine Cioffi reports
Ossining Historical Society's Norman McDonald said this spring the leather man, whose real name is unknown, will be exhumed and studied.
"They'll be able to determine whether or not he was autistic. Where he may have originated," McDonald said.
McDonald said the man never worked and never spoke, which is why it's going to be fascinating.
"He remains one of histories great mysteries," he said. "People identify with the old leather man because he was a survivor."
