Movement Grows Against Exhumation Of 'Leatherman'
OSSINING, NY (WCBS 880) - On the internet, the movement is growing to leave the "Leatherman" alone.
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WCBS 880's Catherine Cioffi reports from Ossining
The "Leatherman," whose real name is unknown, is set to be exhumed this spring for testing.
The founder of the website Leave the Leatherman Alone, Don Johnson, says it's not right.
"I don't see the enormous historical benefit," Johnson told WCBS 880 reporter Catherine Cioffi. "I think the legends and the folklore that we have are amazing."
Johnson says the Leatherman who wandered Westchester County and Connecticut for thirty years would have wanted his privacy preserved.
Johnson says, "I wouldn't want anybody doing this to me."
Johnson says the decision to exhume should be made by the public.
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.
