Here he is as he was on public display in Syracuse, NY, in 1869.
Hoaxes come and hoaxes go. They never stop coming.
Here’s one of the more popular efforts of the 19th century:
True, hoaxes today are bigger and better than ever (think Climbit Change), and the rich and powerful dirt-bags who produce them get even more rich and powerful.
Well, it’s a fallen world, isn’t it?