Jerome is based in fact about a mystery man who was discovered in Sandy Cove, Nova Scotia on September 8th, 1863. It is believed by some that Jerome's name came to be because of the strange sound he uttered that sounded somewhat like "Jerum". Jerome was found in front of a rock that still exists on Sandy Cove Beach. He had no legs, and his stumps were bandaged. Some believe that a ship of unknown origin may have left him on the beach. Various families on and around Digby Neck cared for Jerome over the years. Jerome died on April 12th, 1912, and is buried in the Metaghan Cemetery Jerome's history as presented in this story is largely fiction.