John Clark Monks

Who was John Clark Monks?

John Clark Monk, also known as the Hanging Sailor of Perryman, was a sea captain.

Monks was born in Siston near Bristol, Gloucestershire, England and died in 1827. He is entombed at Perryman Cemetery, Maryland, USA, along with both his wives.

He apparently left his crew instructions that when he died, his feet were not to touch dry land for any reason. To meet that requirement his body was lowered into an underground vault, where it was suspended from the ceiling with chains. To ensure that the casket didn't rot away, it was made of metal, and Monks' body was soaked in rum.