My Great grandfather 4X is John Clarke MONK. he was born in Gloucestershire,England 25Feb1760. He came to America to Abingdon, Harford County, Maryland. He was a merchant sailor who went around the coastal waters of Maryland. The story goes that he gave orders to his men that when he died,he wanted his feet to never touch dry land.(this has not be proven so far) So, when he died 09Dec1827, they did make a tomb, a handmade ship shaped open casket, and then attached it to the walls of the tomb with chains.Along with him in the tomb is his second wife, Sarah Rebecca LEWIS who he married in 25Feb1805. His first wife we only know as Mary whom he married in England and she died in childbirth. Also, in the tomb,is his daughter,and on top of the tomb is the most beautiful eulogy I have ever seen.Unfortunately, the chains have long since rusted and his coffin landed on top of his wife,s coffin.

To this date, there is no proof of the story but, he is in a historical graveyard in St George's, Spesutia,Harford County, Maryland. The local schools go there on field trips.and the cemetery is listed in the Historical Graveyards.

There is a song about him as well.I had the honor to speak with the song writer to compare notes. He went as far as using a tubular camera and inserting it into the tomb and got photo's proving the part about the tomb,chains,and handmade coffin.

So that's my very interesting story to share. I hope you enjoy!

Diana L NASH, BURRIS