How Stone Cold Killer “Cutting” Monk Henry Was Finally Stopped For Good At A Dance
A notorious 19th century murderer terrorized Kentucky for years before picking a fight with the wrong man at a church party
Particularly in the past, some criminals were so feared that they became celebrities despite their bad deeds. One of the worst was “Cutting” Monk Henry, a violent killer who terrorized the Kentucky area for years with near impunity because of his daring and ability with a blade. He was finally stopped for good after having a little too much to drink at a community church dance and taking a swing with a hoe at the wrong man.
Henry was reputed to have been a scourge on the area in and around Walton, Kentucky for years leading up to his death in 1892. Described by the Cincinnati Enquirer as a “colored desperado and murderer,” three murders and dozens of violent assaults were attributed to him and his lethal nature (he favored using a knife).
Among the more notable crimes committed by Henry included:
While assaulting a Mrs. Biles in Richburg, Kentucky, he was interrupted by her husband, Henry Biles. The criminal pulled a gun and shot the man to death as he was trying to intervene.
