Criminal. Known as the "Gentleman Pirate," he was a Planter in Barbados and a Major in the Barbados Militia. A contemporary described him as "a gentleman of good reputation in the island of Barbados, was a master of a plentiful fortune, and had the advantage of liberal education." However, Bonnet grew tired of his comforable life and in early 1717 he purchased a 10-gun sloop named Revenge, and hired a crew of 70 men and then set fourth on a new career as a pirate. Bonnet plundered ships from South Carolina to Long Island before running into the Pirate, Edward "Blackbeard" Teach in March of 1718. The meeting of the two was less than friendly and Bonnet and his crew found themselves as Teach's unwilling guests for the next few months. Finally in June, Bonnet, his crew, and his ship were released along the North Carolina coast. Bonnet wasted little time in contacting the Governor and asking for pardon, Bonnet soon returned to his old ways. In October two ships were sent from Charlestown (Charleston), South Carolina, to take Bonnet and his crew. The ships tracked Bonnet to his base on the Cape Fear River in North Carolina where a five hour battle ensued. Bonnet and 30 of his men were captured and taken to Charlestown. The pirates were tried and sentenced to death. Bonnet hoped for a pardon considering his former status, but none was given. Bonnet along with a large number of his men were hung on the edge of the harbor. Bonnet's body was then tarred and displayed in an iron cage as a warning to others.
Criminal. Known as the "Gentleman Pirate," he was a Planter in Barbados and a Major in the Barbados Militia. A contemporary described him as "a gentleman of good reputation in the island of Barbados, was a master of a plentiful fortune, and had the advantage of liberal education." However, Bonnet grew tired of his comforable life and in early 1717 he purchased a 10-gun sloop named Revenge, and hired a crew of 70 men and then set fourth on a new career as a pirate. Bonnet plundered ships from South Carolina to Long Island before running into the Pirate, Edward "Blackbeard" Teach in March of 1718. The meeting of the two was less than friendly and Bonnet and his crew found themselves as Teach's unwilling guests for the next few months. Finally in June, Bonnet, his crew, and his ship were released along the North Carolina coast. Bonnet wasted little time in contacting the Governor and asking for pardon, Bonnet soon returned to his old ways. In October two ships were sent from Charlestown (Charleston), South Carolina, to take Bonnet and his crew. The ships tracked Bonnet to his base on the Cape Fear River in North Carolina where a five hour battle ensued. Bonnet and 30 of his men were captured and taken to Charlestown. The pirates were tried and sentenced to death. Bonnet hoped for a pardon considering his former status, but none was given. Bonnet along with a large number of his men were hung on the edge of the harbor. Bonnet's body was then tarred and displayed in an iron cage as a warning to others.
Bio by: LeeWhite
Gravesite Details
He and his men were buried "Off White Point Gardens" in the marsh, according to the stone in Charleston, South Carolina. It does not mention anyone being tarred or caged. There is a "monument" stone.
Family Members
Children
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Records on Ancestry
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