Amateur historian’s look into murderous pirate finds New York beach namesake may have helped
An amateur historian says newly reviewed records suggest the beach’s namesake may have helped a pirate who killed and robbed at sea.
- Amateur historian James Bailey suggests Thomas Jones, the namesake of Jones Beach, assisted pirate Henry Every after the 1695 Ganj-i-Sawai raid. Documents indicate Jones served as a "wheelman" helping the crew evade authorities.
- After serving as a British military major and privateer, Jones transitioned to colonial life in New York. In 1696, his father-in-law Thomas Townsend gifted him significant Long Island land, enabling a fresh start.
- Colonial governor Richard Coote investigated Jones in 1698 after witness depositions reported a "barrel of money" reaching his home. Jones, described as "formerly a pirate," testified he knew nothing about the funds.
- Maritime history professor Richard Blakemore cautions findings are "compelling but shouldn't be considered conclusive." Kevin McDonald notes such ties illustrate how piracy provided "foundational and multi-generational wealth" for Northeast families.
- A 1906 family history by descendant Thomas Floyd-Jones dismissed pirate tales as "slander" and "improbable fictions." Recent research reveals early British colonies were deeply connected to piracy both socially and economically.
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14 Articles
Amateur historian’s look into murderous pirate finds New York beach namesake may have helped – WTOP News
WANTAGH, N.Y. (AP) — An amateur historian has stumbled upon a provocative clue to the enduring mystery of what became of a notorious pirate who raided a royal Indian treasure ship centuries ago, implicating a co-conspirator whose name is familiar to many New Yorkers. James Bailey, who five years ago made headlines after unearthing ancient...
Amateur historian's look into murderous pirate finds New York bea
WANTAGH, N.Y. (AP) — An amateur historian has stumbled upon a provocative clue to the enduring mystery of what became of a notorious pirate who raided a royal Indian treasure ship centuries ago, implicating a co-conspirator whose
Winnipeg Free Press
Amateur historian’s look into murderous pirate finds New York beach namesake may have helped
WANTAGH, N.Y. (AP) — An amateur historian has stumbled upon a provocative clue to the enduring mystery of what became of a notorious pirate who raided a royal Indian treasure ship centuries ago, implicating a co-conspirator whose name is familiar to many New Yorkers.
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