Murderous 17th century pirate linked to iconic New York figure
Summary
Amateur historian James Bailey says colonial-era records link Thomas Jones, namesake of Jones Beach in New York, to the escape of pirate Henry Every and his crew after their 1695 raid on a royal Indian ship. The records also indicate that New York’s governor later investigated Jones, who had become a wealthy whaling operator; historians say he may have engaged in piracy, but the claims remain under study.Key Facts
- Bailey previously found coins he believes are connected to English pirate Henry Every.
- The 1695 raid targeted the Ganj-i-Sawai, a royal Indian ship, and involved reports of torture, killings and rape.
- Bailey says documents and depositions suggest Thomas Jones helped the pirates evade authorities after the raid.
- Some members of Every’s crew were captured and executed, while Every and many others were never found.
- Jones later became a wealthy businessman and landowner in New York and operated a whaling business on Long Island.
- New York’s governor investigated Jones years after the raid, according to documents cited by Bailey.
- Jones died in 1713, and local stories about his fortune and possible pirate ties continued after his death.
- Bailey hopes to publish his research; the article says historians consider it plausible that Jones had engaged in piracy.
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