The story of a church builder turned pirate. One of the most mysterious stories, where was I when we studied famous cathedrals in the fourth grade.
William arrived in the US from Scotland in 1691. He lived in New York City and was the talk of the Town. He was a handsome young man, lived in a fashionable neighborhood, one block east of Hanover Square, and all the ladies were mad for him. He married a woman from a wealthy family by the name of Sarah.
They held elaborate parties for the elite, had imported furnishings, fine Turkish tapestries, a wine cellar, and it is said they had 91 lb of silverware. But they also were giving people. They were instrumental in helping to build the beautiful Trinity Episcopal Church at 89 Broadway, opposite Wall Street.
At the same time England was having trouble with pirates robbing their ships. The British West India Company, was being devastated, and parliament in an effort to counteract this voted to call William to come and fight the pirates. They outfitted a 275 ton vessel equipped with 36 guns. The most modern of its day, equipped with oars, to out maneuver any other ship. The vessel was sailed to New York where William took command. He buttoned his admiral uniform, left his wife and young daughter,and left East River dock in April, 1696, never to return.
He was sailing for the King of England. But the question remains, how did the sweet guy who had everything, whose father was a respected Scottish minister become one of the most feared pirates of all time. For you see William, William Kidd, became a household name that you have heard before, Captain Kidd. He was the most feared, plundering, killing pirate of all times. He is said to have buried 60 lb of gold on different islands that people have searched for a couple hundred years.
He was captured and hung in wrapping on Execution Dock in London, May 23rd, in 1701. Trinity Episcopal Church in New York City still stands, although it has been rebuilt two times because of fire.
Let me say I find this story fascinating, but I do not know much of the story. Was he falsely accused? It would probably take years of study to decide.
What I have related I believe to be true. Any conclusions or implications drawn are yours and not mine. Thousands witnessed the hanging, some cheered and some mourned. His body was left hanging for 3 years, as a deterrent to pirates. I mourn for his wife and daughter, and all that were affected by what he did, even if he might have been completely innocent.
—James Neuhouser
