Anne Bonny (March 8, 1702 – possibly April 22–24, 1782) was an Irish woman who became a famous
female pirate, operating in the Caribbean.Carlova, John.
Mistress of the Seas What little is known of her life comes largely from
A General History of the Pyrates.
Historical record
Little is known of Bonny's life, particularly prior to her arrival in the
Bahamas. Official records and contemporary letters dealing with her life are scarce and most modern knowledge stems from
Charles Johnson's
A General History of the Pyrates (a contemporary collection of pirate biographies, thought to be well embellished).
Early life
Johnson's account suggests Bonny was born some time between 1697 and 1705 in
Kinsale, Ireland, the daughter of
attorney William Cormac and his maidservant, Mary. Cormac separated from his wife and, for a time, raised Anne disguised as a boy (passing her off as a relative's son). Once the scandal was revealed his legal business was irreparably damaged and so Cormac moved the family to
Charleston, South Carolina where, after earning new wealth as a
merchant, he bought a large
plantation.
Time in the New World, marriage and affair with a pirate
At first, Anne's family had a rough start in their new home. Her mother died shortly after they arrived in North America. Her father attempted to become an attorney there, but did not do well....
Read More