Stede Bonnet, the Gentleman Pirate

Illustration of Pirate Major Stede Bonnet - Major Stede Bonnet, a Carolina coast pirate who died on the gallows shortly after his capture in 1718. Leemage/Getty Images

In 1717, Stede Bonnet left his family and became a pirate. Despite having no seafaring experience, Bonnet's brief career as a pirate was eventful, including a stint aboard Blackbeard's ship and raids along the Atlantic coast of North America.