Amateur Historian Links Jones Beach Namesake to 1695 Pirate Heist

Key points

• James Bailey, an amateur historian, claims colonial-era documents implicate Thomas Jones, the namesake of Jones Beach, in the 1695 raid on the Ganj-i-Sawai.
• Bailey states Jones served as a 'wheelman,' helping pirate Henry Every and his crew evade authorities after stealing tens of millions of dollars' worth of gold and silver.
• New York's colonial governor investigated Jones in 1698, describing him as 'formerly a pirate' and noting a 'barrel of money' arrived at his Long Island home.
• Jones had previously served as a privateer, a status that blurred the line between legal warfare and piracy when conflicts ended.
• Experts caution that Thomas Jones is a common name, but the findings highlight how piracy contributed to the wealth of prominent Northeastern families.

Background

This story builds on earlier coverage from our archive regarding the same discovery, which highlighted the connection between Jones Beach's namesake and the 1695 pirate heist. The current report expands on the specific documentary evidence, including depositions and land gifts, that support Bailey's theory. It also provides broader historical context on the transition from privateering to piracy in the 17th century.

Why it matters

The findings challenge the traditional narrative of pirates as isolated outcasts, suggesting instead that piracy was economically integrated into colonial society. It also adds a new layer to the local history of Jones Beach, a major New York landmark, by linking its namesake to a notorious historical crime.

What to watch

Bailey hopes to publish his research, which could lead to further academic scrutiny of the documents. Experts may continue to debate the validity of the findings given the commonality of the name Thomas Jones.