YARRRGH, a pirate in the family!

On Whitney's side of the family 9 generations ago....

In 1689, John was a crewman on the ketch Mary of Marblehead. The ship was taken over by the pirate, Thomas Pound. Although he was abandoning his wife and children, and his lawful way of life, Darby volunteered to join the pirate’s crew. The rest of the men from the Mary made it back to Marblehead and notified the authorities. The militia from Marblehead and Salem set out to capture the famous Pound and his men. They were located at Tarpaulin Cove on the Vineyard, but refused to surrender to the militia. Tarpaulin Cove was on Naushon Island. Naushon Island is the largest of the Elizabeth Islands - a chain extending southwest from Woods Hole on Cape Cod, separating Vineyard Sound and Buzzard's Bay.

In the ensuing fight, most of the brigands were killed, including the neophyte pirate from Marblehead, John Darby. His estate was inventoried in Marblehead on January 17, 1690.

Pirate John Darby