John Cornelius (pirate)

John Cornelius
Died29 August 1721
Madagascar
NationalityIrish
OccupationPirate
Years active1687-?
Known forSucceeded William Lewis
Piratical career
Base of operationsRed Sea and off the west coast of Africa
CommandsMorning Star

John Cornelius (fl. 1687–1721) was an Irish pirate allegedly active in the Red Sea and off the west coast of Africa. He succeeded William Lewis, who was killed after announcing he had made a deal with the Devil. Lewis and Cornelius are likely the fictional creations of Captain Charles Johnson, who presented their stories among those of real historical pirates.[1]

  1. ^ Defoe, Daniel (1999). A General History of the Pyrates. New York: Courier Corporation. p. 694. ISBN 9780486404882. Retrieved 13 October 2017.