John Hagedorn

The survival of these men, especially Howard and Salter, was likely facilitated by their connections to Tobias Knight, North Carolina's Secretary and Chief Justice.

Duffus points out that Knight acted as a fence for stolen goods and provided a safe haven for Blackbeard's crew in Bath.

Duffus also argues that the name Blackbeard, often written as two words, Blackbeard, followed common 18th century naming conventions where sailors or soldiers used a nom de guerre to protect their family's honor.

In the colonial era, families of convicted pirates often faced social ruin or legal repercussions.

By using an alias, Edward Beard ensured his prominent family in North Carolina and South Carolina remained untainted by his crimes.

Duffus was also able to identify Susanna Beard Frank as Blackbeard's sister.

She lived on the Neuse River at Baird Creek, spelled B-A-I-R-D, but known as Beard Creek, as in the family Beard, B-E-A-R-D.

Duffus suggests Blackbeard's final voyage may have included a stop at her home to pay goodbye or leave his treasure, his family legacy, with her.

I'll never forget, it was about 15 years ago, and it was on my first visit to Ocracoke.

And at the inn where we were staying, there was a large book on the coffee table.

It happened to be Duffus's book, The Last Days of Blackbeard the Pirate.

The very first chapter begins with his search in the woods for a gravestone.

He was looking for the grave of Susanna Beard.

It was a great way to start that story, and I found the book to be extremely interesting because it divulges a lot of the facts that you've just heard here.

I hope you enjoyed this special section devoted to author and historian Kevin Dubfuss' lifelong effort to get the truth behind the pirate Blackbeard.

Thanks for joining us at 1001 Stories for the Road.

This is your host and storyteller, John Hagedorn.

Please do share on social media and please tell a friend about our show.

Until next time, everyone, stay safe and we'll be back soon.

Welcome back, everyone, to 1001 Stories for the Road.