William Kidd was born in Scotland in 1645. there is nothing known about his mother but his father was a minister. His first ship was the Antigua. When Captain Kidd was a pirate hunter, he went to New York to load up on supplies. There he met Sarah Bradley Cox Oort. Later they got married and had two daughters: Elizabeth and Sarah Kidd. After Kidd got married, he started pirate hunting again with a new ship, the Adventure Galley. This new ship had 70 men and 36 cannons.

Life on the Adventure Galley was not easy. There was no protection from the heat or cold. Sometimes there was no wind, so the ship would not move for two or three days. Sometimes people got sick and died before they could get to land. It took a long time before Captain Kidd captured his first ship. So, as far as pirates go, he was not successful.

While out at sea, Captain Kidd and his crew went a very long time without any prize money. At the same time, they had to continue to pay for supplies for the ship. Finally, the ship's gunner, William Moore, challenged Captain Kidd's leadership. The men were frustrated about being so close to ships and not taking any action. In the heat of the argument, Captain Kidd smashed a bucket on Moore's head, and a day later Moore died of a fractured skull.

When Kidd returned to New York City, he was arrested and sent to England to stand trial for piracy and the murder of William Moore. He was found guilty on all charges and was hanged on May 23, 1701. Some of his treasure was later recovered on Gardiners Island off Long Island, New York.