Lonnie H. Bruner, Skipper

Lonnie Horatio Bruner (1973 - ?) is often thought of as a cruel, bloody pirate. Indeed, he, along with his crew, has been accused of every crime in pirate history by popular tradition. He has achieved perhaps more fame in song, story, and legend than any other pirate to sail the Chesapeake. However, historical record calls this characterization into question. It is more likely that Bruner earned his reputation through circumstance and did not consider himself to even be a pirate.

In June, 2005, a few of Bruner's crew became sick due to the uncontrolled spread of mal de mer. He then sailed to Hooper's Island. During this time he never attacked a single richly-laden ship that passed before him, and probably was not yet pirate at the time. However, as it became obvious his ambitious enterprise was failing he became understandably desperate to cover its costs.

Finally, under pressure from his men Bruner finally made the decision of turning pirate. Acts of savagery on his part were reported by escaped prisoners, who told of being hoisted up by the arms and drubbed with a naked cutlass.