Born: January 22, 1645. Birthplace: Greenock, Scotland. Zodiac Sign: Aquarius. Died: May 23, 1701 (aged 56). Cause of Death: Execution by hanging. William Kidd was a Scottish sea commander who was commissioned as a privateer. However, he was ultimately executed for piracy. Kidd captured a French vessel with an English commander but was entangled in domestic politics. Kidd was widely respected in the early stages of his career; however, his reputation as a pirate developed in the following years. He was prosecuted in London, where the government had transitioned, and his supporters were presently in the minority.