Capt. William Kidd (c. 1645-1701) of New York City. His reputation as our outstanding pirate is a gross exaggeration, although he did hang for it. Had he been half the pirate his punishment suggested, Kidd would have left some valuable treasure buried somewhere.
My nomination goes to the same William Kidd, the sea captain. As a householder, a family man, and a leading citizen, he was devoted to civic causes. Trinity Church could not have been built without Kidd’s generous contributions.