Matthew Lowe - My Ancestral Connection to a Caribbean Pirate

By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS 

As an Iranian-American with royal lineage tracing
back to the Safavid Dynasty, my heritage is steeped in both nobility and a commitment to preserving the traditions of my ancestors. Yet, DNA has a way of connecting us to unexpected stories and figures, painting a complex picture of our shared human history. Among my genetic ties lies a fascinating connection to Matthew Lowe, a Caribbean pirate whose daring exploits in the early 18th century have left their mark on the annals of maritime lore. This revelation has challenged me to reflect on the ways in which ancestry, faith, and legacy intersect.

A Shared Ancestral Link

Matthew Lowe, a notorious pirate believed to have been born on Harbour Island, Eleuthera, or possibly Barbados, emerged as a rogue figure in the early 1700s. By 1715, he and his comrades had seized a Spanish ship, initiating his short but illustrious career in piracy. Captured in Nassau, Lowe was freed by fellow pirates, a testament to the chaotic and rebellious spirit of the age.

State papers from the West Indies provide further insight into the activities of Lowe and his contemporaries. A record reads:

“List of men that sailed from Ileatheria and committed piraceys upon the Spaniards, on the coast of Cuba, since the Proclamation of Peace [summer 1714]...”

This document names Matthew Lowe among others and reveals that many of these pirates were married and embedded in families with connections to New England and the Carolina proprietors. Remarkably, the Low(e)s were Quakers, a religious group known for their pacifist values. Lowe’s familial ties extended to John Archdale, a Carolina Lord Proprietor, hinting at the dichotomy between his piratical pursuits and his otherwise respectable lineage.

The Genetic and Historical Thread

Thanks to advances in genealogical research, projects such as the Lowe DNA Project have confirmed genetic links between Matthew Lowe and myself. While I grew up far removed from the world of pirates and privateers, the shared DNA ties me to an era of adventure, rebellion, and survival.

This connection is particularly intriguing given my own family’s tumultuous history. As someone whose ancestors served as nobility under the Safavid Dynasty and later endured the upheaval of Arab Islamic imperialism, I am no stranger to tales of resilience and defiance. My ancestors defended their lands and traditions against outside forces, while Lowe challenged the maritime powers of his day in his pursuit of freedom and fortune.

Reflections on Redemption

Discovering this link to Matthew Lowe has brought new meaning to my journey as an Iranian-American Christian conservative. Lowe’s life, while morally fraught, serves as a metaphor for the transformative power of repentance and faith. Where Lowe may have sought freedom through rebellion, I have found it through Christ and the restored gospel within the LDS Church.

Moreover, this connection to a Quaker pirate reinforces the paradox of human history: individuals are capable of embodying both great sin and great potential. Just as Lowe’s Quaker lineage likely shaped some part of his character, my royal Safavid heritage has instilled in me a sense of duty to uphold righteousness. The intersection of these two lineages reminds me that ancestry is not destiny but a foundation upon which we build our lives.

Preserving the Legacy

In celebrating this connection, I am reminded of the importance of family, faith, and freedom. Lowe’s exploits remind me of the dangers of abandoning moral principles in pursuit of worldly gains. My life as an ex-Muslim, former socialist, and now a devout Christian conservative serves as a testament to the redemptive power of Christ’s teachings.

As I reflect on Lowe’s legacy, I choose to honor the positive aspects of our shared history: courage, resilience, and an unyielding spirit. In doing so, I hope to inspire others to embrace the transformative power of faith, no matter their lineage or past.

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Citations

1. Brooks, Baylus C. Proprietaries, Privateers and Pirates: America’s Forgotten Golden Age. Master's Thesis.
2. Lowe DNA Project. “Matthew Lowe: Caribbean Pirate Ancestry.” LoweDNAProject.com.
3. WikiTree. “Matthew Lowe (Caribbean Pirate).” WikiTree.com.
4. West Indies State Papers, 1714.
5. Archdale, John. "Carolina Proprietor Genealogies and Records."