It is almost 200 years since he died — but yesterday James Darrell's significance in Bermuda's history was finally celebrated properly.

The ship pilot and freed slave's descendants — many of whom knew nothing about his remarkable story until a few weeks ago — watched as his restored headstone was unveiled by Premier Ewart Brown in the pouring rain.

The ceremony, in the graveyard for slaves and free blacks at St. Peter's Church in St. George, was the culmination of a lengthy project aimed at ensuring that Pilot Darrell's achievements are never forgotten.

Among the spectators were his three great great granddaughters and his youngest descendant, 13-month-old Sachi Sherlock, of Southampton.

Earlier, the family took part in a service in St. Peter's Church during which former St. George Mayor E. Michael Jones, chairman of the Pilot Darrell Celebration Committee, explained why their ancestor's story was so important.

"Today is a very special day, I think, for a number of people," he said. "I'm sure that the family of the late Pilot Darrell are extremely excited."

Dr. Brown said: "I join you here today proud of the heritage of Pilot Darrell and of all pilots who served these islands. Long may his memory live."

Pilot Darrell — known as Jemmy — is often cited as the first black man to buy a house in Bermuda and it is certain that he was one of the first to own land. He was a slave until he piloted the British ship HMS Resolution through a difficult passage to Murray's Anchorage in the east end.

His nautical prowess led to him becoming one of the Island's first King's Pilots and eventually his release from slavery, aged 47. The father-of-one later campaigned for better pay for pilots and for a change in the law to allow black people to leave their property to their family. He died on April 12, 1815.

His cottage, at 5 Aunt Peggy's Lane, St. George, is now owned by his great great great grandson Romano Ramirez and the area outside is named Pilot Darrell Square.

Mr. Ramirez' mother Marjory Johansen, 77, said: "How do I feel? Very glad. I wish my mother had been alive to see all this."

Fellow descendant Peggy Parfitt, 79, said she had only recently been told the full story of her ancestor. "I know if my grandfather was alive he would be really pleased about it all."

The third great great granddaughter, Audrey Todd, 80, whose son Roy, a retired tugboat captain, sang at the church service, said: "I'm very proud. I think it's wonderful that this has happened."

Sachi's mother Niki, 35, said: "It's kind of overwhelming. You never stop and think that you have got a piece of somebody right here with you. But you have.

"My mum told me about the ceremony. She kept saying: 'Well, he wasn't really a pilot'. I'm saying: 'Yes he was'. He was a pilot and he was obviously a darned good one."

Yesterday's celebrations, attended by modern-day pilots and sea cadets and supported by the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, included the naming after Pilot Darrell of a new tender for the Spirit of Bermuda ship.