[bul]James (Jemmy) Darrell was born in 1749 and belonged to Captain Francis Darrell of St. George's. It is recorded that "Slave Man Jemmy" was quite a valuable slave, worth 100 British pounds.

[bul]He became a ship pilot by trade, an occupation requiring a great deal of expertise. He worked onboard the British 74-gun HMS Resolution under the command of Admiral George Murray.

[bul]In May 1795 he piloted the vessel through a new passage in the reefs to the north of the eastern part of the islands to a new anchorage called Murray's Anchorage. His nautical feat so impressed Admiral Murray that he was made one of the Island's first King's Pilots. Admiral Murray also wrote to Governor James Crauford asking that the Government purchase Pilot Darrell's freedom.The Governor paid 150 pounds for Pilot Darrell on December 1, 1795.

[bul]On March 1, 1796 the Governor freed 47-year-old Pilot Darrell in a document which can still be viewed in the Bermuda Archives. It read: "I do hereby declare the said Jemmy Darrell to be exonerated and released from all and all manner of slavery or servitude whatsoever, and I do earnestly request all persons to treat him as a Man actually and bona fide Free."

[bul]Pilot Darrell later wrote petitions asking for better pay for pilots and for a change in the law to allow "all coloured people" to leave their property to their wives, children or relatives. Deed polls confirm that 5 Aunt Peggy's Lane, St. George, was bought and owned by Pilot Darrell. He later purchased an adjacent strip of land.

[bul]Pilot Darrell House has stayed in his family. It was restored in 1992 by his great great great grandson Romano Ramirez, who lives there to this day.