l 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.

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

• 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 Government purchase Pilot Darrell's freedom. The Governor paid 150 pounds for Pilot Darrell on December 1, 1795.

• 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. Pilot Darrell House was restored in 1992 by descendants of Jemmy, who still live there.

• Research by Bill Grant shows that Pilot Darrell was married twice. He had a son from his first union whose name is not known. That son had a son called James Darrell. Jemmy's second marriage to Eusebia produced a daughter Joannah, who never married, and son Thomas Cooper Darrell, who had five children. The Darrell family reunion next April is for descendants of Thomas.

• Ancestors of those attending are: Samuel and Artemesia Darrell, George and Lydia Darrell, Kathleen (Darrell) Minors, Susan (Darrell) Nearon, Edward T. Darrell, Ann (Darrell) Bennett, Isabelle (Darrell) Watson, Clarissa (Darrell) Ward, Artemesia Darrell, Samuel J. W. Darrell, Melissa Darrell, Sara (Darrell) Knowles, Charles O. S. Darrell, Hilda (Darrell) Rowling and Alexander Darrell.

• An exhibition focusing on the life of Pilot Darrell and other free blacks is at Bermuda Archives until December 31. A Very Manifest Alteration: The Life and times of Pilot Jemmy Darrell explores the legal status of free persons of colour in the age of slavery through historical documents written by and about celebrated Pilot Darrell. Bermuda Archives in on the lower level of the Government Administration Building, Parliament Street and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Admission is free. School parties in particular are encouraged to visit. Call 294-9196 for more information.