The Bermudian Slaves were masters at the Helm and many historians related facts that Bermuda has long been known as a place where slaves and indentured servants struggled to obtain their place in Society once they gained their freedom. One of the most notable trades that came to the fore well before Emancipation was that of building and sailing Ships. Local Pilots were some of the most knowledgeable to maneuver around the reefs of Bermuda so the local Pilots were encouraged after the collapse of the Somers Isle Company in 1684 to apply this trade . Bermuda disappointed by its failings in the Tobacco and Agriculture industry moved into the Maritime Commerce allowing Whaling, fishing, shipbuilding smuggling and even pirating to take over. By 1700 fishing boats appeared in abundance and they were operated by Bermudians. By 1800’s a surge of acts regarding the regulations of pilots was put into practice. This bought about the titles of Master & Warden of Pilots. All vessels were required to pay pilot fees. Wardens were authorized to license branch pilots and made by-laws to instruct pilots . By 1812 legislation prevented unskilled persons from becoming pilots unless they took an examination and they were also forced to register their boats.

James Jemmy Darrell is a well known name about Bermuda he was among the slaves who assisted Lt. Thomas Hurd a British Surveyor sent to Bermuda to carry out a marine survey on the Island. Black Pilots had extensive knowledge of the Inlets bays and coastlines in the Island. On May 1795 two years after Hurd began his survey Jemmy Darrell maneuvered Rear Admiral George Murray’s Hugh Gun Ship HMS Resolution into a deep anchorage known today as Murray’s Anchorage on the North Shore near Tobacco Bay, St. George’s. Because of this vast and safe task Jemmy was made a King’s pilot and given his freedom by Admiral Murray. Jemmy Darrell ,Jacob Picarn and Tom Been were appointed the first Kings Pilots. Although free men they had no legal rights. They could not serve on a jury, or testify in court. Least of all they could not WILL any property they acquired to any of their heirs. Only two pilots later petitioned to stay here in Bermuda and keep their property they were Jemmy Darrell and Jacob Picarn. Jemmy eventually WILLED his property to his heirs.

Stephen Benjamin Richardson 1890-1879 born a slave always had a desire to become a pilot. An alert and intelligent young man he quickly advanced in his chosen career. He saved enough to purchase his freedom and in later years the freedom of his wife for 30 pounds. He was one of 38 free blacks who signed a petition addressed to the Government for the removal of disabilities under which free blacks and free people of colour had to labour. He was classed a hero when he saved a young woman from a near fatal accident in 1838. Stephen was issued a certificate of competence by Captain Edward Franklin of the Royal mail Steam Ship ‘Tweed’ after he piloted the vessel out of Castle Habour. Stephen Richardson was able to purchase property in St. Georges’ near the Golf course in 1847. He later built his home on this land and named it “NORTHSIDE” He was one of 563 signatures who petitioned against the importation of farm labour. He was classed as one of the most skilled branch pilots of his time and for many years held the position of Pilot examiner. Both Jemmy Darrell and Stephen Richardson ‘s homes have been selected to be on the Bermuda Foundation African Diaspora Trail.

FREEMEN-PILOTS prior to emancipation in 1834, many black pilots were freemen. A group of African Bermudian Sportsmen organized a Sailing Club known a the Black Native Yacht Club, Their names were: Esau Simmons, Richard Deshields, Richard Been (as Spelt in Slavery) George Deshields, Richard Wood, Joseph Swan and John Virgin. ( 22ndSept.1846,). Esau Simmons a Warwick Boat builder was a racer of a fleet of sailboats and was identified also as a ferry boat operator.

Other Pilots: were Surry Fox an East End pilot and owner of his own gig and sail boats. James E Forbes achieved the distinction of becoming a Warden of Kings Pilots even before Abolition and continued in that position until his death. James Stowe Brangman was an owner of sail and row boats a pilot and Merchant. James Outerbridge, John Fox, Israel Burchal, J.T.Minors, Timothy Seymour. William Been; and Samuel Burchel ,Thomas Fox Sr. Peter Tucker and Benjamin Smith all top pilots.

Several were labeled King and Queens Pilots and they paid and earned their dues giving Bermuda a legacy we should be proud to speak about and cherish.

Researched Joy Wilson-Tucker CC Sketches of Bermuda 1828