SODUS POINT, N.Y. — Just west of Sodus Point lies the former site of the Maxwell settlement, known then as the “colored settlement” during the early 1800s, the community was home to freed slaves and people seeking freedom.

“We certainly know that we’ve got some rich history back there,” said Robert Newport, a descendant of the Maxwell Settlement.

What You Need To Know

  • The settlement formed after a number of people were freed from slavery

  • The 60-acre settlement was home to generations of Black people in the area

  • Many moved to Rochester and other cities for a better life

The Newports are just one of many family’s part of the former Black settlement in Sodus Point.

“The Newports were related to 75-85% of them,” Robert’s wife, Sandra Newport, said.

This fifth generation of Newports came together on a video call to talk about their history.

“They were all great family people, generally farmers etc.,” Gus Newport, a descendant of the Maxwell Settlement, said.

Little remains of the settlement today, but the 60-acre community formed in 1813 after a number of enslaved men and women were freed following the death of Peregrine Fitzhugh.

While on the video call with his brothers, Robert Newport read a description of the settlement, saying “it existed as home and touchstone in the lives of hundreds of African Americans from the early 1800s to the first quarter of the 20th century and beyond.”

Descendants of the settlement still live in the Sodus Point area, but many moved away to places like Rochester.

“The generations closest to us began to go to school and get educated,” Gus Newport said.

“They came to this area [Rochester] to have a better life, and they certainly wanted this generation to have a better life. As far as I’m concerned, that’s probably one of the things that drove me to get the education and the work that I did,” Robert Newport added.

Robert Newport went on to work for Xerox, and his brother Gus became mayor of Berkeley California.

Aside from successful careers, the brothers say the Newport family is all about good work ethic and treating people right, a trait that likely started at the Maxwell settlement.

“You know my mother, my grandma, both grandmothers, my father, they all instilled in us, do right by people, treat them fair, don’t be disrespectful, and make something of your life,” said Robert Newport.