In recognition of Black History Month each February, we offer some brief history and links to information on some of the first Black settlers in the Lakewood area.
George Peake and Family
The Peake family arrived in Rockport in 1811, and were the first African-American family to settle permanently in the county.
George Peake purchased 103 acres near the Rocky River, and introduced a new, more productive type of gristmill to the community.
Andrew Farmer and Family
The Farmer Family was one of East Rockport’s best known African-American families. Andrew Farmer, who was freeborn, had managed the Eliza Jennings estate prior to coming to Rockport to manage Dr. Jared Kirtland’s farm in 1867.
According to Margaret Butler, Andrew’s spouse, Phoebe, was a Native American who had been illegally enslaved. Andrew and Phoebe had five children: Martha, John, Sarah, Colen, and Susan. The Farmer family lived on Winchester Avenue for many years.
Lakewood Historical Society: Andrew Farmer (To find Andrew Farmer’s entry, press CTRL+F, and type “Andrew Farmer”)
Henry Wright
Henry Wright was a former slave that reportedly escaped to Lakewood during the Civil War. Newspapers of the time report he was captured by a group led by West Park resident John M. West, but he was welcomed to the community and worked on the West family farm. Afterward, he lived near Hilliard and Mars Ave. in Lakewood.
His grave was discovered in Alger Cemetery by the West Park Historical Society, and a proper headstone was placed in 2021.
Channel 5 WEWS: Report on Henry Wright’s Headstone Discovery
Recent News
Upcoming Events
Most Popular Pages
- Snow Reminders
- SNAP Relief Program
- E-Newsletter Sign-Up
- Safe Place Initiative
- Downtown Development
- Frequently Asked Questions
- City Hall Space Assessment
- Birth/Death Certificates
- Heritage Home Loan Prgm
- Public Record Requests
- Clean Water Lakewood
- Pavilion Rentals
- Bunts Rehab
- Public Art
- Minutes/Agendas
- Interceptor Tunnel Rehabilitation Project
