New Annan's first known Scottish settler, John Bell, came to stay with Wellwood Waugh in Tatamagouche in 1806. Six years later, Bell built his own home seven miles south of the town on the banks of the French River, just outside the DesBarres Grant. Like many early settlers, he left Scotland to escape the high rents of Scottish landlords, and here, he and his family could begin a new life; free from the rent levied by DesBarres.
Bell worked hard to clear the fields and prepare the land to support his family of nine. Shortly after building the house, the land was cleared and crops were planted. The principal crop, potatoes, was supplemented with salmon from the river and caribou and deer from the forest. They also planted oats and wheat.
It was in 1817 that Bell and his sons built the first grist mill in New Annan. It was very small, grinding only six to seven bushels a day, but served the small community's needs.
Bell worked hard to clear the fields and prepare the land to support his family of nine. Shortly after building the house, the land was cleared and crops were planted. The principal crop, potatoes, was supplemented with salmon from the river and caribou and deer from the forest. They also planted oats and wheat.
It was in 1817 that Bell and his sons built the first grist mill in New Annan. It was very small, grinding only six to seven bushels a day, but served the small community's needs.
New Annan's first known Scottish settler, John Bell, came to stay with Wellwood Waugh in Tatamagouche in 1806. Six years later, Bell built his own home seven miles south of the town on the banks of the French River, just outside the DesBarres Grant. Like many early settlers, he left Scotland to escape the high rents of Scottish landlords, and here, he and his family could begin a new life; free from the rent levied by DesBarres.
Bell worked hard to clear the fields and prepare the land to support his family of nine. Shortly after building the house, the land was cleared and crops were planted. The principal crop, potatoes, was supplemented with salmon from the river and caribou and deer from the forest. They also planted oats and wheat.
It was in 1817 that Bell and his sons built the first grist mill in New Annan. It was very small, grinding only six to seven bushels a day, but served the small community's needs.
Bell worked hard to clear the fields and prepare the land to support his family of nine. Shortly after building the house, the land was cleared and crops were planted. The principal crop, potatoes, was supplemented with salmon from the river and caribou and deer from the forest. They also planted oats and wheat.
It was in 1817 that Bell and his sons built the first grist mill in New Annan. It was very small, grinding only six to seven bushels a day, but served the small community's needs.
Inscription
In memory of / John BELL / a native of Dumfrieshire / emigrated to Nova Scotia in 1806 / was the first settler in New Annan in 1812 /and for many years a respected Elder in the Presbyterian Church / Died Mar. 29, 1831 / Aged 64 / also his wife / Ann IRVINE / Died Dec. 7, 1847 / Aged 84
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