Bear River Historical Society
P. O. Box 182, Bear River, Nova Scotia B0S 1B0
email: BRHS@eastlink.ca
The Bear River Historical Society
We are the oldest established, officially registered society for the preservation of Bear River's heritage. We maintain a museum in the village, and this website where we can more widely share some of its treasures.
- Help us to keep the museum open and to preserve the history of Bear River.
Photos of our History
More Photos
Dear Museum Staff: I am a student free lance writer and I am researching for photographs or information on the birthplace of former resident Major William M. Jones, DCM & Bar. He was born in Bear River,Nova Scotia on August 23rd, 1893. Mr Frank Jones was his father. He joined the Nova Scotian Battalion (Nova Scotia Highlanders) Sept 27th 1914.
I am looking for the address of where he lived in Bear River. Any assistance would be most appreciated.
Sincerely
Mr Christopher Furlotte
Student Free Lance Writer, No. 4055082
The Writers Bureau College of Journalism (UK)
Just came across your inquiry ——- My family have been in Bear River since 1783 ——- my father was also born in the 1890′s and certainly knew
Major Jones and referred to him several times . There were family connections here in Bear River for many years and there are still nearby connections .
I would certainly give you more information if you wish to email me at bobbenson@eastlink.ca or phone 902 467-3549
Bob Benson
Hello again Christopher,
I have come across a wonderful article about your Major Bill Jones that was published last November locally. You were absolutely right about the Bear River connection:
Bill Jones was born in Bear River August 23, 1895, his early career options had been to serve in Africa as a medical missionary, but the First World War of 1914 changed his plans.
Major William Jones : Digby’s Lawrence of Yugoslavia
The article says that much of the information for the article was taken from a book on the wartime adventures of Joe Maloney written by Ray E. Zinck of Yarmouth.
Frank E. Archibald’s book “Mostly Maritimers” is also another mentioned source.
This does not answer your question about where he lived in Bear River, but hopefully there may be more shared information forthcoming from other readers of this blog!
Cheers!
Flora
I wanted to say thanks for the information about your village. My mother (Wade) was born and raised here, so summer visits and the occasional Christmas visit were always a welcomed event. I am 33 years old now, and I can say now I am grateful for having a small affliliation with Bear River, and I promise to all you readers of this I will return again with my children so they can experience something you don’t see or feel here in Ottawa. I was unaware of such a broad past, but I am empowered now with what I never knew before. Thank you,
Hi,
My name is David Andrews and I am the secretary of the Stewiacke Legion.
I am also trying to trace a William Jones who fought and died in WWI. His name is on the cenotaph in Stewiacke N.S., but the “stories” from the older members of the community tell of him not being from there. He was apparently working in the town when the war broke out and enlisted.
I am trying to make a complete list of the men on the cenotaph in which I hope to have as much information as possible on each of them included.
This William Jones does not appear to be the one I am trying to trace, but I wonder if there might be some connection.
Sincerely,
David Andrews
I understand you are seeking information on a William Jones, whose name appears on your Cenotaph in Stewiacke.
I have a copy of the “85th in France and Flanders” and note a reference to a ” Pte. William R. Jones” from Lower Ohio (Shelburne County). It does not, on quick reference, provide a date of birth, but it does give the following information:
Joined September 18, 1915. 13 Bn.
Struck Off December 5, 1916
Rejoined August 26, 1916
Killed May 3 1918 at Lens.