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Some maintain the name "Bear" River originated thus:-- A few years after Port Royal was founded, Captain Hébért, or Imbért, while conveying supplies to the Garrison in Granville, sailed into that estuary of that river for harbour and exploration. As an accent in French changes the sound of e to a, his name was pronounced A bare or Imbare. Hence, the River was called either "Abare" or "Imbare". Subsequently the first syllable was omitted, leaving the name "Bare," afterwards changed to "Bear" River. Others believe it was so styled because Rogers' Rangers killed the bear on its bank, as related in Chapter IV. While either is reasonable, perhaps the former is the probable derivation.

This stream has a varied course. Commencing in two waters, the East Branch in Annapolis County,--and West Branch, which draining Second West Branch Lake, enters Lake Jolly from thence through "Big Dead Water" to the Forks, nearly one half mile east of Bear River Town, where it meets and unites with the East Branch, and both thereafter flow as one river, having a rapid current, and discharges into the Annapolis Basin more than four miles west of the junction. It is navigable for large merchantmen to traffic, Bridge spanning the river at centre of trade. Length from Second West Branch to the Basin, including several windings, is about seventeen miles ; breadth at mouth, about a quarter of a mile. The shore on Digby side is quite bold. Bear River, the principal Village in Hillsburgh, carries on an extensive trade in lumber, cherries, West India produce, and other commodities.

Isaiah W. Wilson.Geography and History of the County of Digby. Cha.1, p.5.

The author was informed that George Sutherland, founder of Clements, was drowned with two negro assistants, by sinking of the scow, while descending Annapolis River with a heavy load of bricks he had purchased in Annapolis. While a few claim this patriot resided in at modern town of Bear River in Hillsburgh, a large number equally reliable, insist his residence stood east of the River. This man brought first cherry trees in the County to Bear River. Peradventure, he lived successively on either side. His family retrned to Scotland, their native isle, shortly after the venerated death of their head.

Isaiah W. Wilson.Geography and History of the County of Digby. Cha.10, p.103.

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