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Brier Island, four miles long, one and one-half wide, is the westernmost land belonging to Nova Scotia. Thickly settled, finely adorned, enterprising and picturesqne, Westport is one of the foremost fishing stations on the western coast.

Isaiah W. Wilson.Geography and History of the County of Digby. Cha.1, p.10.

Brier Island was visited by Fishermen at an early period. David Welch, Senior, a native of Maine, United States, set out on a voyage to this island in spring of 1769, as a fishing Post. He was accompanied by Mrs. Welch and children. They were afterwards joined by Robert Morrell, also born in Maine, but a resident of Sissibou just previously. Finding fish plentiful, affording ample means of subsistence, they remained, becoming pioneers; and lived almost unknown to other sections of the county until arrival of Loyalists in 1783. They owned vessels, in which they captured produce of the deep. These were carried to the older colonies and sold. Provisions were brought there, and freighted the crafts on their homeward journey. They lived in log houses, built near the shore, and thoroughly corked with moss. Limited parcels of land were also tilled by aid of the fish and refuse, which raised splendid crops of potatoes and other vegetables. They, however, failed to procure the Grants at this time, and were unknown and unprotected by Government. After the Tories came, all improved lands were secured to their occupants by the King's Letters Patent.

Isaiah W. Wilson.Geography and History of the County of Digby. Cha.4, p.38.

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