The earliest settlers of
Middle Bay were the Buckles.
William Buckle originally
came from England in the late
18th century and settled in
Newfoundland to trap furs.
His son, William Buckle II,
moved to Labrador and married
Johanna Watts. He left
Labrador around 1830 and

brought his wife and children
to the Middle Bay area to
hunt seals.
   William Buckle II's son
John settled in Belles
Amours, about 5 kilometres
east of Middle Bay, where he
made a living fishing cod and
seal.
   John Buckle and his

Frances (Fanny) Kelson became
well known along the coast
for their openness and
hospitality. During the long
winter months, their house
was the center of
entertainment as people
arrived in komatiks, wooden
sleds pulled by dogs, to
attend "the times" held at

the Buckles' home. The large
Belles Amours establishment
had a chapel, which Mr.
Buckle opened to clergymen
from any denomination that
traveled along the coast. On
August 27 1856, missionary
Mr. Carpenter visited and
wrote about John Buckle: "Mr.
Buckle I like best of all