I am trying to connect my family line to a more genealogically recognized individual.
Some research has been done on John Kelly (1767 - 1825; married to Mary Cain), a Loyalist from New Jersey who after the American Revolutionary War made his home in Canada. From one family source, it is stated that " . . . John and his brother (or uncle ?) Luke Kelly came to New Brunswick arriving by ship circa 1783. References indicate they had resided in Gloucester County, New Jersey prior to the American Revolution. They fought as United Empire Loyalists. One story is told that the brothers (?) had a feud during the revolution and Luke had not wanted to come to Canada, but John had slipped a kings coin into Luke's pocket, where it was discovered and he had to leave. John was a private under Captain Henry Marsh of the 4th New Jersey Volunteers. The year after their arrival in Parr Town (now St. John, NB), they moved to what eventually became Kelly's Creek, Kingsclear, [York County],NB."
Source:
"Private Notes of Margaret (Kelly) Hay, Alberta; 2003.
By reviewing other sources, including the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick and the work done by Kim Costa, there is reference to John B Kelly, Luke Kelly and William Kelly, apparently all related and settling in York County.
I am directly related to Luke Kelly (1795 - 1867) who was born in Prince William, New Brunswick, Canada (right next to Kingsclear). I cannot locate the father of this Luke Kelly who, given the DOB of my most distant Kelly ancestor, could be either Luke or William Kelly - assuming it is logical to connect either to John.
Any assistance on this point would be greatly appreciated as I am at a dead end (so to speak). Thank you.