Thank You Frances I have many questions about this story , however Mormon family history library has copy of this story passed down through generations ? That is how a lot of us are here searching this man that we know as Lawrence Kelly , I am going to search the wills as you suggest , I have also contacted a group in New River Virginia to see if Historical graves are still available there to see , familyhistory.org lists John Patrick kelly Born 1748 died 1816 , lists his father as Lawrence Kelly Isle of Man , would there any other names you would suggest ? If in fact the story is true , for a person of such a young age to gain ships and linen would be some bit of wealth it would seem to me , that maybe he did not come from terrible means , not wealthy and it maybe as a friend suggested he was a sail maker for ships ? why linen ? any other suggestions or topics you may think I should check please let me know, Thanks again so much Paula