John Sullivan "Billy" Deas 1873 Canada
Hello, although I am not a member of the Deas Family, I am looking for information regarding John Sullivan or "Billy" Deas. I work in a park called Deas Island Regional Park near Vancouver BC, Canada and am interested to find out more about the history of Billy Deas before he came to Canada.
Some more information:The island was settled by Billy Deas, a Black Freeman and Tinsmith from the South. In 1873, he claimed the island and built a cannery, wharf and dykes. For three years, the cannery produced more cases of salmon than any other on the Fraser River. This is all the information I have on Billy Deas. I don't know the name of his wife and children and whether he he stayed or left Canada. I have been reading with interest about the Deas Family in South Carolina.
Would appreciate any hints or ideas to help in my search.