Newfoundland Steads

My first known ancester is William Stead who married in 1788 at Bonavista,Newfoundland (now part of Canada).Thomas Stead (my great great grandfather lived in Bird Island Cove(now Elliston),Newfoundland.He had 11 children-Elizabeth(1821-),Benjamin Mar.Elizabeth Romaine;Ann Mar.James Porter;John;William Mar.in 1853 Marie Hobbs(my father's grandparents);Thomas;Samuel;Job;Andrew;Frederick(1840-)and Theophilus.I think the last 4 brothers moved to Little Catalina,Newfoundland,Canada in the mid 1800's as their birthdays match up in the census reports there.I'd love to talk over info with interested Steads in that area.
The Steads went to NFLD.,Canada in the mid 1700's-some say from Ireland-others Northern England. They were fishermen but brought with them musical,building,and craftsman skills.My father built boats and crafted violins on which he loved to play Irish jigs.They also have a poetic nature-writing of songs and poetry.
I would love to have ideas on where they might have originated from. If anyone is interested I would appreciate any ideas or info.-Irene Stead