People of the Past

I’d begun my genealogical journey at the St. Croix Landmarks library. My mother and I discovered that the Patriarch of the family was in the Danish West Indies during the Danish Slave Trade to St. Croix . Further research revealed that although the Patriarch was a free person of Color his mother was born into slavery we begin this journey with George mother, Sarah Beaudhuy who was born a slave in St.Croix, Danish West Indies in the second half of the 18th century.

Over the years and the many trips to the library, gravesites, as well as participating in family history displays, have heightened the interest of my own family history. I began to crave for more information as to their occupations, their lives, their families; and it has become a sweet addiction. As I try to satisfy the cravings of this addiction, perhaps by sharing this journey of these People of the Past we might find other Obsessions. Welcome to my journey

By shelley dewese

With over 40 years in the Virgin Islands, I am a New Yorker with deep roots in the Danish West Indies, researching surnames Bough, Beaudhuy, and Gasper. Uncovering my history has revealed unknown aspects of my ancestry, shaping my present identity. I find joy in sharing stories and connecting with others. As a transcriptionist researcher, I compiled the digitized St. Croix Population Database, drawing from Danish, American, and Virgin Islands archives. I am a proud member of organizations like the Society of Virgin Islands Historian, Friends of Denmark and Ujima Genealogy Research Group. My dream of exploring Danish West Indies ancestors became a reality through the St. Croix Population Database and access to collections at the St. Croix Landmarks Society. I recently launched the VI Headline Rewinds podcast, delving into vintage Virgin Islands newspapers. I appreciate the support of collaborators and followers. For assistance with Danish West Indies genealogy, feel free to reach out via email. its.sheldew@gmail.com

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