A Key to the Past

Church Records The journey begins:::

Through the attach church record I discovered that Sarah was the property belonging to Mr. Beaudjoy. From this document I was later able to identify Sarah owner as Anthony Beaudhuy whom there is no birth date, was a white plantation manager at Estate Betsey Jewels on St. Croix. By 1755 he was a co-owner with Jacob Boffron.

The estate consisted of 100 acres mostly of Caneland and 50 in other cultivation total 150 acres. By 1803 Anthony Beaudhuy was the sole owner of the estate with 26 slaves on the plantation managed by William Carty.

In 1779 Anthony Beaudhuy enters into the doors of the Anglican/Episcopal church with 3 slave children for baptism. Adam, Peter and Sarah… From hence these Mulatto slave children take on the Beaudhuy name.

By shelley dewese

As I continue to search out my history, I am discovering how much I did not know. The more information disclosed about my ancestry, the more I learn and understand how I am the person that has evolved today. My family's research efforts have taken me on an enlightening journey back through the past in the U. S. Virgin Islands (formerly Danish West Indies) and Coastal Georgia. As with most people of Afro-Caribbean descent, my ancestry stems from peoples brought together by colonialism and conquest; it stems from people thrown together, albeit forcibly, by the throes of enslavement. As a result, my DNA tells me that my people originate in Africa, Europe, England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Lesser Antilles, and Leeward Caribbean Islands. Two collections made my dream to research my ancestors in the Danish West Indies a reality. I have conducted extensive research using the St. Croix Population Database 1734-1917, a St. Croix African Roots Project product, and a research and document transcription effort sponsored by the Virgin Islands Social History Associates (VISHA). The other catalyst has been accessing the extensive photo, manuscript, and microfilm collections at the Library and Archives of the St. Croix Landmarks Society at Estate Whim in St. Croix. My heartfelt thanks go to all my cousins, extended "cousin-family," friends, and research colleagues from the St. Croix-based Virgin Islands Ancestry Discovery Group, for their input and collaboration. I also want to thank the UJima Genealogy Group in Coastal Georgia and GlynnGen.com; webmaster Amy Hendrick has introduced me to Southern History and its people. This site allows you to transform yourself to a time during the Danish period (1734-1917) when life was both complex and straightforward. If you have any questions, comments, or need assistance searching for a Danish West Indies ancestor, I invite you to drop me an email. Its.sheldew@gmail.com I especially appreciate the followers' encouragement.

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