The first time I was shown the grave-sites of my great-great grandmother Amelia Marcus, and my great-grandfather’s first wife, Mary Eliza, I was pleasantly surprised of the upkeep, and the poetry which was written on the tombstones.
The lyrics told me about the love and dedication that my great-grandfather August Bough felt towards his mother, and his young wife, Mary Eliza.
Christiansted Cemetery, St. Croix, USVI
Written on the Tombstone – Amelia Marcus:
“In loving memory of a loving mother Amelia Marcus who died the 15th Feb 1897 age 64 years old. Fondest of mothers, kindest of friends loving each other constant to the end. Ever watching alone her dear loving ones till heaven demand her work to be done then to the last commands said THY will be done. This monument is erected by her affectionate son A.C. Bough”
Written on Tombstone-Mary Eliza
“Mary Eliza beloved wife of A.C. Bough who died 26, October 1894 aged 20 years. Like a flower within its bloom she passed beyond the tomb with a certain hope of grace to behold her Savior face to face”.
My second great-grandmother, Amelia Petersen-Marcus, was born in 1831 in Christiansted, St. Croix, DWI, and primarily lived in Christiansted. She died in St. Croix due to a chest ailment in 1897. She was 64 years old.
My great-grandfather’s first wife, Mary Eliza (nee Armstrong), was born in 1874 in Christiansted, St. Croix. She died in 1894 at the young age of 20 years old. (Cause of death unknown)
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.
My Genealogical Journey: 
At a loss for words! Such beautiful thoughts and feelings!
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