Friend of Friends Friday- Slave Children

Two years ago, the local paper featured the below article. The 150 year old photograph of slave children caught my attention. I paid closer attention to the selling price over $1,000. for the slave boy John in 1854; rather than the rare photograph. The idea that a slave boy could be sold off for that amount of money had me baffled. Still, all in all, I wanted to share this article that reiterates the message: “A picture is worth a thousand words”
slave children

shelley dewese's avatar

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

4 comments

  1. I can certainly relate to your thoughts about this photo as well. The idea of placing a price on human life is baffling in and of itself. Still, those were the times in which our ancestors lived. And your final assessing statement speak volumes indeed!

    Like

    Reply

Leave a reply to Mariann Regan Cancel reply