Wednesday Child: Elise Marie

In memory of Elise Marie
Daughter of
Emile and Marie Svitzer
Who Died on December 8 1873
Aged 8 months and 8 Days
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While doing my own cemetery research at the Christiansted, St. Croix Pubic Cemetery, I could not help but notice the Hourglass carved into the tombstone of Elise Marie Svitzer. A closer look revealed a child’s grave. Without a doubt the last few words written upon the stone “aged 8 months and 8 days” was indicative of a Wednesday Child, the Hourglass, symbolizing a short life, as well as the pain felt when a baby dies.

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

5 comments

  2. I have stumbled upon some very interesting gravesites, but none quite like this one in the shape of an hour galss. And the fact that it symbolizes a short life, makes this resting place a very special one. Thanks for sharing these photos with us!

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    1. Hi , I’m related 2 emil&maria S. Theyre my GGGgrandparents.I was wondering if u hav seen their grave?? And any other svitzers?

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      1. It gives me great joy to be able to connect and share with you some information on your 3rd grand-parents family. I will go back to the Christiansted Cemetery and see if there are any other Svitzers gravestones.

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