Charlie Matthews (1896-1941) my grand-father on my paternal side portrait style photo is my favorite picture. He’s well dressed and looks little prosperous. Date of photo is unknown.
He was the son of John Matthews and Amanda Allen-Matthews both of Barnwell, South Carolina. Charlie Matthews was the youngest of six (6) Children. He was born August 29, 1894 in Savannah Chatham, Georgia.
His US World War I Draft Registration Card revealed that he was living at the family home in Savannah Georgia. The 1920 Census showed that he was 23 years old. Charlie married Anna Harris; his occupation was a Tinner (roofer). This same census also showed that his home was mortgage free.
Great Migration Image by Jacob Lawrence
Between 1920-1922 Charlie Matthews, alongside his wife and mother joins what is known as The Great Migration. This migration is when a substantial number of African Americans moved from the Rural South to the Urban North.
In 1922, Charlie and Anna Matthews first child is born in Harlem, New York. I don’t know whether they left Savannah via Train, Boat or Bus; what I do know is that they were among the many migrants that anticipated a better future for their family. In 1941, Charlie Matthews died a Widower at 45 years old.
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.
Mary:
He is quite a looker. It appears that heading to the Big City was a different kind of stress he and and his wife died young. Thank you for your follow.
My Genealogical Journey: 
As usual…fascinated by the depth of your findings. He was a handsome young man !
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Thank you Janet, digging deep for sure……
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Hi Shelley–I keep on loving your Blog–what a handsome man! Mary
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Mary:
He is quite a looker. It appears that heading to the Big City was a different kind of stress he and and his wife died young. Thank you for your follow.
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