SNGF: 100 Word Genealogy Challenge

Randy Seaver offers us the following challenge 1) Write a short 100 word story using the phrase “,,,the most interesting ancestor I have…” in 100 words.

Here’s mine:

Peter Bough (1855-1922) is the most interesting ancestor I have, unknown to him the transfer of the Danish West Indies to the Americans would take place in 1917. Peter petitioned the U.S.A. for Naturalization in 1914. He was convinced, that the American values connected fundamentally to his beliefs and ideas. He was born in the Danish West Indies, the grandson of slaves, the son George and Susan Bough. Peter took up residence on the West side of Manhattan, self-employed painter. Peter married Arianna Williams of St. Croix in 1908. They never returned to the US Virgin Islands.

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

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1 comment

Great information! It’s also good to see that SNGF is still going strong. Now that work is starting to wid down for the year, I will be able to join in on SNGF again too!

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