Genealogy is not just a compilation of dates, not a listing of surnames, it is simply His-Story/Her-Story. As Amy Cross says no story is too small. This year, I will make every effort to tell the ancestor’s story using genealogical data, pictures, family lore, oral history and genealogy software. Through this discovery process, I will focus on 52 ancestors in 52 weeks from the danish west indies to Coastal Georgia including both maternal and paternal lineage.
Beginning with my paternal Coastal Georgia ancestor – John Matthews
John Matthews is #8 on my Ancestor Name List and is my great-grandfather. I am descended through:
* his son, #4 Charlie Matthews (1896-1941)
* his son, #2 Charles Matthews my dad who lives in Georgia, USA
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
My Genealogical Journey: 