Author: 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

52 Ancestors- week 21 Cemetery

February 15, 1897, Amelia Elizabeth Petersen-Marcus was buried in the New Danish Church Cemetery in Christiansted Town.  Amelia E. Petersen was born on St. Croix in April 1834 died in February 1897 during the Danish Period.  A family member in St. Thomas, USVI  explained that Amelia’s son (August Bough) had a tombstone design and placed…… Continue reading 52 Ancestors- week 21 Cemetery

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks Week 14 – “Great.”

The new prompt in the 52-ancestor series for 2021 suggests that we write about ancestors associated with the word- “great”.   I found it daunting to navigate around this word.  Going through my folders, I realized that in almost every family tree, one could see great deeds, outstanding accomplishments, and of course, several degrees of great-grandparents.…… Continue reading 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks Week 14 – “Great.”

52 Ancestors in 52 weeks Week -9 Multiples

This post is a prompt in the 52 ancestor series 2021.   For this prompt,  a family tree search resulted in multiple spouses/partners and births on my family tree. I decided to search for multiple births.  I found the earliest multiple deliveries was a set of male twins  Aaron (1846-1884) and Esram Bough (1846-1900) born on…… Continue reading 52 Ancestors in 52 weeks Week -9 Multiples