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

A Key to the Past

Church Records The journey begins::: Through the attach church record I discovered that Sarah was the property belonging to Mr. Beaudjoy. From this document I was later able to identify Sarah owner as Anthony Beaudhuy whom there is no birth date, was a white plantation manager at Estate Betsey Jewels on St. Croix. By 1755…… Continue reading A Key to the Past

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People of the Past

I’d begun my genealogical journey at the St. Croix Landmarks library.  My mother and I discovered that the Patriarch of the family was in the Danish West Indies during the Danish Slave Trade to St. Croix .   Further research revealed that although the Patriarch was a free person of Color his mother was born into…… Continue reading People of the Past

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