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

Supreme Court Building, named after Bough descendant, Raymond L. Finch

In March 2017, members of the Bough family of the Virgin Islands gathered together during the Virgin Islands commemoration events, for the 100th Anniversary Transfer of the Danish West Indies from Denmark to the United States. At the gathering, family stories were featured. At one of the informal settings, it was said that James Bough had one of…… Continue reading Supreme Court Building, named after Bough descendant, Raymond L. Finch

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…… Continue reading SNGF: 100 Word Genealogy Challenge