My ancestor, Jens Rasmussen, appears on 80+ pages of the Oldendorp record. He arrived on St. Thomas probably between 21 Feb 1736 and 13 Apr 1744 as he served Governor Moth before becoming a "waiter" on the Carstens plantation at Mosquito Bay. He was not Moravian but a close friend and accompanied Zinzendorf and the Carstens back to Amsterdam. There, Nicolai Tonis engaged Jens to manage his plantation in the middle of St. John. Later, Jens bought Jinnegoot (Guinea Gut) plantation for himself and later sold it to the Moravians (renamed Bethany)[I have a copy of the document]. He then bought a plantation in the vicinity of Cinnamon Bay (Annenberg?). He sent his two sons, John (born 8 Jan 1757 on St. John--my ancestor) and Nathaniel (RASMUS/RASMUSSEN) to Bethlehem, PA to be educated by the Moravians. Jens died circa 1785 as a document leaves his slave, Christian, to my ancestor, John RASMUS. John served in the American Revolution and remained in Pennsylvania. Does anyone know what happened to Jens and his family and what other plantations he owned? Also, do you know the location of the former Tonis plantation, in the middle of St. John? Can you suggest where to look for other information?

I don't know about the family. If you're asking about where Bethany plantation is, it is in the western part of St. John, not too far up the hill from Cruz Bay. The old Bethany Moravian church is still there and in use. If you need a map, I may be able to help- you can send me your email.

Thanks. I know the location of Bethany and am tryng to find out where the Nicholai Tonis plantation is located (it was in the middle of St John) and what other plantations may have been owned by Jens Rasmussen (especially where he ended up).

Most likely you know about this website, but on the off chance you do not, this may serve as a resource:
http://www.stjohnhistoricalsociety.org/

Also, you may want to look at the book, Night of the Silent Drums by John Anderson. While it is fiction, it was well researched and details the plantations, life and the slave rebellion on St. John in 1733. It is a little before the time period of your ancestor, but it gives a good idea of the conditions and life on St. John.

Hope this helps.

Hi
I'm a Danish history student that have been looking into plantation owners in Brown Bay, St. John and I found Jens Rasmussen owning a piece of land there from 1758 and until his death in 1772. I also have a copy of his probate from Feb. 20th 1772. I known that he also owned a plantation in Waterlemon Bay from sometime in the 1740'ties or 50'ties,and that timber from this planation was used to built the church at Bethany with (according to Oldendorp). I know from the landtax list that he owned it in 1755 and then until 1763. I have a question, as I read it, it isn't Jinnegoot which becomes Bethany, but another small plantation which he buys. It's decribed as being situated very close to Cruz Bay in Oldendorp (the German version)

Oh, thank you so much. Your reply was a very nice gift. I didn't know when Jens died. I would love a copy of his probate, if you are willing. Please e-mail me at gwsaar-stjvi@yahoo.com with your e-mail address and, if you like, I can send you some information: a copy of the 80+ pages from Oldendorp that contain information on Jens; a copy of a document that gives Jens' slave Christian to my ancestral grandfather; and a copy of the Bill of Sale of Bethany from Jens to the Moravians. I have other information that you may find to be interesting. Tak sumeeka for your help and information!

I am also a ancestor of Jens Rasmussen, (Rasmus) it was later changed to Erasmus on our line? Do you know what happened to Nathanel? Lot of questions. If you have any information and are willing to share e-mail me at thulecooley@aol.com. The story goes that he bought lots of land in Penn. and Ohio. If I have any information that you could use, please ask. John's youngest son is burried in Ohio. Thanks for time and intrest. Sherry

Does any one know who Jens Rasmussen was married to?

Please send information to thulecooley@aol.com. Would love to have any information you have. Planning a trip to St. Thomas at the end of Oct. of this year.

Could you please send me a copy of the probate?