Berkley was chosen as one of three 4-H students to represent the Midlands at the 4-H Legislative Day held at the State House on March 5. He was chosen by an essay he wrote which was screened by two panels of 4-H Representatvies and SC Legislators. His essay included how he would try to appropriately represent the Midlands 4-H, what he hoped to learn by spending a day at the State House, why he was interested in learning more about our state and government. His essay included that many of his interests in our state’s history stem from the fact that his fifth great-grandfather was a hero in the American Revolution.
A synopsis of the history of his fifth great grandfather:
“All for Liberty” is a movie based on historical facts about how a Swiss-German immigrant influenced South Carolina’s role in the American Revolution. Captain Henry Felder, Sr. (born Heinrich Faulder in Switzerland) was the leading Captain of the SC Militia until the British killed him at his home in 1780. His militia fought more battles in the backcountry of SC than the total battles in the north. Captain Felder was appointed by Governor Rutledge to write a Declaration of Separation from the King, which he did six weeks prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It is a matter of public record and archives, but something that somehow slips SC History in our educational system. Captain Henry’s parents were the first Felders to take root in this country; his parents died within two years upon their arrival to the Orangeburgh District.
Captain Henry worked for the British court systems until he could no longer tolerate what he viewed as unfair treatment to others. He was the main supplier of gunpowder for the Patriots during the American Revolution. He even somehow created three cannons which were used during the last stage of the American Revolution to keep the British in tow. Two of those actual cannons exist in downtown Orangeburg and the third one sits on the Charleston Battery. Captain Henry is buried outside the city of Orangeburg, as are several of his descendants. Captain Henry was truly hero who needs to be remembered again and introduced to those who have never heard of him. His war efforts were tremendous, as were those of his family and closest friends. According to SC historical documents, Captain Henry Felder needs to be among the most hailed heroes of the War for American Independence.
“All for Liberty” presents the heroic acts of Captain Henry and emphasizes South Carolina’s role in the American Revolution. More importantly, it shows how families of soldiers also supported the efforts towards American freedom. The movie also stresses that there were a lot of “unsung” heroes who gave their lives and whose families made tremendous sacrifices in order that future generations might have liberty and freedom.
“All for Liberty” has won nine international film awards and can be purchased locally at Lifeway Christian Stores.