Woman brings home history in ‘For God and King’ | Culture | Summerville Journal Scene

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Woman brings home history in ‘For God and King’

Published Tuesday, August 24, 2010 3:53 PM

By Judy Watts and Kristen Altman
Summerville Journal Scene ®

photo provided

History, adventure, intrigue, treason and love can be found in Teresa Farris-Dacar’s first historical novel ‘For God and King.’

“Much of the history of the early colonial period is just beginning to be stitched together,” she said in an interview during a visit to Summerville to visit relatives.

“Social history has become popular in the last 25 years. But because women have entered the PhD area of history, they have taken more of a thesis approach. They ask the questions, What were their customs? What were their lives like? This gives a greater understanding to social history.

Farris-Dacar includes facts, drawings, pictures, and other sources in her work that furthers the readers knowledge of history. Her newest endeavor weaves history and fiction to give readers both a sense of reality and escapism. Her ultimate goal is to educate readers about the colonists during the early colonial period.

The novel is set in 17th century England and the West Indies Island of Barbados. Barbados was once known as Little England. History of the Lowcountry is the backdrop for the story of two families, the Godfreys and the Colletons. The Godfreys are Farris- Dacar’s ancestors.

“My grandparents lived in Knightsville – Homer and Lucille Knight Godfrey. Farris-Dacar’s parents, Carolyn Godfrey Farris and Hugh Albert Farris recently moved back to Summerville,” she said.

The British Revolution and the time following involved prominent members of British society desiring to begin a colony in Charles Towne. Many of these members lived to defend the Stewart Monarchy and later helped found Charles Towne. Both the Godfrey and Colleton families were among those who settled in Charles Towne, South Carolina in 1670.

“Social history is really what gets people to love history and that’s what our job is -- to make that available to the school system, to people who love Charleston and to visitors who know little about the history aside from the Civil War having started here,” she said.

Her previous book, a non-fiction work titled “From England – To Barbados – To Carolina” is another tribute to the history of Charles Towne in the lives of English-Barbadians. Among the documents in that book are 50 probate inventories that are examined to give a better understanding of the era.

Among the bits of information about the Lowcountry are some of the name origins.

“Sir George Monck was one of the lords proprietors for whom Moncks Corner is named,” she said.

Teresa Farris-Dacar is both an author and historian. She has obtained two undergraduate degrees; one in History and one in Humanities and Social Sciences. She also holds three master’s degrees in History, Clinical Counseling, and Curriculum Design in Education. She was previously a professor of history, psychology, and sociology before deciding to write full time. She was born in Charleston, giving her true ties to the area.

If interested in purchasing “For God and King,” checks and charge card (Mastercard or Visa) orders can be made via phone order to 256-796-5209. Checks can be made payable to Teresa Farris-Dacar, Historical Novel and can be mailed to P.O. Box 314, Eva, Alabama 35621.

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