CENSUS TAKER 

It was the first day of census, and all through the land; 
 The pollster was ready ... a black book in hand. 
 He mounted his horse for a long dusty ride; 
 His book and some quills were tucked close by his side. 
 A long winding ride down a road barely there; 
 Toward the smell of fresh bread wafting, up through the air.  The woman was tired, with lines on her face; 
 And wisps of brown hair she tucked back into place. 
 She gave him some water ... as they sat at the table; 
 And she answered his questions ... the best she was able. 
 He asked of her children... Yes, she had quite a few; 
 The oldest was twenty, the youngest not two. 
 She held up a toddler with cheeks round and red; 
 his sister, she whispered, was napping in bed. 
 She noted each person who lived there with pride; 
 And she felt the faint stirrings of the wee one inside. 
 He noted the sex, the color, the age... 
 The marks from the quill soon filled up the page. 
 At the number of children, she nodded her head; 
 And saw her lips quiver for the three that were dead. 
 The places of birth she "never forgot"; 
 Was it Somerset? or Galway? or Hobart ... or not? 
 They came from Somerset, of that she was clear; 
 But she wasn't quite sure just how long they'd been here.  They spoke of employment, of schooling and such; 
 They could read some .and write some .. though really not much.  When the questions were answered, his job there was done; 
 So he mounted his horse and he rode toward the sun. 
 We can almost imagine his voice loud and clear; 
 "May God bless you all for another ten years." 
 Now picture a time warp ... its' now you and me; 
 As we search for the people on our family tree. 
 We squint at the census and scroll down so slow; 
 As we search for that entry from long, long ago. 
 Could they only imagine on that long ago day; 
 That the entries they made would effect us this way? 
 If they knew, would they wonder at the yearning we feel; 
 And the searching that makes them so increasingly real. 
 We can hear if we listen the words they impart; 
 Through their blood in our veins and their voice in our heart.

 

This is becoming more than "The Counsell Family Tree" as I add my childrens ancestors from both my  side and their father's. I hope the rest of the family will also do this, so our tree becomes an  ongoing, forever record of our family and it's branches.

I am battling to verify Nana Counsell's fathers birth parents - his death certificate shows John Corkran and Mary Cunningham, a baptism record from Archives of Archdiocese of Hobart, Tasmania shows a Willian Corcoran b 31/8/55 to John Corcoran & Sarah Cunningham, then we have John and Bridget who were sent to Aussie as convicts. There are now 3 possible sets of parents. Does anyone have more information?



Thanks to Lynette Patrick for all her advice and help to locate sources.

From the papers I have been given about our Nana Counsell (Dorothy Margaret Charlotte Corkran)whose mother was Rose Ann Burke there could be a connection back to Plantagenet  House.

I have also come into the possession of paperwork relating to Nana Counsell (Dorothy Margaret  Charlotte Corkran) so I am trying to contact some of our Corkran rellys in Christchurch. I have  contacted Blair Corkran who is searching out the information he has on the family of Nana Counsell  (Dorothy Corkran)

Thanks to Teresa Wadman from UK who is related through marriage to our 3x Great Grandfather's  brother. Teresa has supplied a heap of information on the family from Mark, Somerset, UK.

Counsell Family Crest / Counsell Coat of Arms - I do not know if this applies to our Counsell  Family but will leave this here and hopefully be able to verify it all later

The surname of COUNSELL was an English nickname for a wise or thoughtful man. The name was  originally derived from the Anglo-Norman word COUNSEIL, meaning consultation, deliberation,  advise. The name was originally rendered in medieval documents in the Latin form CONSILIUM.  Surnames having a derivation from nicknames form the broadest and most miscellaneous class of  surnames, encompassing many different types of origin. The most typical classes refer adjectivally  to the general physical aspect of the person concerned, or to his character. Many nicknames refer  to a man's size or height, while others make reference to a favoured article of clothing or style  of dress. Many surnames derived from the names of animals and birds. In the Middle Ages ideas were  held about the characters of other living creatures, based on observation, and these associations  were reflected and reinforced by large bodies of folk tales featuring animals behaving as humans.  The name may also have been an occupational name for a member of a royal council or, more probably  a manorial council. Early records of the name in England mention William COUNSAYL of County  Somerset, who was documented during the reign of Edward III (1327-1377). William COUNSEL of  Yorkshire, was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. Surnames as we know them today were first  assumed in Europe from the 11th to the 15th Century. They were not in use in England or in  Scotland before the Norman Conquest, and were first found in the Domesday Book. The employment in  the use of a second name was a custom that was first introduced from the Normans. They themselves  had not long before adopted them. It became, in course of time, a mark of gentler blood, and it  was deemed a disgrace for gentlemen to have but one single name, as the meaner sort had. At first  the coat of arms was a practical matter which served a function on the battlefield and in  tournaments. With his helmet covering his face, and armour encasing the knight from head to foot,  the only means of identification for his followers, was the insignia painted on his shield and  embroidered on his surcoat, the draped garment worn over the armour. Later instances of the name  mention Henrie COUNCELL and Wynifritt Clark, who were married at St. James's, Clerkenwell, London  in 1609, and William COUNSELL and Mary Parsons were married at St. George's Chapel, Mayfair,  London in 1742

It would be great if each family member took the time to update their information and add some  photos.

I have been busy sourcing verification of births, deaths and marriages, as well as locating books  with Counsell Family information, which I am waiting to arrive from UK. I am also in contact with  other Administrators of Family Trees that ours links to to see what information we can share.

I will start to put source docs on shortly. 

It would be great if family members got involved with their family sections. It would be a  wonderful legacy to leave our kids, an on-going living history of our families.

I have  the Counsell name back to 1538 There are others in the family working on a Counsell Family  Tree, I am hoping that we will all be able to connect our sites with our information. There is  still quite a bit on the site that needs updating and verifying. This will be done over the next  few nonths, talking to family. Aunty Kath has a wealth of knowledge of family history.  If you have would like to contribute with any information for your family or add photos  please  send me your email address and tell me here you fit into the  big picture and I can give you access to add information for your family.