Weston-super-Mare & District Family History Society

Research Forum

William Counsell
published by Lynette on Fri, 20/12/2013 - 2:27

The above died 24th Feb 1865 at Burnham from an epileptic fit and exhaustion. Information was received from Bruges Fry Coroner for North Somerset Cheddar. The inquest was held on 25 Feb 1865.

Help would be appreciated as I am trying to find out if he was Married and would his wife be named at the inquest. The death certificate which I have has no other names on it.

William was 58years and a Labourer. I have a missing William Counsell born 1816 to William Counsell and Aquilla Burdge.

Any ideas greatly accepted

Thanking you
Lynette Patrick

Comments ..

Submitted by on Fri, 20/12/2013 - 9:43

Lynette -

Coincidentally I also am trying to find information on an inquest for amember of my family for the same year. Some Coroners inquest reports are held at the SRO but for this period there are none. SRO do have a quite large number of olde Somerset newspapers on MF where one may find this information. Personal searching is the best way of course by visiting the SRO but they do offer quite a good search service.

An inquest report would only give information as to whether he was married or his wife's name if it was relevant I think, however as I have quite a bit on Burnham history etc. I will have a look to see if I can find anything for you.

Cheers for now

Submitted by on Sat, 21/12/2013 - 13:28

Lynette -

I think the William Counsel you have being born in 1816 may be the chap you are looking for.

I have three records of this name: -

1. William Counsel married to Ann - he was born in 1795 and the family lived on Mark Causeway

2. William Counsell married to Elizabeth - he was born 1811 and the family lived at Watchfield which came in Burnham Parish although the ecclesastical District was St Johns.

3. William Counsel married to Mary - he was born in 1816 and his wife in 1818. They and their 4 children lived at Blackford

These dates of birth may not of course be entirely accurate!

Hope this helps a bit?

Cheers for now

Submitted by Lynette on Sun, 22/12/2013 - 22:28

Hello Roy
Many thanks.
1. William Counsell (brother to my George) married Ann Seward.

2. William Counsell born 1811 (son of William Counsell) married Elizabeth Perrott in 1860. Second marriage for Elizabeth (Fear) and now when I look at that William perhaps this is the one who died in 1865 at Burnham? Dont know when Elizabeth died.
There are so many William Counsells on my tree!

3. William Counsell (son of Robert and Elizabeth Spurlock) married Mary Hill.

Number 2 William looks promising now I know he lived at Watchfield etc

Thanks again and Merry Christmas from down under.

Lynette

Submitted by Pat Hase on Sun, 22/12/2013 - 1:01

While we were in Weston Library on Saturday afternoon volunteers from the society searched the local papers which are available on film but could find no trace of the inquest. However, the library also offers the facility to consult the British Newspaper Archive from the Library computers and the Sherborne Mercury of the 7th March 1865 carried the following entry which makes it look as if he was unmarried at the time of death.

At Watchfield, Burnham, on the body ot William Counsel, aged 58 years. Deceased, who was subject to fits, lived by himself, and was found dead in bed. It appeared from the evidence that he was the habit of taking a large quantity of salts, and did so the day before his death, which made him very weak. The state in which he was found left no doubt that he had died a fit. Verdict, "Died fiom natural causes".

Submitted by Lynette on Sun, 22/12/2013 - 22:31

Hello Pat

Many thanks for your information. Every little bit helps to try and sort out other information.
Very grateful to all you helpful people.
Merry Christmas from down under.
Regards Lynette

Submitted by on Sun, 22/12/2013 - 14:58

Hi Lynette,
William Counsell was one of my relatives, he was married to Mary Hill she was born in 1819 and died in 1895 she had 3 children 2 girls both named Sarah one born 1842 and one in 1845 and then a son called Lot who was born in 1847 he was my great grandfather his son Thomas was my paternal grandfather. Hope this helps if you have any information that may assist me with my research it would be appreciated. Kind regards Caroline Hayward nee Counsell

Submitted by Lynette on Sun, 22/12/2013 - 22:40

Hello Caroline
William Counsell and Mary Hill had 8 children that I know of.
When I was trying to sort out all the William Counsell I have a bit of information on each one so if you would like to contact me on my home email.
randlpatrick@xtra.co.nz

Regards Lynette