The Seagraves Family, The California branch: who we are and where we came from.: November 2008

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Arnold Seagraves passing

I have very bad news.

I just got an e-mail from Anny the youngest daughter of Arnold Seagraves. She told me that her father and my Uncle Arnold has passed away peacefully in his sleep today, Thanksgiving day, at @ 12:3o.

I believe Suzy was by his side. She has been faithfully sitting by his side for a while now keeping him company while his health declined. He was in the hospice hospital at the end.

Please take a moment and say a prayer for Arnold's family and his wife Vi during this time. Or if you like spare a good thought or two, or maybe light a candle if that is your belief (This link goes right to a virtual candle lighting site.)

Thank you everyone and God bless.
Janice~

(((((((((((((((((A correction))))))))))))))))

Hi Janice - just a small correction, Dad (Arnold) was at home where he had been living with Dave, Tukey, Mike, Ruth, Georgia, Maya, Kendra and for the last 4 months me (Suzy). He passed knowing that his family all love and charish him. We are thankful for all the kind words, thoughts, and prayers we have received from so many. Hospice was wonderful, coming to the house to monitor his progress through the transition. Dad went his own way and in his own time. I would not have given up the last 4 months of caring for him for anything. It has been a gift to me.

Suzy

Seagraves Family HistSeagraves Coat of Arms / Seagraves Family Crestory

The surname of SEAGRAVES was a locational name 'of Seagrove' a spot in County Leicestershire. Following the crusades in Europe in the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries, a need was felt for a family name to replace the one given at birth, or in addition to it. This was recognized by those of noble birth, and particularly by those who went on the Crusades, as it added prestige and practical advantage to their status. 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 and flowing garment worn over the armour. Local names usually denoted where a man held his land, and indicated where he actually lived. Early records mention Thomas de Segraua, 1180, County Leicestershire. William Seagrave was documented in County Notttingham in the year 1300. Edward Segrave of Yorkshire, was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. The name is also spelt Seagrief, Seagrove and Seagrave. In many parts of central and western Europe, hereditary surnames began to become fixed at around the 12th century, and have developed and changed slowly over the years. As society became more complex, and such matters as the management of tenure, and in particular the collection of taxes were delegated to special functionaries, it became imperative to distinguish a more complex system of nomenclature to differentiate one individual from another. The origin of badges and emblems, are traced to the earliest times, although, Heraldry, in fact, cannot be traced later than the 12th century, or at furthest the 11th century. At first armorial bearings were probably like surnames and assumed by each warrior at his free will and pleasure, his object being to distinguish himself from others. It has long been a matter of doubt when bearing Coats of Arms first became hereditary. It is known that in the reign of Henry V (1413-1422), a proclamation was issued, prohibiting the use of heraldic ensigns to all who could not show an original and valid right, except those 'who had borne arms at Agincourt'. The College of Arms (founded in 1483) is the Royal corporation of heralds who record proved pedigrees and grant armorial bearings.