O’Sheal Coat of Arms
O’Siadhail
Gaelic and Original surname for O’Sheal
The Virginia Gazette (issue of January 4-11, 1738)
“ Lost on the 1st of December last, riding from Major Osheall’s Plantation in Nansemond, through the SWAMP to Mr. Turner’s, Inspector, at Sleepy Hole, thence to Mr. Thomas Brickle’s at Sleepy Hole, and from thence back to Major Osheal’s, a Silver Tumbler of a Seal, engraved on one side a Lyon Rampant, Or, in a Field Vert, the Motto, Deus noblis hae fecit; on another Side, a Crest, a Hand and Arm armed, holding a Man’s Head by the Hair; on the third Side, the Letters I O in Cypher. Whoever returns it to the Subscriber, shall be rewarded to the full Value of it. David Osheal”
The description of David O’Sheal’s Coat of Arms is NOT an exact replica of O’Sidhail; however, it does show the Lyon Rampant with two hands. I will continue searching for the exact replica of the Coat of Arms described by David O’Sheal, 1738, in the Virginia Gazette. Evidently, the Coat of Arms for the O’Sheal family evolved from the original Arms for O’Sidhail.
Col. David O’Sheal’s description of the O’Sheal Coat of Arms seems to be based on facts I have not learned about the O’Sheal family.
I must say I am fascinated with the aspect of my family’s Coat of Arms showing an armed hand while holding a man’s head by his hair.