Jethro Teall facts for kids

Sir Jethro Justinian Harris Teall (born January 5, 1849 – died July 2, 1924) was a very important British geologist. Geologists are scientists who study the Earth, its rocks, and how it has changed over time. Sir Jethro was also a petrographist, which means he was an expert at studying rocks, often using a microscope. A special mineral called Teallite was named after him to honor his work!

Sir Jethro Teall's Life

Early Life and Studies

Jethro Teall was born in a place called Northleach, Gloucestershire. His parents were Jethro Teall and Mary Hathaway. He went to school first at Northleach Grammar School. Later, he attended Berkeley Villa School in Cheltenham.

He loved science and went to St John's College, Cambridge to study it. He chose to focus on geology. In 1874, he won the Sedgwick Prize. He earned this award for his detailed study of a type of sandstone called lower-level greensand.

A Career in Rocks and Earth

Sir Jethro Teall became a very respected scientist. In 1890, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a big honor for scientists in the UK. He earned this mainly because of his important book, British Petrography, which he wrote in 1888. This book was all about the study of rocks.

He also won other awards for his work. He received the Bigsby Medal in 1889. From 1900 to 1902, he was the President of the Geological Society of London. In 1905, he won the Wollaston Medal from the same society. Many universities also gave him special honorary degrees, including the University of Dublin, the University of Oxford, and the University of St Andrews.

Leading the British Geological Survey

In 1901, Sir Jethro Teall became the Director of His Majesty's British Geological Survey. This is a government group that maps and studies the geology of Britain. He did a lot of important work himself, especially in the northwest part of Scotland.

Because of his great contributions to the survey and to geology, he was made a knight in 1916. This means he was given the title "Sir."

He passed away in London on July 2, 1924.

His Family Life

Sir Jethro Teall married Harriet Moore Cowen in 1879. They had two children together. Their sons were named Major George (born 1880) and Frederick Teall (born 1882).