The Teals are elusive to track.  This branch of the family came from Leeds, where William Teal was baptised at St Peter’s church on 3 January 1730.   His father was Hugh.  The next clue is in the apprenticeship records of the Company of Cutlers (Leader, 1905-06¹).  William Teal is recorded as the son of Hugh, a clothier, who became a Freeman in 1751.  Joseph Teal, also a son of Hugh, was apprenticed at about this time, but did not purchase his Freedom until 1805.  In 1774, 1787, and 1797 William Teal was listed as a table knife cutler.  His address was, in turn, Jehu Lane, Shude Hill, and Baker’s Hill.  His trade mark was ‘TEAL’ – a name that has been found on razors.   William’s name then disappeared from Sheffield directories.  He may have died in 1805, which may explain why Joseph purchased his Freedom.  In 1811, Joseph Teal was listed in a directory as a manufacturer and factor at Redhill.   However, if this was William’s brother, he was already dead.  His will was proved by his widow, Catherine, on 26 January 1811.  The will reveals that Joseph had a son, Joseph, and two daughters: Elizabeth and Catherine.  His property and assets (sworn at £800) were left to his widow, who was requested to continue his business as a merchant until Joseph Jun. was 25.  

However, the name Teal was not listed in the next Sheffield directory in 1816.  It seems that Joseph Jun. had left town.  An ironmonger of that name, ‘formerly of Sheffield’, had filed for insolvency in the previous year.  His last address was Berry Court, Love Lane, Aldermanbury, London (Stamford Mercury, 20 January 1815).   No further information on Joseph’s life has been found.  However, his mother remarried (to John Hinde) and died at Bolsover on 18 October 1824, aged 60.

^1. Leader, R E, History of the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire in the County of York (Sheffield, 1905-6)