Challis History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

To escape the political and religious persecution within England at the time, many English families left for the various British colonies abroad. The voyage was extremely difficult, though, and the cramped, dank ships caused many to arrive in the New World diseased and starving. But for those who made it, the trip was most often worth it. Many of the families who arrived went on to make valuable contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families reveals a number of immigrants bearing the name Challis or a variant listed above:

Challis Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

• Phillip Challis, who settled in Newbury Massachusetts in 1637
• Edward Challis, who arrived in Virginia in 1639 1
• Philip Challis, who landed in Salisbury, Massachusetts in 1662 1

Challis Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

• George Challis, who landed in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1872 1
• Daniel Challis, who landed in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1879 1

Challis Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

• Mr. Richard Challis (Charles), British Convict who was convicted in Hertfordshire, England for life, transported aboard the "Asia" on 5th November 1835, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land)1836 2
• Mr. John Challis, English convict who was convicted in Essex, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Earl Grey" on 27th July 1838, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 3
• Mr. William Challis, English convict who was convicted in Chelmsford, Essex, England for 14 years, transported aboard the "Candahar" on 26th March 1842, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 4
• Michael Challis, English convict from Essex, who was transported aboard the "Agincourt" on July 6, 1844, settling in Van Diemen's Land, Australia 5
• William Challis, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Canton" in 1846 6
• ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Challis Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

• Mr. Edward Challis, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Maori" arriving in Otago, South Island, New Zealand via Nelson and Wellington on 1st March 1852 7
• Alfred Challis, aged 20, a gardener, who arrived in Nelson, New Zealand aboard the ship "Chile" in 1874
• Percy Challis, aged 19, a gardener, who arrived in Nelson, New Zealand aboard the ship "Chile" in 1874

• James Challis (1803-1882), British clergyman and astronomer who observed the planet Neptune on at least twice occasions before its discovery, but failed to identify it as a planet 8
• John Challis (1907-1974), American builder of harpsichords and clavichords
• George Challis (1892-1944), pseudonym of Frederick Schiller Faust, an American western author
• J. M. Challis, American Republican politician, Delegate to Republican National Convention from Kansas, 1932 9
• F. H. Challis, American Republican politician, Alternate Delegate to Republican National Convention from New Hampshire, 1920 9
• John Spurley Challis (1942-2021), English actor, best known for portraying Terrance Aubrey "Boycie" Boyce in the long-running BBC Television sitcom Only Fools and Horses (1981–2003)
• Thomas Challis (1794-1874), English businessman and Liberal Party politician who held office as a Member of Parliament and as Lord Mayor of London
• John Henry Challis (1806-1880), English-born, Australian merchant, landowner and philanthropist; his donations to the University of Sydney helped found the Challis Professorships
• Gordon Challis (b. 1932), English-born, New Zealand poet
• Cecil Gordon Challis (1932-2018), English-born, New Zealand poet from Birmingham, England
• ... (Another 5 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)