CHALLIS marriages in NZ 1864-1932

the BRIDES
the GROOMS

Alan Challis (1903-1969)
married: Myrtle Edith BROOKMAN (1904-1989) in 1927
- daughter of Isaac George Walter BROOKMAN & Edith Margaret McGLASHAN

Alfred Challis (1911-May 1989)
married: Pearl Jessie Gaines 'Pearlie' AITKEN (1913-Feb 1989) in 1932
* Pearl was born 19 Nov 1913 as Pearlie Jessie Aitken, to William Aitken & Elizabeth Ann Gaines
NOTE Pearl was connected to this family
Pearl died 6 Feb 1989 aged 75 in Invercargill
Alfred died 3 months after her
their HEADSTONE in Eastern Cemetery In loving memory of Pearl J G Challis. Died 6th Feb 1989 aged 75 years. Beloved wife of Alfred. Died 15th May 1989 aged 77 years

Alfred Challis (1876-1944)
married: Florence Matilda ALLAN (1881-1932) in 1906
their known children
* 1907 - Alan Challis
* 1909 - Norman Alfred Challis
* 1911 - Doris Challis

Alfred Challis (1854-1911)
married: Mary Ann HOUSTON (1858-1934) in 1880
their known children
* 1883 - Henrietta Mary Challis
* 1885 - Charles Edward Challis
* 1887 - Alice Edith Challis
* 1890 - Ada Challis
* 1892 - Percy Edwin Challis
* 1894 - James William Challis
* 1894 - Jack Ward Challis
* 1897 - Frank Herbert Challis

Alfred Chapman Challis (1882-1962)
- Alfred was an Engineer
married: Edith KENDALL (1880-1976) in 1914
- Edith was the 3rd of 8 children of William KENDALL & Julia Jane GROWDEN. She was the first child born in NZ, her 2 older siblings were born in Cornwall, England
ALFRED died 15 Nov 1962 aged 80
- buried Independent Block Row 7 Lot 8 Plot 3 at Te Henui cemetery New Plymouth
EDITH died 29 Nov 1976 aged 96 in New Plymouth

Alfred James Challis (1876-1927)
married: Jane Ann GIBSON (1888-1941) in 1905
their known children
* 1906 - Jane Ann Mildred Challis
* 1908 - Alfred Charles Edwin Challis
* 1910 - Edgar William Challis
* 1911 - Alfred Challis
* 1912 - Samuel Raymond Challis

Alfred James Challis (1876-1927)
married: Margaret Hay WHYTE (1876-1956) in 1902 in Invercargill
their known children
* 1904 - Jeannie Ellen Challis
* 1906 - Margaret Maron Challis
* 1910 - 1910 Allan James Challis (aged 8 months)
* 1911 - Ronald Sommerville Challis

Arthur Harry Challis (1878-1956)
married: Edith Marion HOPKINS (1879-1960) in 1908
their known children
* 1909 - Edith Felicia Challis
* 1912 - Frederick Harry Challis

Bain Challis (1879-1937)
married: Charlotte Jane ANDREWS (1879-1917) in 1907
next married: Ethel Rose PALLETT (1896-1989) in 1919
- they had a son (in Invercargill) also named Bain Challis (1923-1958) He died aged 36 and is buried in Ruru Lawn cemetery, Christchurch
4 Sep 1937 - BASKETBALL
... A decision to accept an invitation from Australia to send a team to the interstate carnival to be held in Australia next August was reached at a meeting of delegates to the New Zealand Basketball Association held tonight. Mrs H. D. Muir, president of the association was appointed manager and coach, and Mrs Bain Challis was made first-aid official to the team
11 July 1942 - INVERCARGILL
... The engagement is announced of Joyce Ellen, only daughter of Mrs E. R. Challis and the late Bain Challis, late of Invercargill, now of 33 Bidwell St., Wellington, to Milton J. Racette (Gunner's Mate, U.S.N.), second son of Mr and Mrs A. Racette, U.S.A.
- Bain died aged 58, Ethel remarried in 1945 to William Herbert WEST

Charles Edward Challis (1885-1972)
married: Florence Emma QUESTED (1891-1975) in 1913
- daughter of James QUESTED (1846-1926) & Charlotte Elizabeth STANDING (1845-1907)

Christopher George Challis (1873-1935)
- served in the Boer War #8671
- served in WWI as Private 25466 with the NZEF, 17th Reinforcements Wellington Infantry Battalion, B Company. He embarked from Wellington on 27 Sep 1916. His next of kin was his wife Grace at 57 Tinakori rd, Wellington
married: Grace Rose GORDON (1887-1966) in 1910
their known children
* 1912 - 1917 Gordon Christopher Ernest Challis
15 Sep 1917 - On the 15th September, 1917, at Wellington Hospital, Gordon, only and child of Chris and Grace Challis; aged 5? years. Suffer little children to come unto Me
15 Sep 1917 A most distressing street accident occurred in Molesworth street, Wellington, yesterday afternoon, which resulted in the death of a boy six years of age, Gordon Challis. At 4.20 p.m. the child, whose parents reside at 57 Tinakori road, was crossing Molesworth street, and failed to notice the approach of a motor car, driven by Percy Withers. The motorist, it is stated by eye-witnesses, did his upmost to avoid the child, and in doing so crashed into a verandah post, but unfortunately the car struck the little fellow. He was picked up in an unconscious condition, and after being examined by Dr Herbert, was removed to the Children's Hospital, where he succumbed shortly after regaining consciousness at 12.30 o'clock this morning
17 Sep 1917 the INQUEST

Edgar Challis (1856-1942)
- son of Henry William CHALLIS & Sarah DODD
married: Ellen/Helen DRUMMOND (1858-1948) in 1890
- daughter of Alexander DRUMMOND & Emma Louis BULLARD

Edgar William Challis (1910-1986)
- son of Alfred James CHALLIS & Jane Anne GIBSON
married: Christina Kathleen McINTYRE (1908-1999) in 1932
- only known child of Norman McINTYRE & Margaret LAURIE

Eric Allan Roy Challis (1896-1972)
- Eric served in WWI as Rifleman 20965 with the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, 10th Reinforcements 1st Battalion, E Company. He embarked from Wellington 19 Aug 1916. His next of kin was his father, F. C. Challis of Tararu Rd, Thames
married: Edna Grace ROBINSON (1898-1981) in 1921
- 1st of 4 known children of Frank Walter ROBINSON & Harriet EASTER
ERIC died 1 June 1972 aged 76 in Thames
EDNA died 13 April 1981 aged 83
- they are buried PUBL-B3-0003 Totara Memorial Park cemetery

Ernest William Challis (1888-1918)
married: Emily Maud MARTIN (1884-1972) in 1910
their known children
* 1911 - Ailsa Farrell Challis
* 1912 - James Martin Challis

Frank Herbert Challis (1898-1965)
- Frank was a Painter
Frank 1st married: Eleanor May FITZPATRICK (1896-1933) in 1922
Frank next married: Clare Ceciia ? (1901-1985)
FRANK died aged 67 on 19 April 1965 in Auckland
CLARE died 10 Dec 1985 aged 84
- they are buried ROMAN CATHOLIC LAWN B Row 2, Plot 76 at Waikumete
the PLAQUE reads: Sacred to the memory of FRANK CHALLIS loved husband of Clare Cecilia died 19th April 1965 aged 67. And his devoted wife CLARE CECILIA CHALLIS died 10th Dec 1985 aged 84. May they rest in peace

Frank Newton Challis (1868-?)
- Frank was born in Middlesex, England
- he worked in Auckland for a number of years with John Buchanan and Co., (the Liverpool and London and Globe Insurance Company) duties included book-keeping, receiving and paying cash and general supervision. In 1890 he was living in Parnell, Auckland. In 1892 to applied for settlers land in the Ohura block. From about 1896 he was a Registered Mining Agent, based in Auckland. In 1899 he was the Secretary of the Auckland company Alex. Aitken, Ltd., Auctioneers, Merchants, Produce and Fruit Brokers and Commission Agents. In 1901 he was an Auctioneer with James Cahill & Co., Poultry, Fruit & Produce Auctioneers, junction of Queen and Grey streets, Auckland
married: Ruth Girdwood THOMSON in 1896
- Ruth was born in Australia
their known children
* 1898 - 1898 Norman Jack Stannard Challis
- Norman died 18 April 1898 in Auckland aged 14 weeks & buried Block D Row 20 Plot 075 at Purewa
* 1899 - Ruth Jean Challis
* 1902 - Ray William Hope Challis
they moved to South Africa shortly after Ray's birth

Frank Rowlands Challis (1887-1952)
- married Eliza YOUNG (1889-1963) in 1913

Frederick Challis (1851-1921)
married: Mary Ann MARSHALL (1860-1925) in 1877
their known children
(born in Tararu, Thames)
* 1878 - Frederick Challis
* 1879 - Maria Edith Challis
* 1881 - Julia Challis
* 1882 - Archibald Garnet 'Archie' Challis
* 1883 - George Marshall Challis
* 1885 - William Sidney Challis
* 1886 - Winifred Amy Challis
* 1887 - Eveline Grace Challis
* 1889 - Alice Mary Challis
* 1890 - Phoebe Charlotte Challis
* 1891 - Henry Gay Challis
* 1892 - 1893 Charles James Challis
* 1894 - Caroline Lily Challis
* 1895 - Eric Alan Roy Challis
* 1898 - Frank Herbert Challis
FREDERICK died in Thames 28 April 1921 aged 69
MARY ANN died in Thames 9 April 1925 aged 64
- they are buried PUBL-PLOT-0134 & 0135 at Tararu cemetery
- also buried with them:
* 11 July 1893 - Charles James Challis aged 8 months, their son
* 6 Jan 1903 - Lilly Challis aged 14 days, their granddaughter
- (base born daughter of their daughter, Julia Challis)

Frederick Challis (1873-1943)
- Frederick was in Owharoa (near Paeroa) in Jan 1899
- on 7 March 1899 the case was dismissed as he had married her by then
married: Alice Eva RAYNES (1884-1913) in 1899
their known children
* 1902 - John Gay Challis
* 1904 - Annie Constance Challis
* 1907 - Dorothy Eva Challis
* 1909 - Claude Raynes Challis
* 1912 - Marion Phoebe Challis
- Frederick next married Catherine 'Kate' Amelia SMITH (1867-1935) in 1916

George Challis (1838-1905)
- became Mayor of Invercargill for at least 2 terms
married: Margaret Pollock SMITH (1844-1912) 8 Jan 1864
their 11 children (7 sons)
* 1864 - Amelia Jane Challis
* 1867 - Margaret Elizabeth Challis
* 1870 - son Challis
* 1873 - George Robert Chalis
* 1876 - Alfred James Challis
* 1879 - Bain Challis
* 1882 - Margaret 'Maggie' Marion Milbanke Challis
* 1883 - Percy Herbert Challis
* 1885 - Ellen Payne Challis
* 1887 - Frank Rowland Challis
* 1888 - Ernest William Challis
29 Sep 1905
... At Avenal (Invercargill) on Tuesday there passed away one of the oldest residents of this part of New Zealand in the person of Mr George Challis. Mr Challis was born in Walthamstow, Essex, 68 years ago, and arrived in New Zealand when he was 24 years of age. The deceased gentleman was married in Riverton in 1864, and the fruit of the union was a family of seven sons and four daughters, who are now grown up.
In the early days Mr Challis participated in the rush to Gabriel's Gully, but the greater part of his life was spent in his profession of gardener, in which he was very highly skilled. Mr Challis was for many years a volunteer in th Invercargill Rifles, and he also played his part in local affairs. For a number of years he served on the Committee of the Park School, and for a considerable term he was chairman of the committee. He rendered valuable services to Avenal as Borough Councillor and on several occasions was elected Mayor. He was also the father of the Juvenile rechbites (sic) and chaplain of the Mason's Lodge St John. A man of fine physique and appearance, of good sense and of sound practical knowledge in many useful matters, the late Mr Challis was a serviceable citizen and one who used his activities, in the interests of the community on which he lived.
MARGARET died 28 Oct 1912 and she is buried in Eastern cemetery, Invercargill with husband George and George Robert Challis (1873-1908), Ailsia Parrell Challis (1911-1912) & James Challis (?-1918)

George Alexander Challis
married: Viola May Diamanti THOMPSON (1905-?) in 1931
- 4th of 5 known children of Bruce THOMPSON (1875-1947) & Natalina Bridget DIAMANTI (1874-1955) of Marlborough. Natalina/Natalyna was the 9th of 10 children of Captain Charles Leopold Diamanti (1818-1907) of Italy, who was married in Hobart, Tasmania & died in Wakamarina, Marlborough & Ellen Isabel O'CONNOR (1835-1913)

George Charles Challis (1863-1945)
1st married: Jane ADAMS (1868-1895) in 1893
their known children
* 1894 - 1970 George Challis
George next married: Elizabeth HENDERSON (1859-1945) in Otago 8 April 1903
- he was 39 & she was 43

George Marshall Challis (1884-1957)
married: Violet May ROBERTS (1886-1976) in 1908
their known children
* 1908 - Lily Eveline Challis
* 1910 - Violet May Challis
* 1911 - Robert George Challis
GEORGE MARSHALL Challis died 6 June 1957 in Thames aged 73
VIOLET MAY Challis died 6 Oct 1976 aged 90
- they are buried PUBL-058-0013 at Totara Memorial Park emetery

Henry Challis (1877-1912)
married: Annie Hendrick CHAPMAN (1880-?) in 1899
- daughter of William & Annie CHAPMAN
their known children
* 1901 - Isabella Challis
* 1908 - Edith Helen Challis

James Challis (1858-1939)
- James was born in New Zealand, a son of William CHALLIS & his 2nd of 3 wives, Eliza Ellen DALEY (?-1859 nee Edwards), who traveled with her daughter and William (& his 2 sons of his 1st marriage to Julia STRINGER, William & Frederick Challis) on the Oliver Lang in 1858. His mother gave birth to him shortly after their arrival and she died a few months later
James married: Phoebe Emma CHITTENDEN (1860-1898) in 1890 in Carterton
there were no children
PHOEBE died 29 Aug 1898 aged 38 & buried in Archer st cemetery, Masterton
James next married: Sarah BOYD in 1900 in Feilding
their known children
* 1900 - 1975 William James Daley Challis
* 1902 - 1966 Frederick Henry Challis

James Challis (1869-1952)
married: Christina Jane BROWN (1879-1940) in 1902
- 3rd of 6 children of Alexander BROWN & Agnes NEILL
their known children
* 1903 - Frank Challis
* 1904 - Challis Challis
* 1905 - James Alexander Challis
* 1908 - Percy Neill Challis
* 1909 - Hazel Kinsman Challis

James Edward Challis (1825-1885)
married: Caroline BARTON (1829-1899) in 1871
their POSSIBLE children your help welcomed
* 1872 - Ann Challis
* 1873 - Frederick Challis
* 1874 - Sarah Emily Challis
28 April 1885 - WESTPORT
... James E. Challis died last night in the lock-up, where he was confined for drunkenness. He was in a stupid state when arrested

John Challis
married: Margaret JACKSON in 1890, possibly Puketeraki, Otago
their known children
* 1891 - Beatrice Jane Challis
* 1892 - Eva May Challis
* 1895 - Margaret Challis

John Gay Challis (1902-1970)
married: Alice/Alicia Ruby HAMILTON (1907-1951) in 1927
- daughter of Robert & Mary Florence HAMILTON
JOHN GAY Challis died 4 Nov 1970 in Thames aged 68
- he is buried RSAL-PLOT-0210 at Totara Memorial Park cemetery

Percy Edward Challis (1856-1930)
- born in London, England
married: Emily Edith GROVER (1860-1952) in 1880
- Percy was a Publican of a number of Hotels in Parawa, Invercargill
their known children
1891 - 1916 Vernon Edward Challis
- Vernon served in WWI as Sergeant 12/3290 with the Auckland Infantry Battalion, 8th Reinforcements. He embarked (the 2nd time) from Wellington 13 Nov 1915. His next of kin was his father Percy of Grassmere, Invercargill. Vernon DIED OF HIS WOUNDS 23 Jun 1916 in France
PERCY died 28 May 1930 aged 74 in Invercargill
EMILY EDITH died 15 July 1952 aged 92 in Invercargill
- they are buried Plot 149B, Block 19 at Eastern cemetery Invercargill
- their headstone reads: In loving memory of, Percy Edward, Beloved husband of, Emily Challis, Entered into rest, 28th May 1930, In his 74th year, Until the day break

Percy Edwin Challis (1892-1966)
- born in Parawa to Alfred CHALLIS & Mary Ann HOUSTON
- Percy served in WWI as Trooper 9/623 with the Otago Mounted Rifles. He embarked from Port Chalmbers, Dunedin 16 Oct 1914. His next of kin was his mother in Lumsden
married: Clara Smith SUTTON (1894-1970) in 1924
- Clara was born in Bluff to Charles James SUTTON & Sarah Ann RICHARDS
PERCY died 13 Aug 1966 aged 74
CLARA died 10 Sep 1970 aged 76
- they are buried Ruru Lawn cemetery, Christchurch

Percy Herbert Challis (1883-1928)
married: Harriet Catherine Mary JACKSON (1888-1975) in 1912
- daughter of Reuben & Sarah JACKSON

Robert Challis
married: Elizabeth Gertrude HUNT (1886-1969) in 1908 in Otago
- 4th of 16 children of George HUNT & IsabellaNelson GRIEVE
their known children
* 1909 - Ethel Isabella Challis
* 1911 - Annie Helen Challis
* 1912 - Rita Georgina Challis

Thomas Bertram Challis (1885-1957)
married: Annie FARMER (1890-1969) in 1912
9 Feb 1912 At St Mark's Church, Carterton, on Wednesday, the wedding was celebrated of Miss Annie Farmer, fourth daughter of the late Mr James Farmer, of Mauriceville, and Mr Thomas Bertram Challis, second son of Mr William Challis, of Masterton (late of Carterton). The Rev R. Young, vicar, officiated. The bride was given away by her brother, Mr W. Farmer, of Mauriceville, and was attended by Miss Lillian Challis, sister of the bridegroom, and * Miss Zella Lindop, niece of the bridegroom. Mr Gordon Challis, of Masterton, was best man
*Thomas's sister Adelaide married Frank James Lindop in 1903
their known children
* 1915 - 2007 Zelma Jean Challis
- Zelma was born in Carterton
THOMAS died 22 April 1957 aged 71 & buried in Clareville cemetery, Carterton

William Challis (1822-1897)
married: Caroline Amelia Rachel FENSHAM (nee WILTSHIRE) in 1864 as his 3rd wife
- Caroline had also travelled on the Oliver Lang with her 4 children (her husband stayed behind)
- William's first wife was Julia STRINGER who died in London
- they had 2 sons, William & Frederick Challis who came to NZ with him - see link
- his second wife was Eliza Ellen DALEY (nee EDWARDS) who emigrated with him on the Oliver Lang
- they had James Challis shortly after arrival, then Eliza died a few months later
- William & Caroline were pioneers of Carterton
their known children
(not fully researched or verified):
* 1864 - Amelia Jane Challis
* 1865 - Charles Challis
* 1865 - Emily Challis (married George GORDON, see Brides below)
* 1866 - John Challis
* 1867 - Charlotte Challis (married Arthur Philpotts)
* 1868 - Harriet Challis

William Challis (1848-1935)
- born in St George, London to William CHALLIS (1882-1897) & his 1st of 3 wives, Julia STRINGER
1st married: d Charlotte ENGLAND in 1869
their known children
* 1873 - 1951 Julia Ann Challis
* 1874 - 1885 Sarah Emily Challis
* 1876 - 1963 Kate Sophia Challis
William next married: Elizabeth 'Eliza' Matilda TUCKWELL in Lower Hutt 17 April 1879
- daughter of Thomas TUCKWELL & Adelaide Sarah BARNES
their known children
* 1880 - 1958 Adelaide Elizabeth Challis
* 1881 - 1948 Eveline Maude Challis
* 1883 - 1913 Frederick William Challis
* 1885 - 1957 Thomas Bertram Challis
* 1887 - 1887 Winifred Myrtle Challis (aged 4 months)
* 1890 - 1948 Winifred Myrtle Challis
* 1892 - 1872 Lilian Millicent Alice Challis
* 1894 - 1961 Gordon Leslie Challis
* 1896 - 1967 Elsie Doris Challis
ELIZABETH MATILDA died 18 May 1904 aged 51
WILLIAM Challis died 15 Nov 1935 aged 89 in Petone
- they are buried Plot 51 at Clareville cemetery, Carterton

William Charles Challis (1869-1917)
married: Jane McINNES in 1895
their known children
* 1895 - Eric Christopher Charles Challis

William Frederick Challis (1883-1913)
married: Margaret Eleanor HALL (1877-1957) in 1911

William James Daley Challis (1900-1975)
married: Huia Greenland Hanna STRAWBRIDGE (1909-1991) in 1930
- daughter of John Thomas STRAWBRIDGE (1879-1919) & Cara Linda WARRINGTON (1890-1974)

the CHALLIS BRIDES

PHOTO
GRAVE of:
George & Margaret Pollock Challis and others (see above)
Plot 149, Block 19 at Eastern Cemetery, Invercargill
HEADSTONE reads: "Ye must be born Again"