I have come across the Challenor family on the Shropshire/Staffordshire border in my search for the family of Thomas Addison Ash. The Ash family were farmers at Gnosall in Staffordshire in the 19th C. Thomas Addison Ash (b. 1811) married Hannah Challenor, (b. 1811). Her family farmed at Ellerton between Cheswardine and Hinstock. They were also millers at Ellerton Mill. The mill house is still there as is the farm - both now converted to up-market homes. We know from talking to local farmers that the mill was still in use in the mid 20th C.

John Challenor was born c. 1776. There is evidence that he had four sons - John (c.1804), William (c. 1806), Benjamin (c. 1811), Thomas (c. 1816) as well as daughter Hannah. There is also a James Challenor (c. 1821) who may also be a son. The 1841 Census is not very helpful here - for a start it lists the family as 'Chalmer'. John, William and Thomas were still farming at Ellerton and running the mill in 1861. By 1871 the only Challenor at Ellerton is Thomas who is a servant at Ellerton Hall, just up the road from the mill.

This is still 'work in progress'. Hopefully the Shropshire Parish records will provide further information.

Any more information re: Challenor welcomed.

Peter North