William F. Challis, widely known as editor of the "Signal," of Westmoreland, Kan., and also a lawyer at that place for the past twenty-four years, was born in Illinois, in 1857. He is a son of Henry G. and Prudence A. (Wright) Challis. Henry G. Challis was born in Hampshire, England, and was a son of a farmer at that place. He learned the blacksmith's trade in England and remained there until twenty-one years of age. He then came to America, locating first in New York. He only remained there one year, when he came west, settling first in Illinois and afterwards removing to Wamego, Kan. Wamego at that time was only a very small settlement of pioneers. Mr. Challis worked at his trade there until 1881, when, with his family, he moved to Onaga. He continued at the blacksmith's trade for four or five years longer, when he retired and came to Westmoreland to live with his son, William F. His death occured in Westmoreland, in 1907, and that of his wife occurred in Onaga, in 1886. William F. Challis was married, at the age of twenty-two, to Miss Elizabeth Riddell of Pottawatomie county. Mrs. Challis is a native of Illinois. Mr. Challis studied law under Mr. Hick, an uncle, and began practice in 1881, in Onaga, where he remained five years. He then located at Westmoreland, where he has since resided. He is editor of the "Signal," published there, and keeps up the study and practice of law. He has taken an active part in political affairs, as a Democrat, and has served one term as county attorney of Pottawatomie county. He is an extensive land owner, having a tract of 900 acres in Pottawatomie county, and in connection with his professional work carries on stock raising on an extensive scale. Mr. Challis' family consists of five sons and four daughters: Gail, Winifred and William and Wesley (twins), are at home; Leon is in Oklahoma; Rhea is married to Dr. Henry Lehnhoff of Lincoln, Neb.; Udell is the wife of W. F. Meagher of Muskogee, Okla.; Mary is employed as teacher in the public schools of Garrison, and Leonard manages his father's farm. The Challis family attend the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Challis holds membership in four fraternal orders—the Masons, Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of America, and the Knights and Ladies of Security.