Theophilus Thompson
Theophilus Augustus Thompson (born April 21, 1855 in Frederick, Maryland)[1][2] is considered the first African American chess player recognized in the United States.[3]
Thompson's parents were slaves.[2] In 1868, he worked as a house servant in Carroll County, Maryland.[2] In April 1872, John K. Hanshew, the publisher of The Maryland Chess Review, gave Thompson a chess board and some chess problems to solve.[1][3]
Thompson's fame grew and he went to a number of tournaments[4] but ultimately gained lasting fame for his book of endgame positions, Chess Problems: Either to Play and Mate.[1] It was published by Orestes Brownson Jr., the editor of the Dubuque Chess Journal.[2]
Thompson seemed to have disappeared as soon as he arrived. It was rumored that he may have fallen prey to a racial lynching at a young age, but his disappearance remains a mystery.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d "Theophilus Thompson: Master Emeritus". Retrieved 2007-03-14.
- ^ a b c d Brennen, Neil R. (2006). "The Caged Bird: The Story of T.A. Thompson". Retrieved 2007-03-14.
- ^ a b Thomas-Lester, Avis (2007-03-11). "Kings of a Different Game". Washington Post. p. C01. Retrieved 2007-03-14.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Shabazz, Daaim. "The Rising of the Black Star". United States Chess Federation. Retrieved 2007-03-14.
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