Theophilus Thompson
Theophilus Augustus Thompson (born April 21, 1855 in Frederick, Maryland)[1][2][3] is considered the first African American chess player recognized in the United States.[4]
Thompson was born a slave,[1] as were his parents.[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 chessboard and some chess problems to solve.[3][4]
Thompson's fame grew and he went to a number of tournaments[5] but ultimately gained lasting fame for his 1873 book of endgame positions: Chess Problems: Either to Play and Mate.[3] It was published by Orestes Brownson Jr., the editor of the Dubuque Chess Journal.[2]
It seems that Thompson disappeared soon after he gained prominence.[1] It was rumored that he may have been the victim of a racial lynching at a young age, but his disappearance is a mystery.[3]
The US Chess Center in Washington D.C. hosts the Theophilus Thompson Chess Club in his honor on Saturday afternoons.[1][6]
References
- ^ a b c d Barnes, Denise (1996-01-25). "Not-so-famous halls of fame honor men and women who were the best in diverse fields". Washington Times. p. M4.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ a b c d Brennen, Neil R. (2006). "The Caged Bird: The Story of T.A. Thompson". Retrieved 2007-03-14.
- ^ a b c d "Theophilus Thompson: Master Emeritus". The Chess Drum. 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.
- ^ Shabazz, Daaim. "The Rising of the Black Star". United States Chess Federation. Retrieved 2007-03-14.
- ^ White, Alexander S. (1995-07-28). "Making the Move From Pawn to King". Washington Post. p. N51.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help)
External links
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