Theophilus Thompson
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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]
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d Theophilus Thompson: Master Emeritus. Retrieved on March 14, 2007.
- ^ a b c d Brennen, Neil R. (2006). The Caged Bird: The Story of T.A. Thompson. Retrieved on March 14, 2007.
- ^ a b Thomas-Lester, Avis. "Kings of a Different Game", Washington Post, 2007-03-11, p. C01. Retrieved on March 14, 2007.
- ^ Shabazz, Daaim. The Rising of the Black Star. United States Chess Federation. Retrieved on March 14, 2007.
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