THOMPSON, Theophilus Augustus

THOMPSON, Theophilus Augustus. (Frederick, MD, Apr. 21, 1855 -Frederick, MD, Oct. 1881). Thompson is the earliest documented African-American chess expert recognized in the United States. In addition to competing in tournaments, he worked for Orestes A. BROWNSON.

In April 1872, Thompson witnessed the game for the first time, in a match between John K. Hanshew and another man. Hanshew, publisher of The Maryland Chess Review, loaned Thompson a chessboard and some chess problems to solve. Not only did he solve those ones assigned, but began composing his own which he later contributed to the DUBUQUE CHESS JOURNAL. (2) Thompson's fame grew and he competed in a number of tournaments. He was also the author of book on endgame techniques entitled Chess Problems: Either to Play and Mate which was published in 1873. (3) The book was highly-regarded by his chess-playing peers. Following is an excerpt from a review which appeared in the July 1874 issue of City of London Chess Magazine.

                        We have been very much pleased indeed with the composition in this book, 
                        and consider that they display real genius, both of a conceptive and 
                        constructive order. . . . We consider Mr. Thompson a composer of great 
                        merit and of rare promise." 

In a June 1986 article in U.S. Chess Life, Larry Parr reported that Mr. Thompson played correspondence chess and scored 7-2 in one tournament. (3)

It was Thompson's young age that made his accomplishment especially newsworthy. In the nineteenth century, with the noted exception of Paul Morphy, very few players who made any significant mark in the chess world before turning twenty. Thompson won games against seasoned adult competition while still a teenager. The release of his book in 1873 may have made his the youngest published chess writer at the time. (4)

Thompson faded into obscurity soon after gaining prominence with his book and there is some uncertainty about the remainder of his life. The Dubuque Chess Journal was sold in 1876 and Brownson Jr. died soon after leaving Thompson without a job. Only a couple of Thompson’s problems, and none of his games, are dated from any later than 1875. The date of his death was unknown until recently when a report of his death, probably from tuberculosis, was found in the local newspaper, the Frederick Reporter. It mentioned he had been a teacher. (5)

The US Chess Center in Washington D.C. has hosted the Theophilus Thompson Chess Club in his honor on Saturday afternoons.

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Source:

1. "Theophilus Thompson," Online: http://www.thechessdrum.net/drummajors/T_Thompson.html

2. Ibid.

3. Ibid.

4. "Theophilus Thompson - Trailblazing Chessplayer and Problemist," U. S. Chess Center, https://chessctr.org/discover/theophilus-thompson/

5. Ibid.