Theophilus Thompson facts for kids
Theophilus Augustus Thompson (born April 21, 1855, and likely lived past 1940) was a very important figure in American chess history. He is known as the first African-American chess expert in the United States whose achievements were officially recorded. Besides playing in chess competitions, he also wrote a book called Chess Problems: Either to Play and Mate in 1873.
Contents
Early Life and Freedom
Theophilus Thompson was born in Frederick, Maryland. His parents were also born there. At the time, he and his family were enslaved. This meant they were not free and had to work without pay.
After slavery ended, Thompson became free in 1868. He then worked as a house servant in Carroll County, Maryland. By 1870, he moved back to Frederick.
Becoming a Chess Expert
Discovering Chess
In April 1872, Theophilus Thompson saw a chess game for the first time. It was a match between John K. Hanshew and another person. Hanshew was the person who published The Maryland Chess Review, a chess magazine.
Hanshew gave Thompson a chessboard and some chess problems to solve. Thompson quickly showed he was very good at learning the game. He understood the rules and how to play well right away.
Chess Competitions and Fame
As Thompson's skills grew, he became more famous. He played in several tournaments (chess competitions). His talent was clear to many.
He became well-known for his book of endgame positions. This book was called Chess Problems: Either to Play and Mate. It was published in 1873. Orestes Brownson Jr., the editor of the Dubuque Chess Journal, published the book. Thompson also worked as a servant for Brownson Jr.
Later Life and Legacy
After his book came out, Thompson's story becomes less clear. The Dubuque Chess Journal closed in 1875. Brownson Jr. passed away soon after. This meant Thompson no longer had that job.
Records from the 1880 U.S. Census show a Theophilus Thompson in Maryland. He was 24 years old and worked as an oysterman. This job involved collecting oysters from the water. Later records from 1920, 1930, and 1940 also show him living in Maryland. He continued to work in the oyster industry.
Today, Thompson is still remembered in the chess world. The US Chess Center in Washington, D.C. has a chess club named after him. It is called the Theophilus Thompson Chess Club. This club meets on Saturday afternoons to honor his contributions to chess.
