Mrs Jeanie Brockett (née Willox)

1872, Glasgow - 14 May 1946, Cambuslang

Associated with Glasgow Ladies' and Polytechnic Chess Clubs

Jeanie Willox was born  in Bridgeton, Glasgow to David Willox and Janet Lavery. She was a schoolteacher by profession. In 1897 she married John Brockett, a commercial traveller.

Mrs Brockett was taught chess by Camillo Ritter (1875-1940), the famous violinist. She was an active worker and supporter of many areas of chess. She was a life member and former president of the Scottish Chess Association and a former president of the Glasgow League. She was also a life member of the British Chess Federation.

Mrs Brockett was successful as a player, winning the Scottish Ladies' Championship in 1926, 1927 and 1939. She also won the Cranston Trophy in 1922, 1923, 1924, 1941 and 1945. She scored wins against Blackburne in simultaneous exhibitions in 1916 and 1921.

Her most significant position was as secretary, treasurer and frequent champion of Glasgow Ladies' Chess Club from 1916 until her death, which occurred at her home, 61 Grenville Drive, Cambuslang.

Sources
BCM 1926, p88.
Glasgow Herald chess column, 17 May 1946.
ScotlandsPeople web site (national records).

Alan McGowan
Historian/Archivist, Chess Scotland

updated 30/4/2021