John Macdonald (of Paisley)

1870, Liverpool ─ 13 January 1940, Paisley

His baptismal and census records shows 'McDonald', but his marriage and death records, and numerous chess reports, have Macdonald.

He should not be confused with John McDonald of Glasgow.

Mr Macdonald was born in Liverpool, but by 1881 he was living in Paisley.  He is associated with the Paisley Chess Club, as well as several Glasgow clubs, particularly Bohemian CC.

• Competed in the Minor Tournament at several Scottish Chess Association congresses, taking 1st place in 1903 and 1926.

• Represented Scotland in matches against the Northern Counties of England in 1905, 1908 and 1909.

• Played for the Glasgow League in matches against Edinburgh League in 1926, 1927, 1929, 1930 and 1933.

• Played in the West v East of Scotland matches in 1905, 1928, 1931, 1935 and 1938. (He might also have played in 1896.)

• In 1934 he played on top board for Renfrewshire against Glasgow CC, winning against J.A. McKee, a two-time Scottish champion.

• J. Macdonald secured a draw against Mieses in a 1934 Glasgow simultaneous exhibition, but it is not clear if it was the Paisley or Glasgow player.

Glasgow Herald chess column of February 3, 1940
The death of John Macdonald, Paisley, has removed a veteran player who will be much missed, for he attended most of the important events in Scotland, either as a player or reporter, for many years. He was of first-class strength, and his skill and enthusiasm had much to do with the long success of the Paisley club, which he helped to found...

Alan McGowan
Historian, Chess Scotland

updated 24/2/2023