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John Graham Thomson
12 January 1856, Edinburgh - 23 March 1932, Edinburgh
BCM of May 1932, p 202:
One of the oldest and most generous supporters of chess in Scotland, John Graham Thomson, died at his residence in Edinburgh on March 23, at the mature age of 76.Mr Thomson joined the Edinburgh Chess Club in April, 1888, and rapidly rose to the front rank, winning the club championship for the year 1890-91. He was again champion in 1899-1900 and 1901-2. He played in most of the Richardson Cup matches until comparatively recent years, and in the first division of the local league until his death.
Mr Thomson twice filled the office of president of the club and was secretary for several years. He gave generous financial support and was largely instrumental in the purchase of the present club premises. [1]
The presidency of the local chess league was filled by Mr Thomson from 1929 to the time of his death.
He was also a former president of the Scottish Association [ Scottish Chess Association] and a life member of the B.C.F. [British Chess Federation].
Mr Thomson was a solicitor by profession, but had many other interests. He was an accomplished mathematician, was an author of several inventions, and was much interested in astronomy.
A man of high culture and widely read, he was one of the most unassuming of men. he was respected by all who knew him, and those who knew him best had for him the warmest regard.
Notes: [1] The BCM of January 1922, p 23, reported that 'Mr J.G. Thomson, the president of Edinburgh CC, had recently made a gift to that club of £200, and a further loan by him of £400 has enabled the club to purchase rooms at 1 Alva Street, where they hope to be before Whit-Sunday next.'
Alan McGowan
Historian, Chess Scotlandrevised 23/9/2021