William Neish Walker

Died: 08 September 1927 (age 78), near Cupar

• Scottish Champion 1890 and 1893
• member of the Dundee CC team that won the Richardson Cup 1899
• life member of the Scottish Chess Association from its formation in 1884

William Neish Walker was a spectator at the Dundee tournament of 1867, which was won by Neumann ahead of Steinitz. He later joined Dundee Chess Club and was connected to the club for over fifty years. His two wins in the Scottish Championship were in years when the tournament was held in Dundee.

Excerpt from: The Story of Dundee Chess Club , by Peter W. Walsh, 1984. Page 23.

Mr Walker was prominently associated with the staple trade of Dundee, having been one of the founders of the firm Harry Walker and Sons, Caldrum Jute Works. IN 1920 the firm became one of those associated with Jute Industries Ltd., of which organisation his grandson, Sir William G.N. Walker (also a club member), became the Chairman. Mr Walker was an ardent student of natural history, specialising in geology; he was one of the leading members of the Dundee Naturalists' Society and worked hard for its success. Mr Walker was also a willing helper in social and philanthropic work, and his name will be remembered for his efforts on behalf of the Mars Training Ship Institution, first as a member of the Executive, and latterly as its chairman. He was a life member of the Scottish Chess Association from its inception in 1884.

Sources: BCM's 1893 (photo); 1927, p 429; The Story of Dundee Chess Club, by Peter W. Walsh (1984).

Alan McGowan
Historian, Chess Scotland