When the congress resumed on Monday, July 13th, Elder's withdrawal from the tournament was announced, so only three games were contested, on the sixth day of play. One these being the conclusion of the adjourned first game between Congdon and Judd. It was during this game that an incident occured that threatened the troubled tournament with a bad end.
"During the game an altercation arose between the players, in which Mr. Judd showed a temper which is ill-becoming so skilled a disciple of chess. His conduct was so at variance with good breeding and gentlemanly conduct that Gen. Congdon threatens to withdraw from the tournament unless the congress reprimands the party from St. Louis. The exact nature of the unfortunate occurrence is not known, as every one of the other gentleman players disclaimed all knowledge of it. It is said, however, that this not the first time that Mr. Judd has displayed an ungovernable temper. He should study this characteristic of his temperament, and at once checkmate it by a bold determined effort."
Chicago Times; July 14, 1874 p.3
The Tribune in its coverage of the days doing of the congress makes no mention of the incident; only reporting Judd won the game. Meanwhile, Hosmer won his first game with Perrin. They began their second game, which was left unfinished at end of days play, to resumed the next day.
Elder's withdrawal adversely affected Bock, who had hoped that Elder could win or at least draw a game against Mackenzie and/or Hosmer. Bock playing in ill health, now considered withdrawing from the tournament himself.
Both paper printed Bock's win over Perrin, from the fifth day of the congress.
As the tournament limped toward its conclusion, only two games were played on Tuesday, July 14th. The adjourned game between Hosmer and Perrin, which was won by Hosmer. Judd and Congdon played their second game, Judd being the victor. Meanwhile, Frederick Bock considers his next step.
"...Mr. Bock remains undecided as to his course of action. If he should decline to continue the contest it is most probable that the first prize will be taken by the present champion of the United States, Capt. Mackenzie, of New York, and that H. Hosmer, of Chicago, will repeat triumph of 1871 and carry away second prize. The third prize will undoubtedly be taken by Max Judd, of St. Louis...."
Chicago Daily Tribune; July 15, 1874 p.3
Neither newspaper offered coverage of the penultimate day of the congress, so we will turn to the tournament book for coverage of the days events.
"On Wednesday, July 15th, Perrin lost one game to Judd,Bock two games to Mackenzie. Bock, who had been playing under many disadvantages, and unable from ill health to continue, resigned his game[s] with Hosmer...."
The Third American Chess Congress: Chicago 1874, p.22
The congress came to a close on Thursday, July 16th, last games were played, and later in the evening prizes were to be awarded. The results of the last games played, Congdon lost his two games to Hosmer, and resigned without contest his games with Mackenzie. Judd won the second game of his match with Perrin.
With the games done, there was now the matter of electing officers of for the, National Chess Association and the awarding of the prizes.
"The last meeting of the Congress was held yesterday evening in the chess-room of the Chicago Club, at which the first business was the election of officers for the ensuing year , which resulted as follows; James A. Congdon, of Philadelphia, President; W. W. Curran, Chicago, First Vice-President; D. M. Martinez, Texas, Second Vice-President; J. Roberts, Philadelphia, Secretary, J. G. Whiteman, Philadelphia, Treasure. On the motion of Gen. Congdon, it was then resolved that the next tournament be held in Philadelphia during the progress of the Centennial celebration. The Congress then on motion adjourned, and Mr. Curran, President of the Chicago Chess Club, took the chair, in order to present the successful competitors the prizes which they had won. These consisted of the first prize of $225 to Capt. Mackenzie, and the second of $150 to Mr. Hosmer, the third prize of $75 have been given previously to Mr. Judd in order to enable him to reach home by an early train."
Chicago Daily Tribune; July 17, 1874 p.3
So not even at the award ceremony were all the prize winners present, but even with illness, withdrawals and fits of temper, the congress came somewhat successful conclusion. We will give the last word, to the tournament book of the congress:
"Capt. McKenzie, on behalf of the visitors, tendered their acknowledgments of the many courtesies received during their visit, and the Congress adjourned sine die,"
The Third American Chess Congress: Chicago 1874 p,25
Bibliography- The Second, Third and Fourth American Chess Congress: Cleveland 1871, Chicago 1874, Philadelphia 1876..Edition Olms, Zurich, 1985.
Less than three years after the "Great Chicago Fire", which devastated a large part of the city, the Chicago Chess club decided to take upon itself the task of hosting the Third American Chess Congress. A brief notice in the Chicago Tribune of May 9,noted that at a meeting the prior evening the club resolved:
"That the Chicago club cordially favors the holding of a Chess Congress in Chicago during the coming summer and pledges a welcome to all visitors who may attend and its best efforts to render the meeting a success."
(Chicago Daily Tribune: 9 May 1874)
It was proposed to hold the Congress during the month of July, beginning the 7th and ending on the 20th or shortly thereafter, it was also hoped for that a minor tournament and a problem tournament would be held in conjunction with the grand tournament.
The first meeting of the Congress took place on the afternoon of July 6th at 114 East Madison street, the Tribune reporting that day that; "Nothing serious, however will be done until to-morrow, this afternoon being devoted to appointing committees, choosing partners and making other necessary arrangements."
The eight contestants were: George Henry Mackenzie Henry Hosmer Max Judd Frederick Perrin Frederick Bock Frederick Elder James Congdon Hiram Kennicott
On July 7th, the Tribune continued its coverage, with a brief history of the two previous congresses, a listing of the players, the prizes, and the pairing for the next day, the first day of over the board combat. Mackenzie would face Judd, Hosmer would face Kennicott, it would be Bock against Elder, and Perrin against Congdon. The games would start at 9am and continue til 6pm, with a "suitable" break for dinner.
The Chicago Times began its coverage ,on July 8th, of the first day of play of the tournament , reporting that:
"The Chicago Chess club, recognizing the pressing want of American chess and fully sensible of the fact that the holding of a great national meeting is the first and chief step to be taken to supply that want, have undertaken the management of a congress, which was successfully inaugurated yesterday evening, at their club rooms.... The number of first class players in attendance is not however, so great as was anticipated. The committee were confident that at least the players enter the list, but there are but eight present. The most prominent absent one is Galbaith[sic] of Mississippi."
"There were eight games indulged in yesterday, two of which are yet pending. Under the rules each player has to play two games with every contestant, consequently there will be in all 56 games before the congress is concluded.The games won yesterday were; Capt. Mackenzie of New York one from Max Judd, St. Louis; Hosmer of Chicago, two from Kennicott, of Dunston; Congdon of Philadelphia, one from Perrin, of New York, and Fred Bock, of Chicago, one from Elder, of Detroit. Capt. Mackenzie and Max Judd played one drawn game, which, but for an unfortunate oversight, would have resulted in favor of the western boy. Messrs. Congdon and Perrin have a game now pending, as have Messrs. Bock and Elder."
Both the Tribune and Times published Mackenzie's win with black over Judd. The Tribune in its coverage adding that;
" The games played thus far throw very little light on the result of the tournament, though it is conceded that Capt. Mackenzie will, doubtless, win the the first prize."
Chicago Daily Tribune; July 8, 1874 p.3
The second day of play, seem to have drawn a larger crowd of on-lookers, then on the first day, as the Times reported in its July 9th issue, "...at times considerable excitement prevailed. Among the visitors were many of the better class of citizens, some of whom are chess-players of no mean skill."
As for the games themselves, Capt. Mackenzie won his two games with Kennicott. Bock and Elder resumed their adjourned game from the previous day, which resulted in a draw. Bock then played Congdon in the first game of their match, which also ended in a draw. Meantime Elder and Perrin contested their match each winning a game with the white pieces. Judd with black won his game with Hosmer. As the Times reported:
"This was a hard fought battle, the players being engaged no less than seven and a half hours. It was a stubbornly contested from beginning to end, but with his 57th move, the St. Louis gentleman so placed his pieces that the president of the Chicago club found himself checkmated."
Chicago Times; July 9, 1974 p.5
Despite the report of the Times, the Hosmer - Judd game did not end in a checkmate, but with Hosmer resigning after Judd's 56th move, the tournament book also has the game lasting 9 hours. The Times in its coverage printed the score of the drawn Bock - Elder game.
The score of the Judd - Hosmer contest follows;
"Yesterday was the third day of the American Chess Congress, and from the heavy showers of the previous night the temperatures was found much pleasanter than on the first days, when the heat was extreme oppressive."
Chicago Daily Tribune; July 10, 1874 p.3
Though, the third day was troubled by illness and the absence of Kennicott.. Mackenzie won both his games against Perrin." In both contests the captain made a quick sharp fight, and almost before Mr. Perrin had got well settled in his chair he had lost the game."(a)
Hosmerand Judd played their second game, Hosmer with the black pieces winning. Bock won his game with Congdon in unusual circumstances. Elder who was to face Kennicott, but Kennicott being absent, Edler had to remain idle.
" The absence of Mr. Kennicott, of Dunston was greatly felt,and it is feared sickness kept him from the city. Early in the forenoon Mr. Bock and Gen. Congdon commenced a game; but the sudden sickness of the former necessitated its temporary postponement, after a few opening moves had been made. Later in the day, Mr. Bock felt better and resumed the contest, which he finally won, after a hard fought and skillfully conducted battle. Under the circumstances [it] was a most creditable victory."
Chicago Times; July 10, 1874 p.3
Both papers published the score of the second Perrin - Congdon game.
" Yesterday the fourth day of the third American Chess Congress, and the events which characterized it were most certainly among the most interesting of the meeting thus far. The attendance was very large, and the room, was continually crowded with an eager and excited throng of gentleman, all canvassing the situations of the games, and frequently making far more noise than was at all agreeable to the players"
Chicago Daily Tribune: July 11, 1874 p.5
Though, not everyone in the city found the ongoing Congress quite so interesting, as a short piece in the same day's Tribune on page six, makes clear.
"The excitement in the city this month is a Chess Congress. The fact is eloquent. It tells more forcibly than words can of the dull devil which has entered into and possessed the world of amusements."
As for the games, themselves, Kennicott again failed to make an appearance, it was feared, he would withdraw from the congress.The game between, Bock and Judd , after five and a half hours of play, ended in a draw. Edler won the his first game with Gen. Congdon, they then commenced their second game, which was at the end of the day's play, the result was still pending. Perrin with the nonappearance of Kennicott had the bye. But, the what proved to be highlight of the day's play, were the two games to be played between Capt. Mackenzie and the "Chicago gentleman", Henry Hosmer.
"Several fine games were played in the tournament, the first one between Capt. Mackenzie of New York, champion of America, and Mr. Hosmer of this city being a most remarkable one. They had a hard fight of it for four hours, and the final result was in favor of the Chicago gentleman. It was by all odds the best game thus far played in the tournament."
Chicago Times; July 11, 1874 p.4
The Chicago Times printed the score of this game, the Chicago Tribune printed the score of their second game in which Capt. Mackenzie was the winner.
" The second game between these two gentlemen resulted in favor of the captain. Mr. Hosmer was quite tired out when the contest commenced , and it is no wonder that he made a slip, lost a piece he should of retained, and was finally compelled to resign."
Chicago Times; July 11, 1874 p.4
The Tribune began its report of the fifth day of the congress proceedings, with the news of the official withdrawal of Kennicott from the tournament.
"Mr. Kennicott came into town and owning to the pressure of other business engagements he announced his withdrawal from the tournament. this action on his part made quite a change in the score, as the games heretofore won of him by Messrs. Mackenzie and Hosmer do not count for them, but are canceled, as Mr. Kennicott is considered out of the best players."
Chicago Daily Tribune: July 12, 1874 p.13
The days play began with resumption of Bock - Judd second game. Judd won after an unsound sacrifice by Bock. And then about noon, Bock faced Perrin, Bock winning both games in short order. Congdon and Judd began the match but at the end of the day's play their first game was left unfinished, to resumed at a later date. Earlier in the day, Congdon and Elder finished their second game, which ended in Elders favor. Elder was then to face Capt. Mackenzie, but then, illness intervened.
"During the day Mr. Elder of Detroit received news of the sudden illness of his wife. This unfitted him for play, and the game between him and Capt. Mackenzie was postponed till Monday."
Chicago Times: July 12, 1874 p. 7
Both newspapers printed Elder's win over Perrin, from the second day of the congress.
With the withdrawal of Kennicott, and thechange of scores brought about by his withdrawal, Frederick Bock found himself on top of leader board, though he had yet to play both Mackenzie and Hosmer.
The twelfth being a Sunday, it was an idle day for the Congress, play would resume early Monday morning.
The January 3rd 1892, Chicago Tribune obituary of Henry Hosmer made mention of his career as a grain buyer, his membership since 1858 in the Chicago Board of Trade. Nowhere is there a reference to Hosmer as one of the strongest chess players of the American west. Hosmer's fondness for chess and his membership in the Chicago Chess and Checker Club was noted by Josiah Seymour Currey in his book Chicago: It's History and Builders (1912). Currey writing that:
" He [Hosmer ] was particularly fond of a game of chess or checkers and displayed a notable skill in the handling the pawns, being regarded as one of the best chess players of this section of the country."
Hosmer was a native of Concord, Mass.where he was born in 1837. He came west sometime in the early 1850s. Hosmer settled in Chillicothe Ill. near Peoria shortly thereafter; moving to Chicago not until 1877 where he passed away on New Years Day in 1892.
Although Hosmer tournament play was limited to only two
tournaments; playing in both the Second and Third American Chess
Congresses his chess skill was apparent by his placing second to George
Henry Mackenzie at both tournaments.
The Second American Chess Congress was held in Cleveland on December 4th thru 15th 1871. George
Henry Mackenzie winning the Congress with 14 points, Hosmer with 12 points coming in second ahead of Fredrick Elder (11), Max Judd (10) and five others. Drawn games were replayed.
The Third American Chess Congress was held in Chicago on July 7th thru16th, 1874. Mackenzie repeating as the winner with 10 1/2points, Hosmer again finishing second with10 points ahead of Judd (7) and five others.
" Mr. Hosmer and Mr. Judd yesterday morning returned their match, of which Mr. Judd won the first game. He had the attack int he second game and played the King Knight's opening, castling on the forth move. Mr Hosmer played the recognized defense and for a few moves it seemed as though the game was not likely to be a very interesting one. In a few moves afterward, however, Mr, Judd played his Bishop To Queen's second, locking in his Queen, which was standing at queen's Bishop second. the cramped position thus entailed upon him Mr. Judd never recovered from. Mr. Hosmer took prompt advantage of the situation, offered to sacrifice a Bishop, and thereby won a pawn, and kept up such a fierce
assault upon Mr. Judd's entrenchments that the latter surrendered at
the twenty-first move. The game was certainly one of the most elegant
yet played in the Congress."
( Chicago Tribune; July 10, 1874)
It was hoped that Hosmer would take part in the Fifth American Chess Congress but that was not to be. The tournament book of the Fifth American Chess Congress lamented that the Chicago's formidable champion Hosmer did not take part.
Besides his participation in the two Chess Congresses Hosmer played in various chess matches, the Chicago Tribune of June 15th 1870 reported that Hosmer had played a three game match with Max Judd in Detroit. Hosmer winning two of the games the result of the third game is not known. I have been unable to locate any of the games scores from this match.
Hosmer also played a match with the New York player Edward Alberoni on February 1876 at Hosmer's home in Chillicothe. Hosmer ably winning the match, Hosmer 5, Alberoni 0, drawn 2.
There were reports that a match between Hosmer and Capt. Mackenzie was likely, in fact the Chicago Tribune of July 20th, 1879 reporting that, "unless some unforeseen contingency should arise the match may be considered a settled fact." If in fact the match did indeed take place, I have been unable to locate any of the games.
Hosmer also played a number of games giving odds, which was quite common at the time, he also played a number of blindfold games, a sample of which I include below.
In a fact unrelated to chess, Hosmer's father Edmund Hosmer was a intimate friend and financial advisor to Ralph Waldo Emerson, perhaps Hosmer's father and the great man played a game chess while young Henry looked on.
