John Washington Baird

John Washington Baird
Full nameJohn Washington Baird
Country United States
Born(1852-02-22)February 22, 1852
unknown
Died1923 (aged 70–71)
unknown
TitleMaster

John Washington Baird (February 22, 1852 – 1923)[1] was a minor American chess master, who played in a number of American and international chess tournaments between 1880 and 1906. He was the brother of David Graham Baird, who was also an American chess master.

A writer in the New York Times, describing the players in the Sixth American Chess Congress (1889), portrayed Baird and his brother as follows:[2]

Of the Baird brothers, David G. is the better player by far. He plays with characteristic Scotch carefulness, for he is of Scotch descent. Of medium height, he is inclined to stoutness, and is of light complexion. His brother John W. is very thin, although he looks like his brother in the face. He was one of the slowest players in the tournament.

The date and place of Baird's death are unknown.[1][3]

  1. ^ a b Jeremy Gaige, Chess Personalia: A Biobibliography, McFarland & Company, 1987, p. 19. ISBN 0-7864-2353-6.
  2. ^ Chess Note 5710 (quoting "The Chessboard Kings: Ways and Looks of 20 Great Players", New York Times, June 16, 1889, p. 8).
  3. ^ Chess Note 5711