James Donaldson S.S.C

1 June 1787, Kirkcaldy ─ 27 January 1848, Edinburgh

'Bailie' Donaldson

James Donaldson was the son of John Donaldson and Janet Gib[b].

In 1813 he married Janet Wright (1787–1868), by whom he had six children. He served on the Edinburgh Town Council, which included work with the City Improvements Commission and the Leith Dock Commission (because of this, some chess reports chose to refer to him as ‘Bailie’ Donaldson).

Mr Donaldson was the convenor of the Edinburgh Chess Club committee for the correspondence match against London 1824–1828, leading the team to a surprising victory.

Accounts of the day suggest he was the club’s strongest player, which may be why he was asked to contribute the Chess section for an edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica.

He donated the Donaldson Gold Medal to the club, which was to be awarded to the club champion.

James Donaldson was appointed club president for season 1847–48, but he died 27 January 1848 at his home, 46 Northumberland Street, Edinburgh.

In 1853 his wife had a monument erected in Edinburgh's Greyfriars Churchyard to honour her husband, five deceased children, and her parents.

One of his sons, also named James Donaldson (1817–1853), an Advocate, was also an Edinburgh CC member.

NOTE: Some chess reports confused him with the Rev John Donaldson (1817-1892).

Alan McGowan