Rev John Donaldson

27 March 1817, Canonbie ─ 19 April 1892, Edinburgh

'Delta'

British Chess Magazine 1891

John Donaldson was the son of the Rev James Donaldson and Ann Hathorn Wilson.

He received his early education at Canonbie, graduated M.A. from Edinburgh University in 1834, and then studied divinity for three years.

He was presented to the charge of Kirkconnel in 1843 ─ the last minister presented for ordination before the Secession of that year ─ and held the position for 49 years.

He died while on a visit to his son-in-law, the Rev James Williamson, Dean Church, Edinburgh.

The Rev Donaldson was a very strong amateur, who played most of the leading players of the time. Chess reports referred to him as 'Delta.'

His most regular opponent for many years was the Rev Thomas Gordon (1817-1888) of Newbattle parish, Midlothian, who was known as 'Gamma.'

He also played a series of games against 'an Indian amateur, a strong player, Captain J.G. Bell, at one particular variation of the Muzio Gambit...'

This opponent was Captain James George Berkeley Bell, who retired from the East India Company in 1841 and made his home in Canonbie, Dumfriesshire.

Delta's Reminiscences appeared in the Illustrated London News of 1879 and 1880, and the British Chess Magazine of October 1891.

NOTE: Some chess reports confuse him with James Donaldson (1787-1848), also known as Bailie Donaldson.

Sources
British Chess Magazine, October 1891, p.447, pp.450-459.
Edinburgh Evening News, 20 April 1892, p.2.

Alan McGowan