Samuel R. Calthrop

New York State Chess Champion

1880

Rev. Calthrop was many things besides our beloved minister for 43 years: A scientist, athlete, scholar, teacher, and even champion grower of tomatoes. One of the more interesting facts is that he was a very skilled chess player. In 2007 MMUUS initiated an annual Onondaga County Chess Championship in honor of these skills.

As an example, he won the New York State Chess Championship in 1880 and 1883. Below is a photo of Sam from the 1880 championship.