Harry Nelson Pillsbury

Harry Nelson Pillsbury (December 5, 1872 - July, 1906), was United States Chess Champion from 1898 until his death in 1906.

Tragic early death

Poor health would prevent him from realizing his full potential throughout the rest of his life. In spite of this, Pillsbury beat American champion Jackson Showalter in 1898 to win the U.S. Chess Championship, a title he held until he succumbed to syphilis in 1906. The stigma surrounding the disease makes it unlikely that he sought medical treatment. Some said that Pillsbury ruined his health by all his blindfold displays, but those critics were evidently unaware of the fatal organic illness.

Related Topics:
American - Jackson Showalter - 1898 - U.S. Chess Championship - 1906

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Along with Paul Morphy and Bobby Fischer, Pillsbury ranks as one of the USA's greatest-ever chess players. Unfortunately, like the former, Pillsbury too had a short career.

Related Topics:
Paul Morphy - Bobby Fischer

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Pillsbury is buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Reading, MA

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~