A1922
Herman Voigt, estimated 1909. From American Chess Bulletin, 1922, Vol. 19
February 12 1922
Herman G. Voigt, Death Certificate
February 13 1922
The Birmingham News, Birmingham, Alabama, Monday, February 13, 1922
Herman Voigt Dead.
Philadelphia, Feb. 13.—Herman Voigt, widely known as a chess player, died Sunday night. He was 65 years of age.
Voigt formerly was Pennsylvania state chess champion and was a member of the American team that participated in the international matches in England several years ago.
February 16 1922
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Brooklyn, New York, Thursday, February 16, 1922
Chess by Hermann Helms
One of the most prominent Philadelphia representatives on the cable teams was Herman G. Voigt of the Franklin Chess Club whose death in that city on Lincoln's birthday is reported. He was one of the members of the old guard in the famous club to which he belonged and at different times held the club, city and State championships. Frequently he came over with the Franklin teams to do battle with the Manhattan Chess Club and his cheery laugh will long be remembered. Voigt, who was in the contracting business in Philadelphia, was 65 years old when he died.
February 26 1922
The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Sunday, February 26, 1922
Herman Voigt, Philadelphia's ablest and best-known chess player, died Sunday, February 12, at his home in this city in the 65th year of his age. For over forty years Mr. Voigt has ranked as one of the ablest players in the United States, and while his many duties as a builder prevented him from entering the various international tournaments held in this country, yet at any time his entry would not only have been conceded by the committee in charge, but as a contestant he would have been most warmly welcomed.
As a rapid skittle player he was most widely known to his friends and when at his best had but few, if any, equals. His position judgment at times was almost uncanny and this faculty combined with his knowledge of the game, his imagination and ingenuity fully warranted his high reputation.
But Voigt was more than a great player, he was a man of a large vigorous physique (until the past few years when serious heart trouble impaired his vitality), while a strong and pleasing personality, buoyant and happy disposition brought him the esteem and love of hosts of friends. The best players of the day counted it a pleasure to be his antagonist.
Well can we remember how his entry into the chess club with his hearty greeting, “Here comes the boss player, can beat anything in the room,” would at once bring to life all that was best in his chess friends present, and how eagerly his board would at once be surrounded by those present, not merely to watch his play, but to hear his hearty good-natured chaff as he reeled off game after game.
Five times he captured the city championship, namely, in the years 1891, 1892, 1897, 1898 and 1909, and from 1899 to 1911 he played for the United States in their various cable matches with Great Britain with the score of 3 wins, 2 losses and 5 draws. In these matches he defeated F. F. Lawrence, who for many years held the championship of the city of London and drew with the British champions J. H. Blackburn and H. E. Atkins.
Herman Voigt's father was born in Germany, but came to this country and was duly naturalized. Later he returned to Germany and Voigt was born in Saxony, but when about 14 years old Voigt's father and all the family returned to this country. So that Voigt, although born in Germany, his parents at that time being naturalized citizens of this country, was able to represent the United States as a native born citizen.
For many years he was an able and successful contractor and builder, but shortly after the war broke out, like many other able contractors was caught with unfinished contracts on his hands while labor and material rose to prices that were impossible. In 1918 he became a voluntary bankrupt, but shortly obtained his honorable discharge, not a single creditor raising the least objection and had not his health due to organic trouble broken there is but little doubt but that he again would have been successful in his calling.
Unfortunately the severe business strain proved too great a handicap for his weakened physical condition. For several years we knew that the end was not far away. He had made a strong fight and leaves behind him the love and esteem of many warm friends. Herman Voigt is survived by his wife, Mary Voight, two daughters, Mrs. Richard Haughton and Mrs. Charles Hebel, all of this city, and two brothers and three sisters.
The following fine game played in the cable match between the United States and Great Britain in 1900 is a good illustration of Philadelphia's great player. Voigt was well at home in the Sicilian Defense and has won many fine games against the world's masters with this form of opening. F. F. Lawrence at the time the game was played was champion of the city of London and was considered at that time, with the possible exception of Blackburn as England's leading player. Voigt's play in the ending is exceptionally fine.
Thomas Lawrence vs Hermann George Voigt
5th Anglo-American Cable Match (1900), London ENG / New York USA, rd 1, Mar-23
Sicilian Defense: Dragon. Classical Variation (B73) 0-1
