William Ward, who is documented playing for Luton around the turn of the 19th century, is almost certainly the forth strongest player of all time to play chess in Bedforshire, if and only if, the EDO historical rating site is to be trusted fully, putting his rating at ELO 2422 at its apogee http://www.edochess.ca/players/p562.html.
He came third in the 1905 British Chess Championship in Southport and in taking a look at some of his games, I noticed a curiosity. I have discovered what must be his quickest win ever, courtest of Britbase (see game 60). https://www.saund.co.uk/britbase/pgn/190508bcf-viewer.html. He won in only two moves! I am researching how this came about and will update in due course.
Next day’s update
A brief online chat with author and historian Richard James has drawn attention to such games being described as game stubs, where the newspaper or magazine referred to does not have the entire gamescore for whatever reason.
McCready, latin america
McCreadyandChess 