Blindsight: The Uncanny Case of Jack Stapleton Laurie Montgomery

Jack Stapleton Laurie Montgomery was a blind man who possessed the extraordinary ability to "see" without using his eyes. Montgomery was born in 1877 in Canada and lost his sight at the age of two due to a childhood illness. Despite his blindness, Montgomery was an avid chess player and a talented musician. He was also a vocal advocate for the rights of the blind.

Blindsight (Jack Stapleton & Laurie Montgomery series Book 1)

by Robin Cook

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	670 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	233 pages

FREE

Montgomery's ability to "see" without using his eyes has been the subject of much debate and speculation. Some believe that Montgomery possessed a sixth sense, while others believe that he used a form of echolocation to navigate his surroundings. Whatever the explanation, Montgomery's abilities were undeniable. He was able to play chess at a high level, even against sighted opponents. He could also navigate complex environments, such as busy streets and crowded rooms, with ease.

Montgomery's story is a fascinating one that challenges our understanding of what is possible for the human mind. His abilities provide hope for those who have lost their sight, and they remind us that anything is possible with determination and perseverance.

Early Life and Education

Jack Stapleton Laurie Montgomery was born on March 23, 1877, in Saltcoats, Ayrshire, Scotland. He was the son of William Montgomery, a weaver, and Margaret Laurie. Montgomery had a happy childhood and was a bright and curious child. He began to lose his sight at the age of two due to a childhood illness, possibly measles. By the age of six, he was completely blind.

Despite his blindness, Montgomery was determined to live a full and active life. He attended the Glasgow Institution for the Blind and excelled in his studies. He was a gifted musician and played the piano, violin, and organ. He also learned to read and write Braille and became an avid reader.

Montgomery was a bright and inquisitive student, and he quickly mastered the skills that he needed to succeed in life. He was a gifted writer and enjoyed reading and writing poetry. He also had a passion for chess and became an accomplished player.

Montgomery's determination to overcome his blindness inspired those around him. He became a role model for other blind people, and he showed the world that anything is possible with determination and perseverance.

Chess Career

Montgomery was a gifted chess player and began playing at a young age. He quickly developed a strong understanding of the game and began to compete in tournaments. In 1905, he won the Scottish Blind Chess Championship. He went on to win the championship again in 1906 and 1907.

In 1908, Montgomery traveled to the United States to compete in the American Blind Chess Championship. He won the championship and became the first blind person to win a national chess title. He successfully defended his title in 1909 and 1910.

Montgomery's success in chess was due to his exceptional memory and his ability to visualize the chessboard in his mind. He was able to calculate complex variations and make sound decisions, even without being able to see the board.

Montgomery's chess career reached its peak in 1911 when he played a match against sighted chess master Frank Marshall. Marshall was one of the top players in the world at the time, and Montgomery was a major underdog. However, Montgomery surprised everyone by winning the match by a score of 5-3.

Montgomery's victory over Marshall was a major upset and made headlines around the world. It showed that blind people are capable of achieving great things, even in fields that are traditionally dominated by sighted people.

Music Career

In addition to his chess career, Montgomery was also a talented musician. He began playing the piano at a young age and quickly mastered the instrument. He went on to study music at the Royal College of Music in London.

Montgomery was a gifted pianist and performed at concerts throughout Europe. He was also a skilled composer and wrote several pieces for the piano. His music was praised for its beauty and originality.

Montgomery's music career was cut short in 1914 when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The disease gradually robbed him of his strength and mobility, and he was eventually unable to play the piano.

However, Montgomery continued to compose music, even after he was unable to play. He dictated his compositions to his wife, who wrote them down in Braille. Montgomery's later compositions are some of his most beautiful and moving work.

Disability Advocacy

Montgomery was a vocal advocate for the rights of the blind. He believed that blind people should have the same opportunities as sighted people, and he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the blind.

Montgomery was a founding member of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and served as its president from 1926 to 1928. He also served on the board of directors of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB).

Montgomery's advocacy work helped to improve the lives of blind people in many ways. He was instrumental in getting Braille adopted as the standard system for reading and writing for the blind. He also helped to establish vocational training programs for the blind and worked to promote the employment of blind people.

Montgomery's legacy continues today. The NFB and the AFB continue to work to improve the lives of the blind, and Montgomery's advocacy work has helped to make the world a more inclusive place for blind people.

Personal Life

Montgomery married Elizabeth Montgomery in 1898. The couple had two children, a son and a daughter. Montgomery was a devoted husband and father, and he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Montgomery was a complex and fascinating man. He was a gifted chess player, musician, and disability advocate. He was also a loving husband and father. Montgomery's story is a reminder that anything is possible with determination and perseverance.

Later Years and Death

Montgomery's later years were marked by declining health. He continued to compose music, but he was no longer able to play the piano. He also became less active in his advocacy work.

Montgomery died on January 23, 1937, at the age of 59. He was buried in the National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.

Montgomery's legacy lives on today. He is remembered as a brilliant chess player, a talented musician, and a tireless advocate for the rights of the blind. His story is an inspiration to us all.

Blindsight (Jack Stapleton & Laurie Montgomery series Book 1)

by Robin Cook

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	670 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	233 pages

FREE