| Oct-10-13 | | thomastonk: There are a few 19th century sources that speak of two blind boys related to chess, and I was wondering who were they. From "The Era" of August 9, 1857 I got their names: George Lumley and William Turner. Google provides a few more details on Lumley published by E. Winter, O. Hindle and 'batgirl' etc. |
|
Oct-10-13
 | | Tabanus: From "The Bell's Life in London", 21 June 1863:
"Mr. George Lumbley, blind chess player, from Manchester. - The parents of the above-named will be much obliged to any person furnishing them with the latest information of his whereabouts. His parents fear some evil has befallen him, they not having heard from him during the last two years. Address, J. Lumbley, care of Mr Woodcock, Norfolk Arms Hotel, Glossop, near Manchester." |
|
Oct-11-13
| | Tabanus: It does seem that he disappeared for good, because the other George Lum(b)ley from Manchester had parents Leonard and Hannah. The 1841 census has a George Lumbley with parents John and Jane, cf. "J. Lumbley" above. In 1861 we find him living with these people:
Joseph Proctor 39 Licensed Porter
Maria Proctor 39
Mary Ann Proctor 17
Maria Proctor 14
Jos Thomas Proctor 10
John Wm Proctor 1
Annan Clurr [?] 23 Boarder Cook
Geo Robinson 25 Boarder Waiter
John Hoyle 36 Collector of ticket
<George Lumley 24 Boarder Chess Tutor> (!) in "Hull Holy Trinity", Humber, Yorkshire. |
|
Oct-20-13
| | Tabanus: Aberdeen Journal, 15 Aug. 1860:
"CHESS. This fine game has received an impetus here lately in the arrival of Mr Lumbley of Manchester, the celebrated blind player. Mr Lumbley lost his eyesight at the age of 13 by a blow from a cricket ball, and turned his attention to chess as a means of occupying his mind some five years ago." There is more but too tediuos to transcribe. He won +4 =2 -0 vs the Aberdeen players. Before Aberdeen he held exhibitions in Glasgow, Dundee and Newport. |
|
Oct-22-13
| | Tabanus: Hampshire Advertiser, 6 Aug. 1859:
"Mr. G. Lumbley, a blind chess player of some celebrity, performed on Monday evening the extraordinary feat of playing three games simultaneously, in the Hanover-buildings Rooms, Southampton. Mr. Lumbley is a young man, a native of Manchester, totally blind, having lost his sight at 10 years of age by a cricket ball, since which time he has been educated at the Blind School of that city. He was taught the scientific game of chess, principally, at the Manchester Chess Club. He is now making a tour of the principal clubs in the country, and astonishes everyone with his proficiency notwithstanding his sad deprivation. He knew nothing of chess until two and a-half years ago, so that his great skill in playing the game is little short of marvellous. We are sorry to add that he is in somewhat straitened circumstances, and the lovers of chess will excuse us for this information." |
|
| Mar-23-15 | | zanzibar: Very detailed write-up, referencing here but going far beyond, found here: http://www.sjmann.supanet.com/Peopl... |
|
| Mar-23-15 | | zanzibar: BTW - the above site gives Lumley's dob as ~1836. The bio probably should as well. |
|
| Jul-02-21 | | Nosnibor: On the 4th February 1862 Lumley played at the Temperance Hall in Leicester against six of Leicester`s strongest players. For the convenience of spectators all moves were made on duplicate boards whilst Lumley sat at an elevated table in the corner of the room. Tickets cost two shillings each for spectators. The six Leicester players were Haslegrave,Caillard, B.Plant, J.Plant,and Gardiner senior and junior. Play commenced at 7pm until 1.30 the following morning when one game was unfinished. At that point Lumley had lost two games, drawn two two games and won one against Haslegrave. (Giuoco Piano). The result of the outstanding game which was due to be played on Wednesday evening is not known. Following this on the 25th March a letter was received by the Leicester Club announcing that Lumley was undergoing a lengthened illness and requested some pecuniary assistance. |
|
|
|
|
Kibitzing
