Morton Chess Instructor Saves 16 Children From Attacker

76-year old chess instructor James Vernon is recovering from surgery after a Columbus Day knife attack at the Morton Public Library.

Vernon, a Caterpillar retiree, was holding a chess club at the Peoria-area library when a 19-year old knife-wielding intruder entered the room threatening to kill someone.

The quick-thinking coach calmed the intruder, and maneuvered between him and the room's door, allowing 16 children and three of their mothers to escape.

Vernon recalled his 50-year old Army training on how to defend against a knife attack. After the children were out of harm's way, the attacker suddenly lunged at Vernon with two hunting knives, cutting his left hand. In an interview with Central Illinois ABC-affiliate WHOI-TV, he said he was able to knee the attacker, disarm him and take him to the ground until police arrived.

Vernon required surgery Tuesday on a cut tendon and severed arteries. The humble chess instructor, an upper Class C-rated tournament player, downplayed the "hero" label, but did admit in the HOI interview his actions required a certain amount of courage. 

The Morton resident's most recent USCF game was a victory in a May 2005 event organized by the Greater Peoria Chess Federation.

He was a regular participant in the Peoria-area league from 2001 dating back to at least 1991 (when USCF records were first placed online). 

In an e-mail relaying a news article on this event from Greater Peoria Chess Foundation President and ICA Board member Murrel Rhodes to ICA President Carl Dolson, Rhodes captioned "We walk with giants."

Morton, a community of approximately 16,500 residents, is 14 miles southeast of Peoria.

The ICA wishes Mr. Vernon a speedy recovery!