Accidental Discharge Of Rifle Fatal

LEYDENS, GORSUCH, STEFFEN

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 7/27/2013 at 16:16:46

The Grinnell (IA) Herald-Register
Oct. 6, 1938

ACCIDENTAL
DISCHARGE OF
RIFLE FATAL

Morris Leydens of Monte-
zuma, 17, Is Victim
Sunday P.M.

(From the Montezuma Republican)

Morris Robert Leydens, 17-year old son of Mr. and Mrs. William Leydens, who live southeast of town, accidentally shot and killed himself Sunday afternoon around 3 o'clock. The tragedy occurred near the gate at the Clyde Gorsuch farm home, which is not far from the Leydens' home.

Funeral services were said from the Presbyterian church Tuesday afternoon, conducted by the Rev.T.R. Hill, pastor of the church. A large number of friends and neighbors were present in appreciation of the boy's life and to show love and esteem for the family.

Morris, with his friend, Harold Steffen, had been hunting. On the way home the lads, thinking of war and rumors of war, were marching along singing "Tramp, tramp, tramp, the boys are marching," and wondering how soon they, too, would be in the army, and how useless it all was. The .22 rifle carried by Morris, which had been broken for safety, started to slip from his hands. He made a grab for it, closed the breech in so doing and the gun was discharged. The bullet struck a rib and was deflected directly through his heart.

Young Steffen ran at once to the Gorsuch home and Mr. and Mrs. Gorsuch were soon on the scene. Young Morris breathed briefly after they arrived and gave no word. The sad news was told the parents, who came immediately to the fateful scene of the terrible accident.

Usually when the boys were hunting, Mr. and Mrs. Leydens worried about the return, but this day, as company was being entertained, no though of sadness came to dim the happy gathering.

Morris Leydens was 17 on September 10th. He graduated from the high school last year and was exceptionally popular with his many friends. He was very close to his father, as father and son had been doing the farm work together since the departure from the home of the elder brothers.

The Leydens are the parents of nine children, five boys and four girls.