DenOuden, Jake 1919-1934

DENOUDEN

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-Volunteer
Date: 7/21/2014 at 21:17:42

Source: Sioux Center News (4-5-1934)

Born: 1919
Died: 1934

MAURICE BOY KILLED IN HUNTING ACCIDENT. SEARCH PARTY FINDS BODY SATURDAY EVENING.

Funeral services were held Tuesday for Jake Levering Den Ouden, fifteen year old son of Berend Den Ouden, who was accidently killed when his gun discharged and shot him in the head. The services were conducted in the home and in the First Reformed Church of Maurice, with the Rev. Dykker officiating. Interment was in the Ireton Cemetery beside the body of the World War veteran after whom he was named.

Jake Den Ouden left the home before dinner Saturday morning alone to go rabbit hunting. When he failed to return for dinner his father worried about him and went out to look and see if he could find Jake. When Mr. Den Ouden was unable to find him he asked for a searching party. The body of the boy was found at about 7:00 o’clock Saturday night. He had been shot through the head by his 22 rifle, the bullet entering his head at the mouth and passing straight through the other side of his head. It is believed that the gun was discharged when he was lifting up a cornstock with one hand, holding his gun in the other, ready for the rabbit he thought was in the stock. From appearances the lad did not have an instant death but struggled some time before the young man’s life was lost.

The death of Jake Den Ouden was a blow to many of his friends, both schoolmates and older friends. He played a prominent part in the activities of the Maurice High School. He was a member of the high school basketball team, represented the school in declamatory last year and was to take part in a play this spring. In fact, he had a play book in his pocket when he was found by the searching party.