An Unhappy Ending
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| Edwin Curtiss c1897 |
“Pursuant to your request, please find enclosed copies of
the Coroner paperwork on the above referenced case” read the cover letter I
received attached to a bulk of papers. I
had almost forgotten about sending my letter to Kern County, CA Sheriff’s Office
last October and was surprised when a thick envelope appeared in my mailbox
yesterday.
I had found evidence leading me to the suicide death of my
Great Uncle Edwin Curtiss in 1932 in Kern County outside Bakersfield, CA. The words, “white man, probably Ed Curtiss”
and other coincidental references caused me to believe this was my Uncle
Edwin’s death certificate. When I
reviewed the certificate I learned there was an inquest held into his death to
make sure it was not murder.
Included in the packet was a report titled INVESTIGATION OF
DEATH OF ED or E. H. CURTISS. Apparently,
the Sheriff’s had interviewed his Ex-wife,
his Landlord, a friend and his
ex-wife’s brother to find out what they knew in regards to his emotional
disposition in the weeks prior to his death.
Everyone, except Alice, believed he was depressed, despondent and
capable of the act. His landlord also
knew he owned a gun. One remembered him
saying, “I think I will get in my car and drive down to the ocean and end it
all”, and another “Well, you’ll never see me again. Only mother will know.”
His ex-wife Alice (Reeder) Curtiss whom he called by her
middle name Leota, “doubted if Curtiss had committed suicide. She made
arrangements to come to Bakersfield, but on the morning of May 6, 1932 . . . she had received a letter from Curtiss
. . . had changed her opinion and was satisfied that he had killed
himself”. A photo copy of the hand
written letter was included in the report.
Here’s what the letter read:
“My Dear Leota,
By the time this
reaches you I will be in no need of help and I want you to read it over, and
sit down, and pray for me, as I
have done many times for you, and I have asked you to forgive me, and you kept
silent. I didn't want you to live with me, just to say you forgave me, but now
see what has happened, and as I write this I’m lonesome, and blue, no money, no
house (home), no work, and no one to confide in, so why struggle on longer. I
have asked God many times for advice and he has not pointed out a different
life for me. I am in good health, but oh so hungry for food, and a kind word, I
can’t longer go on.
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| Alice Leota in 1918 |
I have told Will
(Reeder) about our life a long time ago, also about Feb. 20, 1911 (their
wedding date), and that I was sorry and wanted to be forgiven. As I had always
tried to do the right thing by you. He said your law suit cost you $250. You
sure wanted it bad didn't you? Well I hope you are a good Bridge player by now
dear.
I am writing this the
same also the papers, as I want my side known also. It has been a one sided
affair up to now. When what is left is found you will believe me when I say
that I still love you and want you to forgive me and God bless
you. I have been told only a coward would do such a thing. Just try it and see
if a coward could. Now dear will you please pray.
(This part of the
letter has the left side missing)
“… a very dear friend
….have known for about …I was out with her …just the same type … dear Norma (Tisher, first wife who died)
was. … no work and no money … go on, I
just can’t …er, all she will have…it. ..ear
if you care to know …ow I feel toward you … the song, “The Red ....lley
and read it every ...just as I feel toward
…good Bye Dear
Ed. “
After reading the full INQUEST HELD UPON THE BODY OF White
man, probably ED CURTISS DECEASED. IN THE CORONER’S COURT OF THE COUNTY OF
KERN, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Edwin was … found in a burned Ford Model T Coupe. He had a bullet
hole in the top of his skull and he was burned to such a degree that nobody
could identify the body. There was also
found in the car a 32 caliber Iver-Johnson revolver.
Thus concludes the sad story of my Great Uncle Edwin Henry
Curtiss. Death is never a happy thing,
but a suicide death ending the life of a despondent family member is very very sad.
