Saturday, January 12, 2013

EDWIN HENRY CURTISS (Part 2)


An Unhappy Ending
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.
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. 

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