Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1909-03-19
ARTIST LOVES
IN VAIN; ENDS
His OWN LIFE
WRITES LETTER TELLING OF
HIS INFATUATI0N
DECLARES NO HAPPINESS IN
STORE FOR HIM
Young Man Shoots Himself After
Careful Preparation - Leaves
Statement of His Health
and Sanity

After writing a letter in which he
woman with whom he had studio ac-
quaintanceship, Curt Bondeau, 80 years
old, an artist, committed suicide by
shooting himself with an automatic
rifle in his room at 1928 West Eighth
street yesterday. He was found lying
on the bed shortly after o'clock yes
terday evening.
Bondeau evidently had carefully
planned his death. When found he was
dressed In good clothes, his hair was
neatly combed and his shoes were pol
ished. He wore a clean collar and his
tie was neatly arranged.
On a dresser in the room were three
letters and a small package. One Of
the letters was addressed to the news
papers of Los Angeles, another to tho
coroner and third letter and the
package were addressed to Miss Gene
We've Cordray, 1928 Gramercy place.
The letter to the young woman was
stamped and sealed and was mailed,
unopened by the coroner The package
was found to contain pair of cuff
buttons bearing the monogram Of
Bondeau, pair of plain gold shirt
studs, German coin and a small note
book, in which was written in German,
In the litter addressed to the coroner
Bondeau explained that he left $50
and wanted the money used to pay for
an inexpensive funeral. The writer also
stated that he had sent a thousand
dollars to some poor friends of his and
hoped they would be made happy, as
he had no use for the money, as he
could not buy happiness.
The letter to the newspapers read:
~. It 1aff w C0l1nd
mind and perfectly healthy except
had no heart any more. / lost it. I
may be wrong in what 1 did, but I
know, too, l never would have for
gotten the girl 1 love. I could have
lived, most likely, but I am an artist.
and If fellow of my sort is not happy
he cannot work. and consequently
would go down. have too much honor
for that Now one favor ask is not
to bring any false stories about me In
'e &C. BoNDEAU."
Bondeau also left a short note to the
family with whom he lodged, giving
them all his personal property in the
room. From the indications of the
artists belongings he had Travelled ex-
tensively and was a man Of good edu-
cation.
Little is known of Bondeau. In his
note to the coroner he mentioned the
fact that he had been employed at 317
South Hill street and there was SIS due
him at that place. FE&@
At the place where he roomed 1t was
learned that Bondeau came to Los An
geles about the first of the year. He
had stated that he had mother living
in Germany and that she was his only
relative. The mothers name or her ad-
dress could not be ascertained.
Friends of Miss Cordray said last
night there was no reason why Bon
deau should have used the young
woman's name. He had seen her at the
studio, it was said, but further than
this there was no acquaintance.
Bondeau evidently had shot himself
early in the day. No one in the house
heard the report of the rifle. He had
seated himself on the edge of the bed.
placed the muzzle of the rifle to his
face and discharged the weapon by
pulling the trigger with a brass ram,
rod. Death probably was instanta1
neous.
The body was removed to the under
taking establishment of Bresee Broth
ers. The coroner probably will sign q
certificate of suicide without holding an
inquest.