About eight o'clock yesterday morning it became known that the body of Alfred Spear, who formerly resided at Upton Pyne. but lately in St. Sidwell, Exeter, had been found in the river Exe at Pynes.
Some months ago be occupied a cottage on the estate of Lord Iddesleigh, but being in arrears with his rent, he was ordered to quit.
He removed to St. Sidwell's. Exeter, where he carried on his business as a tailor.
He had just left Exeter for a similar reason and returned to Upton Pyne, where his parents lived, but, it is stated, they refused to take him in.
On Friday night he was seen walking down the Upton Pyne-hill on his crutches, he having just recovered from an accident.
Deceased had been very depressed of late.
When the body was recovered from the water the following letter was found in his clothing: ''I can't stand it any longer; my bead is in a terrible state I'm better out of the way."
The body was found by an employee of the City Council.
Deceased was a widower, aged 46, and had three grown-up children.
Source: Western Times - Tuesday 20 June 1899
Note: Alfred Spear was married to Sarah Pitts (Birth 31 MAR 1844 in Upton Pine Exeter Devon
Death 12 APR 1888 in Exeter Devon). Sarah Pitts is my 3rd great grand aunt.
Photo: Flooded River Exe, looking towards Pynes by Ruth Sharville
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