It looks like this particular letter was written by Jacob Leinert Vowell to his wife, Sarah Ellen Webb Vowell. Jacob was 35 at the time. The Elbert mentioned in the letter would be his 14 year old son, Harvey Elbert Vowell. The other 3 children mentioned were Mindie Emmeline "Lilly" (age 11 at the time), James Thomas "Jemmie" (age 8), and Horace Lee (age 13.) Eddy would be the couple's youngest child, Edward Calvin, who died at the age of 1 in 1899. The couple also lost their first born child, William, in 1886 when he was only 10 months old.
We are shut up in the head of the entry with of little air and the bad air is closing in on us fast and it is now about 12 o’clock. Dear Ellen, I have to leave you in bad condition. But dear wife, set your trust in the Lord to help you raise my little children. Ellen take care of my little darling Lily. Ellen, little Elbert said he had trusted in the Lord. Chas. Wood said he was safe if he never lives to see the outside again, he would meet his mother in heaven. If we never live to get out we are not hurt but only perished for air. There is but a few of us here and I don’t know where the other men is. Elbert said for you all to meet him in heaven, All the children meet with us both.
Ellen, darling Good Bye for us both. Elbert said the lord had saved him. Do the best you can with the children. We are all praying for air to support us but it is getting so bad without any air. Horace, Elbert said for you to wear his shoes and clothing. It is now 1/2 past 1.
Powell Harmon’s watch is now in Andy Woods hand. Ellen, I want you to live right and come to heaven. Rais the children the best you can. O how I wish to be with you. Good Bye to all of you Good Bye.
Burry me and Elbert in the same grave by little Eddy.
Good Bye Ellen Good bye Lillie Good bye Jimmie Good bye Minnie Good bye Horace
We are together. Is 25 minutes after Two.
There is a few of us are alive yet
Good bye
JAKE & ELBERT
Oh God for one more breath. Ellen, remember me as long as you live. Good Bye Darling
SympathyCritical450 on April 29th, 2025 at 07:11 UTC »
So sad
bix902 on April 29th, 2025 at 10:34 UTC »
It looks like this particular letter was written by Jacob Leinert Vowell to his wife, Sarah Ellen Webb Vowell. Jacob was 35 at the time. The Elbert mentioned in the letter would be his 14 year old son, Harvey Elbert Vowell. The other 3 children mentioned were Mindie Emmeline "Lilly" (age 11 at the time), James Thomas "Jemmie" (age 8), and Horace Lee (age 13.) Eddy would be the couple's youngest child, Edward Calvin, who died at the age of 1 in 1899. The couple also lost their first born child, William, in 1886 when he was only 10 months old.
Countless-Vinayak-04 on April 29th, 2025 at 11:26 UTC »
Transcription copied from link here: https://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/16817. Practicing markdown.
We are shut up in the head of the entry with of little air and the bad air is closing in on us fast and it is now about 12 o’clock. Dear Ellen, I have to leave you in bad condition. But dear wife, set your trust in the Lord to help you raise my little children. Ellen take care of my little darling Lily. Ellen, little Elbert said he had trusted in the Lord. Chas. Wood said he was safe if he never lives to see the outside again, he would meet his mother in heaven. If we never live to get out we are not hurt but only perished for air. There is but a few of us here and I don’t know where the other men is. Elbert said for you all to meet him in heaven, All the children meet with us both.
Ellen, darling Good Bye for us both. Elbert said the lord had saved him. Do the best you can with the children. We are all praying for air to support us but it is getting so bad without any air. Horace, Elbert said for you to wear his shoes and clothing. It is now 1/2 past 1.
Powell Harmon’s watch is now in Andy Woods hand. Ellen, I want you to live right and come to heaven. Rais the children the best you can. O how I wish to be with you. Good Bye to all of you Good Bye.
Burry me and Elbert in the same grave by little Eddy.
Good Bye Ellen Good bye Lillie Good bye Jimmie Good bye Minnie Good bye HoraceWe are together. Is 25 minutes after Two.
There is a few of us are alive yet
Good bye
JAKE & ELBERT
Oh God for one more breath. Ellen, remember me as long as you live. Good Bye Darling