I am a Vowell descendent living in Knoxville, TN, and would like to pass on some information that has been in the news recently about members of the Vowell family of Vowell Mountain, Anderson County, TN, near Fraterville, Briceville and Coal Creek (now named Lake City).
Sunday marks the 100th anniversary of an explosion of the Fraterville Mine on May 19, 1902. Of the 200 or so men and boys who perished, six were members of the Vowell family. They were Bannister Vowell, who was a son of Manpage Vowell; Bannister's three sons, George W., William H., and Levi; Jacob Vowell, nephew of Manpage Vowell; and Jacob's son Elbert, 14.
While trapped in the mine, Jacob wrote a journal/letter to his wife and surviving children. It is quite poignant and has become famous in this area, with excerpts quoted every few years. President Clinton also quoted from it in a speech to the UMW in 1995.
"Ellen, darling, goodby for us both. Elbert said the Lord has 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 1:00. Powell Harmon's watch is in Andy Woods' hand. Ellen, I want you to live right and come to heaven. Little Elbert said he trusted in the Lord. The bad air is closing in on us fast. Dear Ellen, I leave you in bad condition, but set your trust in the Lord to help you raise my little children. Elbert said for you all to meet him in heaven, for all of the children to meet us both. Raise the children the best you can. Oh how I wish to be with you. Goodbye, all of you, Goodbye. Bury me and Elbert in the same grave by little Eddie. Goodbye Ellen, Goodbye Lillie, Goodbye Jimmie, Goodbye Minnie, Goodbye Horace. Oh God, for one more breath. Ellen, remember me as long as you live. Goodbye darling. It is 25 minutes after 2:00. There are few of us alive yet. Jake and Elbert."
When rescuers reached the trapped miners, too late, Jacob Vowell was found with Elbert in his arms. At Longfield Baptist Church Cemetery, they share a common headstone, Jacob Vowell and Harvey Elbert Vowell. They are buried next to the headstone of Edward Vowell, another son of Jacob, who died as an infant.
See these web sites for more information:
http://knoxnews.comKnoxville News-Sentinel articles by Fred Brown on the 100th Anniversary of the Fraterville mine explosion and on the Vowell Family (Sunday 05/12/02).
Reference to Vowell family book, "What We Know About the Family of Jacob Vowell," by Bob Frew (Tampa, FL) and Tom Frew (Sullivan , IN).
http://www.coalcreekaml.comCoal Creek web site with Fraterville information
Photo of Jacob Vowell and family (Jacob and Ellen with Lillie and Jimmie)
Photo of George W. Vowell's gravestone (1876-1902)
Map of Coal Creek, Briceville, Fraterville Mine, and Vowell Mountain
Margery W. Bensey
mbensey@utk.edu