Heartbreaking final words of husband trapped in 'one of the worst coal mine disasters' in history

The Fraterville Mine disaster in Tennessee was one of the worst in history.

The devastating incident killed over 200 miners in 1902, widowing around 100 women and leaving almost 1,000 children without their fathers.

Jacob Vowell was in the mine with his son (Find a Grave)

At the time, 26 men survived the initial explosion, but tragically passed away after suffocating in a side passage of the mine.

Next to many of the men's bodies were letters to their family. One letter from a man named Jacob Vowell was sent to his wife, Sarah Ellen.

In it, he discusses their children, one of which was with him in the mine and also died, and another who had previously passed away.

In the heartbreaking letter, Jacob asks Sarah to look after their children, adding that he 'wished to be with her'.

“Ellen, darling, goodbye for us both. Elbert said the Lord has saved him. We are all praying for air to support us, but it is getting so bad without any air," it reads.

"Ellen I want you to live right and come to heaven. Raise the children the best you can. Oh how I wish to be with you, goodbye.

"Bury me and Elbert in the same grave by little Eddie. Goodbye Ellen, goodbye Lily, goodbye Jemmie, goodbye Horace. We are together. Is 25 minutes after two. There is a few of us alive yet.

"Oh God for one more breath. Ellen remember me as long as you live. Goodbye darling.”

The tragic letter was found in the mine. (Letters of Note)

According to History Matters, another letter, from a man named Powell Harmon, warned his sons never to work in coal mines.

The letter read: "Dear Wife and Children: My time has come. I trust in Jesus. He will save. It is now ten minutes to 10 o.clock, Monday morning, and we are almost smothered.

"May God bless you and the children, and may we all meet in Heaven. Good-bye till we meet to part no more.

"To My Boys: Never work in coal mines. Henry, and you Condy, be good boys and stay with your mother and live for Jesus."

Other letters were found in the mine. (Getty Stock Image)

Meanwhile, one man named John Herndon left a letter to his mother and sister.

"My Darling Mother and Sister: I am going to Heaven. I want you all to meet me in Heaven. Tell all your friends to meet me there; and tell your friends that I have gone to heaven," it read.

"Tell my friends not to worry about me as I am now in sight of heaven. Tell father to pay all I owe, and you stay there at home or at my house, and bury me at Pleasant Hill, if it suits you all. Bury me in black clothes. This is about 1:30 o’clock Monday. So good-bye dear father and mother and friends, goodbye all. Your boy and brother."

According to reports, the Fraterville mine had always been considered one of the safest before the disaster.