Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection

The majority of the contents of the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Collection (referred to as the “Smith Family Papers”) includes letters and diaries among family members and friends, with most letters from members of the Smith Family--Pauline and Sam H, and their children, Bernice, Christine, Martha, and Sam E (or “Sonny Boy.”). The geographic center of the collection is Pittsboro (or Calhoun County) Mississippi, where the family maintained their home since 1914, and where Pauline wrote most of her letters. Several letters from Jackson, MS are from Sam H. Smith, who was a state senator between 1932 and 1936. Letters to and from Columbus, MS are from Bernice, Christine, and Martha, who each attended the Mississippi State College for Women between approximately 1931 and 1938. As Pauline and Sam H. grow older and continue to write from Mississippi, the children move around the country, and with a few military appointments, around the world. The letters reflect this.

Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language. Unless otherwise noted, this is the language used by the record creator(s) and not imposed by the Beulah Culbertson Archives and Special Collections. Visit our website to read our harmful language policy.

Printing is not supported at the primary Gallery Thumbnail page. Please first navigate to a specific Image before printing.

Switch View to Grid View Slideshow

Letter from Sonny Boy to Martha Faust; May 24, 1948

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy writes to Martha updating them on Pauline's operation. He tells them about his experiences in the hospital and that he will keep them updated on their mother's condition.
Letter from Sonny Boy to Martha Faust; May 24, 1948

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy writes to Martha updating them on Pauline's operation. He tells them about his experiences in the hospital and that he will keep them updated on their mother's condition.
Telegram from Sam H. Smith to Martha Smith; March 14, 1948.

Sam Hawkins Smith

Sam Smith telegrams his daughter about the death of Jack Foster "Uncle Foss" Ellard.
Telegram from Sam H. Smith to Martha Smith; March 14, 1948.

Sam Hawkins Smith

Sam Smith telegrams his daughter about the death of Jack Foster "Uncle Foss" Ellard.
Letter from Ivy Summer to Pauline Smith; June 6, 1948

Ivy Summer

Ivy writes to Pauline wishing her well. She talks about coming to visit and how one of her clients also had a gall bladder operation.
Letter from Ivy Summer to Pauline Smith; June 6, 1948

Ivy Summer

Ivy writes to Pauline wishing her well. She talks about coming to visit and how one of her clients also had a gall bladder operation.
Letter from Jennie Taylor to Pauline Smith; March 20, 1948.

Jennie Taylor

Jennie sends her sympathies for the death of Jack Foster Ellard, Pauline's brother.
Letter from Jennie Taylor to Pauline Smith; March 20, 1948.

Jennie Taylor

Jennie sends her sympathies for the death of Jack Foster Ellard, Pauline's brother.
Letter from Jennie Taylor to Pauline Smith; May 21, 1948

Jennie Taylor

Jennie writes to Pauline expressing concern for her operation. She talks about Edd and how she will come to visit in the following week when Pauline comes home.
Letter from Jennie Taylor to Pauline Smith; May 21, 1948

Jennie Taylor

Jennie writes to Pauline expressing concern for her operation. She talks about Edd and how she will come to visit in the following week when Pauline comes home.