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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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.

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Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; March 18, 1945

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline tells Martha about Christine's miscarriage.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Bernice Smith; June 10, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy describes his hospital stay to his sister, including a nurse that reminded him of her. He describes the landscape in Germany and muses about the war.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Martha Smith; April 29, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy updates Martha about his well-being, the weather, and the new watch he received. He enjoys seeing picture shows, and he tells Martha about his new friend. He shares some of the French words he's learned.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Martha Smith; January 31, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy tells his sister about being in Luxembourg and writes about his friends and family.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Martha Smith; June 1, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy updates his sister on his whereabouts in Germany and discusses musical instruments, radio, food, and the "funny papers" she sends him.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Martha Smith; June 23, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy tells Martha that he feels differently about inspections now that he's been through combat. He's bored, doesn't care about decorum as much, and he does not want to serve any longer than he has to. He also tells Martha that he marched in a parade, broke his watch, and he remarks on the German farming practices.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; April 22, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy tells his parents about the weather where he is, attending church services, and staying at a German house with an elecric washing machine. He says he is hopeful about making it through the war, but still nervous.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; April 25, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy writes about his experiences in Germany, including all of the advertising he has seen and what the other members of his platoon have been doing. He discusses his meals, the weather, and how he expects to survive the fighting in Europe.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; April 3, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy writes about the different prisoners his division has helped liberate, and that they have received a Presidential citation. He describes the German countryside and the houses there.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; August 11, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny boy thanks his mother for sending a package, and tells her about attending a Bob Hope show. He admits feeling bored, jaded, and burnt out. He says he doesn't think the war will last much longer because of "the new bomb."