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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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 Smith to Pauline Smith; August 21, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy says he's trying out for his division's rifle team. He looks forward to coming home and seeing family.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; August 28, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy talks about being on the rifle team, going to a U.S.O. show, and 2 little girls in his room that are teaching him some German.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; August 6, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy tells his mother that the army is asking for volunteers to invade Japan, but he isn't interested. He asks her to send him their local newspaper so he can keep up with friends and family, and he asks for updates about other family members.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; January 16, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy tells his mother about letters he received from family and friends, worries about family getting drafted, and that he's sending home money.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; January 31, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy writes his mother about being in Luxembourg. He mentions the weather and his clothes.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; January 6, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy tells his mother about being in Belgium and being invited into a local woman's house for dinner.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; January 9, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy tells his mother he knows how worried she is, but that he is doing ok. He expresses anger that his cousin cut down some trees on their property.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; July 15, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy responds to pictures his mother sent from home. He discusses a letter he received from his friend Sleech in the Pacific and seeing Jack Benny at a show in Germany.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; July 20, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy describes a church he encountered and discusses farming practices that he has observed while stationed in Europe. He writes about some men from his battalion being moved based on the point system.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; July 24, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy tells Pauline that he has been doing road blocks. He describes food he's eaten in Europe that are different from home. Someone else from another divison has taken over his job, and his leg isn't bothering him as much, but he wonders how bad it would have to be before he had to leave the army.