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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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; July 29, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy tells his mother about fishing in a nearby stream, and about his batallion in a castle belonging to the Belgian king and queen. He recalls a harrowing experience at Bastogne in which he escaped gunfire.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; July 3, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy writes that a Ukranian choir performed for them, and he enjoyed it very much. He describes his job as armorer for his company, and that he turned down a job with more prestige because he doesn't want the responsibility. He also tells his mother how German commodities like cameras and guns are expensive now, as opposed to when he was in combat and had dozens of them.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; July 9, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy discusses his injury and recent activities. He talks about people being reassigned to return home and states it will probably be another year before he leaves.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; June 1, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy writes about capturing Germans at a surrender point, and he describes what he dislikes and enjoys about his duties, and says he lacks points in the Adjusted Service Rating Score to come home for a while.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; June 13, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy thinks he might be overseas in Germany longer than he expected, and he tells her how many battle stars he has earned in combat. He doesn't think the point system, or Adjusted Service Rating Score, is fair.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; June 13, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy tells his mother about going to the hospital for pain in his leg and back. He sees a nurse there that looks like his sister Bernice.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; June 17, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy has received a watch from Woody, and tells Pauline about his friends on the squadron. He comments on farming practices where he is.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; June 21, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy tells his mother he's getting restless and unsure of how he'll be when he gets out of the army. He recalls action during a few instances of combat, who was injured or killed, and how he handled it.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; June 2, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy tells his mother that men from his outfit are starting to go home. He sends her a book of information about his company's formations. He tells her about some of the wreckage he has seen in Germany.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; June 29, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy writes his mother about the weather, his new duties in his platoon, and singing hillbilly songs with a colleague in his platoon. He tells Pauline that some men are visiting Hitler's Den on sight seeing passes. He also speculates about his near future.