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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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 Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; March 22, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy updates his mother about the weather and his health. He asks about acquaintances and tells his mother his experiences.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; March 31, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy expresses condolences for Chris' miscarriage, and talks about letters he's received. He says he has been too tired to write a thank you letter for a Christmas package, even though he knows he should.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; March 4, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy writes from Germany, updating his mother about playing instruments, sending money home, and breaking his watch. He hopes the war will end soon.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; May 13, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy expresses worry and weariness from being involved in the war. He admires the Russian soldiers.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; May 16, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy responds to some letters from family and updates his mother on his activities in Europe. He writes about his feelings about the war being over in Europe and says there were no celebrations.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; May 19, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy says he has not visited a concentration camp, though some tankers from his outfit did. He tries responding to his mother's question about all that he has seen, but he says he has a hard time remembering as it's all run together. He asks to be sent pictures of home. He describes the family he stayed with in Luxembourg.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; May 22, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy writes his mother from Czechoslovakia that censorship has ended. He is practicing his accordian. He details his overseas service, from his arrival in England, through France, freeing prisoners of war and taking shellings. He writes about killing German soldiers and losing men in his platoon.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; May 5, 1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy tells his mother he's disappointed in the weather and the letters he's received recently. He talks about a package he's received and that other soldiers are hunting deer. He admits he's nervous about returning home.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; November 3,1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy wishes he would be home, but his leaving has been delayed. He comments on the points system, or the Adjusted Service Rating Score.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; November 9,1945

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy says he's a few weeks from being back home, and is musing on the way things have changed at home and in himself. He wants to work with his dad when he gets home, and he reacts to updates from his mother about various family members.