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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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 Jesse Ellard to Leon and Mary Ellard; August 31, 1944

Jesse Ellard

Jesse mentions diseases affecting Japanese prisoners, hunting animals while overseas, and Robert Young's death. While he seems discouraged about the Pacific Campaign, Jesse is positive about the European Campaign from what he has heard.
Letter from Jesse Ellard to Pauline and Sam Smith; June 5, 1944

Jesse Ellard

Jesse Ellard describes some of the horrors of the Pacific War and provides his conjectures about the war at large. He shows that he wants to write to more familly members during this intense time of the war.
Letter from Jesse Ellard to Pauline Smith; December 21, 1944

Jesse Ellard

Jesse writes his aunt and uncle from the Philippines, describing the environment among the troops and indigenous Filipino people.
Letter from Jesse Ellard to Sam H. Smith; July 16, 1944

Jesse Ellard

Jesse Ellard is experiencing change that makes him feel more hopeful that he will not be in the war forever. He is concerned about life after the war, specifically how he will support himself, and wonders if he should explore constructing houses as a career, and asks his uncle's advice.
Letter from Victor Ellard to Pauline Smith; July 21, 1944

Victor Ellard

He discusses their livestock and crop and comments on the war, neighbors, and politics.
Letter from Victor Ellard to Pauline Smith; March, 1944

Victor Ellard

Victor covers may different subjects, such as the war, his children, and his garden. He relfects on the war and lets Pauline know that his son has recently seen Sonny Boy.
Letter from Victor Hugo Ellard to Sam and Pauline Smith; September 18, 1944

Victor Hugo Ellard

Victor discusses his sons and farm animals and produce. He mentions people who are leaving basic training for active duty, conversations with family members, and his work.
Letter from Chrisine Faust to Pauline Smith; August 9, 1944

Edith Christine Faust

Christine responds to a letter from Pauline about Bob's death. She talks about the war for a while and then continues to talk about daily life. While she is anxious about Sonny Boy's presence in the war, she has hope in his ability to survive.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; August 19, 1944

Edith Christine Faust

Christine describes her experience visiting with some previous boyfriends. Christine tells a story when she felt out-of-place politically. She does not appreciate how much she has had to pay for dental fees and is concerned about Woody's attachment to having desserts frequently.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; August 29, 1944

Edith Christine Faust

Christine mentions she is looking for a job because she is bored. She has a friend from France staying in the United States whose father's work is struggling because of the war.