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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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; November 20, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy tells his mother about another package and letters he received. He describes his sleeping arrangements at his current location, from fox holes to hay lofts, commenting that he doesn't think he could actually sleep in a real bed. He reassures his mother not to worry about him.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; November 25, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy writes to his mother on Thanksgiving about his well-being and football.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith, October 12, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy says the mail has been held up, and he hasn't written in a while because he needs air mail stamps. He has received pictures from his mother, describes the land where he is, and assures his mother of his well-being.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; October 14, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy interprets how the German prisoners of war and some of the American soldiers perceive the probability of the war's result. He discusses some of the fighting going on around him.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; October 20, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

The Jewish man Sonny Boy mentioned in past letters almost shot him, seemingly by accident, so the former was moved to a new company. Sonny Boy gets a visit from a clubmobile with people playing records as well as coffee and donuts for the soldiers.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; October 24, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy has received some photographs from his mother. He anticipates Sleech Parker shall be sent to the Pacific Campaign after he completes his training. Furthermore, Sonny Boy and his fellow soldiers received badges for fighting in the infantry.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; October 30, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Letter from Sonny Boy to his mother. He has not heard from her recently and says he has it pretty easy.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; September 10, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Sam describes writing the current letter on a tablet that was recovered from "Adolf's Boys". He also describes reading about the "point system" used for discharging soldiers, and that if the war ends soon he won't have enough points for an earlier discharge than a year. He suggests Pauline read about infantry pay raises and letters he's received and asks to be sent food if anything is sent before Christmas.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; September 19, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy shares what it's like in where he is stationed in the French countryside. He mentions other letters from friends and family, and he says there's another Mississippian in his battalion. He reassures his mother not to worry.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; September 29, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy admits that he has moved on from a location where his mother did not want him to be fighting. He wants to receive updates on some people's lives. He explains that he has encountered trenches of impressive depth that had been made in a previous war.