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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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; September 5, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy has received a couple of letters from his mother as well as the harp from Christine and his brother-in-law. Besides informing his mother about an article corresponding to his own division in Stars and Stripes, a newspaper, Sonny Boy also asks her if she has gleaned any information from home newspapers.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to to Pauline Smith; November 4th, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy assures his mother that he hasn't been in trouble lately and the weather isn't too bad. He says he hasn't received any boxes yet and he has good clothes to make it through winter, and mentions plyaing in their company's "jug band."
Letter from Sonny Boy to Bernice Smith; January 28, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

V-mail letter from Sonny Boy to his sister from a camp in England. He comments on the weather, local accents, and English vehicles.
Letter from Sonny Boy to Pauline Smith; January 12, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

V-mail letter from Sonny Boy to his mother from a camp in England. He discusses the other men in the camp with him and cultural differences he has noticed.
Letter from Sonny Boy to Pauline Smith; January 13, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

V-mail letter from Sonny Boy to his mother commenting on the mail at the Army base and a care package from a family member.
Letter from Sonny Boy to Pauline Smith; January 16, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Letter from Sonny Boy describing the landscape in England, where he is stationed with a group of men he is making friends with. He also talks about the farms he sees, the food he's eating, and the people who live there.
Letter from Sonny Boy to Pauline Smith; January 22, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Letter from Sonny Boy to his mother describing the weather in England, his work shifts, playing "hillbilly" music at the pub. He talks about how the mail will be delayed for a bit and requests letters from home, as well as how he is getting used to English money.
Letter from Sonny Boy to Pauline Smith; January 27, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

V-mail letter from Sonny Boy to his mother from a camp in England. He discusses rainy weather, a fuel shortage in his camp, and being given his first service ribbion.
Letter from Sonny Boy to Pauline Smith; January 31, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

V-mail letter from Sonny Boy to his mother from a camp in England. He discusses waiting for payday as he is broke, and weekly inspection for which one of the factors is clean clothes but it is raining.
Letter from Sonny Boy to Pauline Smith; January 8, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Letter from Sonny Boy to his mother describing how he made a watch and gifts he got from his mother and sister.