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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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 Victor Ellard to Pauline Smith; January 12, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Letter from Victor Ellard to Pauline about his opinions on the war and the everyday happenings in his life, including Christmas dinner, hearing from his family members overseas, and conversations with other soldiers.
Telegram from Sonny Boy Smith to Bernice Smith, August 12, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy, fighting in France, openly expresses how vulnerable he has been to men shooting at him and how he has experienced fear, but he frames these experiences within a positive perspective. He describes the jubilance the communities around him express towards the Allies.
Telegram from Sonny Boy Smith to Bernice Smith; March 11, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy briefly expresses his experience with haircuts in the army and mentions that the soldiers fulfilled "Inspection." This letter also shows, through his friendship with Vick, how it can be difficult to arrange visits with other soldiers.
Telegram from Sonny Boy Smith to Christine Faust; September 5, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy mentions having received the the harp Christine and Woody sent him, appreciating the effort Woody put into obtaining one. Sonny Boy speaks casually of the battlefield as if it is something boring.
Telegram from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; August 12, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy exhibits a positive attitude about his life. He speaks of some people he knows.
Telegram from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; June 25, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy receives mail from Christine, including a letter and photograph of her. He has scant news to provide but wants his mother to know he is doing okay.
V-mail letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Bernice Smith; August 2[6, 1944]

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy appreciates Bernice writing him often. He has grown to appreciate the French people. He is well-fed in France.
V-mail letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Bernice Smith; June 26, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy seeks to encourage his mother, who has not received mail from him for a month, that he is well.
V-mail letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Bernice Smith; June 26, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy has a positvie attitude about his experience as a soldier. While he does not have news to share, he expresses particular admiration for Bernice's letters.
V-mail letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Bernice Smith; No Date

Sam Ellard Smith

While Sonny Boy mentions that he is now "in combat," he still regards his life as "pretty easy." He briefly relays some news he received through letters.