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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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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V-mail letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; August 11, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy writes to Pauline Smith to assure her that he is still alive. He talks about the weather, chasing the Germans, and passing through liberated towns.
V-mail letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; August 18, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy has learned about Robert Young's death. However, he has an overall optimistic perspective on the war and a content attitude about his experiences as a soldier. He does not recall an experience of hospitality he is supposed to have had.
V-mail letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; August 9, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Since Sonny Boy has not been sending airmail because he has not had the needed materials, he has been sending v-mail. He reassures his mother that he is doing fine and has received a photograph she has sent him.
V-mail letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; July 23, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Having arrived in France, Sonny Boy finds his impressions of England and France comparable. Because he has been busier, he has communicated to fewer people other than his mother.
Letter from Sam Hawkins Smith to Martha Smith; December 17, 1944

Sam Hawkins Smith

Sam writes his daughter a note of thanks for sending him a suit.
Letter from Sam Hawkins Smith to Pauline Smith; May 16, 1944

Sam Hawkins Smith

Sam updates his wife on his daily life and offers his opinion on the war. He discusses receiving correspondence from Sonny Boy involving a money order, comments on their daughters, and writes about a hand injury obtained by someone he was working with.
Letter from Sonny Boy to Pauline Smith; January 8, 1944

Sonny Boy Smith

Letter from Sonny Boy to his mother describing how he made a watch and gifts he got from his mother and sister.
Letter from Denny to Martha Smith; November 7, 1944

Denny Unknown

Denny makes negative observations about the people and the countryside in France where he is stationed. He writes about how he misses Martha and home, and that he has seen two movies and listens to the radio.
Letter from Martha Smith to Pauline Smith; October 12, 1944

Martha Josephine Womble

Martha characterizes her work schedule and feels proud of her new clothes. She mentions buying a war bond and sending a package to Harry.
Letter from Martha Smith to Pauline Smith; October 20, 1944

Martha Josephine Womble

Martha shares stories about her social life going to dinner and dancing. She also tells Pauline about recent trips to the dentist.