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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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; October 25, 1943

Sam Ellard Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; October 25, 1943. Sonny Boy is nearing the end of basic training and tells his mother about battle training. He shares that he has finally recieved the watch Christine and Bernice got for him from Brazil and complains about Yankee soldiers, especially one from Brooklyn.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; October 31, 1943

Sam Ellard Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; October 31, 1943. He writes his mother suggesting that she send him food while he is doing battle training, asks after a pig back home and expresses interest in eating some of it, and complains about missing a party because he didn't get to eat. Battle training still has not started, though he has more details and he is unhappy about having to complete a "night problem" twice.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; October 9, 1943

Sam Ellard Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; October 9, 1943. Sonny Boy writes that he is learning to fire tank guns. He has finally purchased a watch and sends money to his parents, as well as insulting an acquaintance back home.
Letter from Sonny Boy to Christine Smith; October 4, 1943

Sam Ellard Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Sonny Boy to Christine Smith; October 4, 1943. Sonny Boy often takes to hiding to avoid having to do work. He shares a story about driving a tank up a tree stump and complains that he had to clean the tanks for an inspection by a colonel. This letter is nearly identical to Letter from Sonny Boy to Pauline Smith; October 3, 1943.
Letter from Sonny Boy to Martha and Christine Smith; December 8, 1943

Sam Ellard Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Sonny Boy to Martha and Christine Smith; December 8, 1943. Sonny Boy informs Martha and Christine that he has arrived at Fort Mead, Maryland and is preparing to be sent to Japan. He also describes his recent trip home, upcoming training, and a film, The North Star.
Letter from Sonnyboy to Martha Smith; September 23, 1943

Sam Ellard Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Sonnyboy to Martha Smith; September 23, 1943. Sonnyboy recounts stories of his life in military training.
Letter from Sonny Boy to Pauline Smith; November 19, 1943

Sam Ellard Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Sonny Boy to Pauline Smith; November 19, 1943. Sonny Boy tells his mother about day-to-day tasks at Fort Knox, his upcoming duties, and seeing a film called Guadalcanal Diary.
Letter from Sonnyboy to Pauline Smith; October 3, 1943

Sam Ellard Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Sonnyboy to Pauline Smith; October 3, 1943. Sonnyboy often takes to hiding to avoid having to do work. He shares a story about driving a tank up a tree stump and complains that he had to clean the tanks for an inspection by a colonel.
Letter from Sonnyboy to Pauline Smith; September 27, 1943

Sam Ellard Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Sonnyboy to Pauline Smith; September 27, 1943. Sonnyboy writes to his mother about his time on bivouac and his increasing skill in driving tanks. He shares his frustrations with trying to eat among other soldiers and compete for food.
Letter from Sonnyboy to Pauline Smith; September 29, 1943

Sam Ellard Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Sonnyboy to Pauline Smith; September 29, 1943. Sonnyboy updates his mother on army training. He tells her about his adventures learning to drive tanks and tie knots and assures her he is eating well.