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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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 Sam Smith to Christine Smith; July 17, 1938

Sam Hawkins Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection.Letter from Sam Smith to Christine Smith; July 17, 1938.
Letter from Martha Smith to Christine Smith; January 25, 1938

Martha Josephine Womble

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Martha Smith to Christine Smith; January 25, 1938.
Letter from Martha Smith to Christine Smith; October 10, 1938

Martha Josephine Womble

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Pauline tells Christine updates about different family members.
Letter from Martha Smith to Christine Smith; September 15, 1938

Martha Josephine Womble

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Envelope from Martha Smith to Christine Smith.
Envelope from Wade Horn to Christine Smith; February 17, 1937

Wade Horn

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Wade Horn to Christine Smith; February 17, 1937
Letter from Wade Horn to Christine Smith; February 8, 1937

Wade Horn

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Wade to Christine Smith; February 8, 1937
Letter from Wade Horn to Christine Smith; November 17, 1937

Wade Horn

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection.Letter from Wade Horn to Christine Smith; November 17, 1937
Letter from Wade Horn to Christine Smith; November 2,1937

Wade Horn

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Wade Horn to Christine Smith; November 2, 1937
Letter from Bernice Smith to Christine Smith; August 24, 1937

Annie Bernice Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Bernice Smith to Christine Smith; August 24, 1937
Letter from Martha Smith to Christine Smith; August 19, 1937

Edith Pauline Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection.Letter from Martha Smith to Christine Smith; August 19, 1937