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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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 Bernard E. McMahon to Christine Smith; January 14, 1935

Bernard E. McMahon

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection
Letter from Sam E. Smith to Pauline Smith; November 2, 1935

Sam E. Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection
Letter from Sam H. Smith to Pauline Smith; 1935

Sam H. Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection
Letter from Sam H. Smith to Theodore Bilbo; July 5, 1935

Sam H. Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection; Letter to Senator Bilbo, Theodore Gilmore, 1877-1947 from Sam H. Smith; July 5, 1935
Letter from Bernard E. McMahon to Christine Smith; November 13, 1934

Bernard E. McMahon

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection
Letter from Sam H. Smith to Pauline Smith; February 19, 1934

Sam H. Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection
Letter from Sam H. Smith to Pauline Smith; February 23, 1934

Sam H. Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection
Letter from Sam H. Smith to Pauline Smith; January 30, 1934

Sam H. Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection
Letter from Sam H. Smith to Bernice Smith; January 19, 1932

Sam H. Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Sam H. Smith to Bernice Smith; January 19, 1932
Letter from Sam H. Smith to Clarion Ledger; May 7, 1932

Sam H. Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection; copy of a faxed letter to the Clarion Ledger Newspaper May 7, 1932