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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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.

Printing is not supported at the primary Gallery Thumbnail page. Please first navigate to a specific Image before printing.

Switch View to Grid View Slideshow

Letter from Sam H. Smith to Pauline Smith; May 15, 1932

Sam H. Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection
Letter from Sam H. Smith to Pauline Smith; May 2, 1932

Sam H. Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection
Letter from Sam H. Smith to Pauline Smith; May 7, 1932

Sam H. Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection
Letter from J.R. Fewell to Sam H. Smith; April 25, 1931.

J. R. Fewell

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from J.R. Fewell to Sam H. Smith; April 25, 1931.
Letter from Thomas E. Pegram to Sam H. Smith; August 28th, 1931

Thomas E. Pegram

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from President of Bank of Ripley To Sam Smith; August 28, 1931
Letter from Sam H. Smith; March 31, 1931.

Sam H, Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Sam H. Smith; March 31, 1931
Letter from A.T. Patterson and Joe T. Patterson to Sam H. Smith; April 3, 1930.

A. T. Patterson

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from A.T. Patterson and Joe T. Patterson to Sam H. Smith; April 3, 1930.
Letter from Theodore Bilbo to Sam H. Smith; December 11, 1929.

Theodore Bilbo

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Theodore Bilbo to Sam H. Smith; December 11, 1929.
Letter from Victor Ellard to John Allen Ellard, 1941

Victor Ellard

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Victor Ellard to John Allen Ellard, 1941. Victor Ellard writes to his brother and his family to update them on his daily life. He discusses a wide range of topics such as squirrel hunting, his unsuccessful attempts at joining the army, his sons attending the Tupelo fair, and Mrs. Hutchinson, a neighbor who teaches at MSCW. He also describes Kolola Springs, where he and his family are living, which he says is near the Buttahatchee River.
Letter from Martha Smith to Pauline Smith; 1938

Martha Josephine Womble

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Martha Smith to Pauline Smith recounting her school work at MSCW; 1938