Scope and arrangement
The William Dye Smith papers consist primarily of correspondence relating to the family and military life of Smith and his immediate family members. Through correspondence, details of trying times, difficult conditions, and bravery are revealed. Letters give insight into an African American military family during the late 19th century and early 20th century throughout the Spanish-American War and Philippine-American War.
Series I, Family Correspondence, 1901-1946 (bulk 1916-1922), includes correspondence between William Dye Smith (WDS) and his wife Lauren E. Smith (LES), as well as correspondence to and from Smith's daughters, friends and other family members such as his cousin Mamie Casey. Correspondence includes evidence of Smith's participation as a freemason and membership with United Grand Commandery Knights Templar in Missouri.
Series II, Military Records, 1898-1931(bulk 1916-1922) include records and correspondence of Smith's time in the United States Army. As in Series I, there is evidence of Smith's participation as a freemason and membership with United Grand Commandery Knights Templar in Missouri.
Series III, Miscellaneous Correspondence, 1898-1931 (bulk 1916-1922), includes letters from family members and friends to William Dye Smith and Laura E. Smith. The letters were essentially a way of catching them up on their lives and asking about the state of the Smith's lives.
Arrangement
Papers are organized into three series: I. Family Correspondence; II. Military Records; III. Miscellaneous Correspondence
Artificial arrangement by donor. Correspondence is arranged chronologically.