J. Ed Murrey Camp, No. 510 U. C. V., of Pine Bluff, Ark., has cause to lament the deaths of three noble, chivalrous Southern gentlemen and brave Confederate soldiers, who passed away during the months of February and March, each at the age of eighty years. They served long and faithfully, always on the firing line, brave, unyielding, and unconquerable. They were nature's noblemen and, in all the walks of life, among the South's indomnitable fighters and heroes.
Maj. John W. Ragland, a hero from Lagrange, Ga., was born in Greenville, Ga., April 26, 1837, and enlisted in the Confederate army at Lagrange, in 1861, Company K, 13th Georgia Regiment. He fought in the Virginia campaigns under Jackson, and was courier and color bearer in many battles, besides serving as a private in the ranks.
He was paroled April 10, 1865, and his parole is lovingly cherished by his family. It was signed by Gen. John B. Gordon.
Comrade Ragland died February 2, 1922.
He had lived in Pine Bluff for a period of forty years, and measured up to the full standard of a noble citizen. His life was one unceasing round of usefulness and goodness, and he proudly bore the grand old name of Southern gentleman and Confederate soldier.
Capt. N. T. Roberts, another hero in the Confederate army, was called to his reward in the month of March. Capt. "Terry" Roberts, as he was familiarly known, was over eighty years of age. He served in the Southern army in the Trans-Mississippi Department under Generals Price, Marmaduke, and Joe Shelby and was noted for his bravery and fighting qualities. In recognition of his service, he was a trusted, as well as a skillful and successful, leader of a band of intrepid scouts in all the campaigns of the army.
He served in two of Price's raids into Missouri and won the commendations of his superior officers. The most daring and desperate undertakings in those fearful campaigns were assigned to him, and in all engagements, large or small, he acquitted himself with the welcome plaudits of his comrades and the generals in charge.
For forty years he was an honored and praiseworthy citizen of Jefferson County and Pine Bluff, and was frequently given recognition by his fellow citizens by being elected to county clerk and circuit clerk. He wore his honors well and proved himself true in all the relations of life.
He was a leader in all the progressive features of agriculture, trade, and commerce, as well as a beloved officer and worker in the Methodist Church, South.
Comrade J. C. Hierschspiel, of King's Missouri Battery, died during the month of March. He was a brave and true Confederate soldier from first to last. He served in the battle of Corinth and the siege of Vicksburg, and was afterwards in the Trans-Mississippi armies under Generals Price, Marmaduke, Cabell, and Joe Shelby. He was distinguished for his knowledge of artillery service. Brave, vigorous, and intrepid, he always commanded the praises of his superior officers and comrades.
After the war he settled in Pine Bluff, Ark. Here he was noted for his characteristics as a loyal soldier of the Southern cause, a true friend, and an upright citizen. " Phil" Hierschspiel, as he was known by his friends and citizens, was a type of sterling manhood and useful worth.
[Junius Jordon, Adjutant J. Ed Murrey Camp, No. 510 U. C. V.l, THE CONFEDERATE VETERAN, Vol 30, 1922.]

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