John McQueen

John McQueen (February 9, 1804 – August 30, 1867) was an American lawyer and politician. He was U.S. Representative from South Carolina and a member of the Confederate States Congress during the American Civil War.

Early life and education Born in Queensdale in Robeson County, North Carolina, near the town of Maxton, North Carolina, McQueen completed preparatory studies under private tutors and was graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He subsequently studied law in Marlboro District, S.C. now known as Clio, South Carolina. He was admitted to the bar in 1828 and commenced practice in Bennettsville, South Carolina. McQueen served in the State militia in 1833–37. He was an unsuccessful candidate for election in 1844 to the 29th United States Congress.

Career McQueen was elected as a Democrat to the 30th and 31st Congresses to fill the vacancies caused by the death of Alexander D. Sims. He was reelected to the 32nd and to the four succeeding Congresses, and served from February 12, 1849, until his retirement on December 21, 1860.

American Civil War An ardent supporter of slavery and southern states' rights, McQueen was elected as a representative from South Carolina in the First Confederate Congress after the outbreak of the American Civil War. Regarding the Confederacy's cause for starting the war, McQueen stated in a December 1860 letter to civic leaders in Richmond, Virginia:

Later life and death He died at Society Hill, South Carolina, on August 30, 1867, and was interred in the Episcopal Cemetery in Society Hill, South Carolina.

Personal life He married Sarah Elizabeth Pickens (September 29, 1831 – September 22, 1909 at Asheville, North Carolina), granddaughter of American Revolutionary War General Andrew Pickens on December 31, 1851, in Cahaba, Alabama.