Wesley B. McQueen (1876-1925)

MCQUEEN, SHIPPY, SMITH, POWERS, GAY, PRATT

Posted By: Dorothy Gosse (email)
Date: 12/28/2007 at 15:05:26

Wesley Benjamin McQueen, second son of Webster B. and Victoria Shippy McQueen was born at Oelwein, Iowa December 16, 1976 and died at Oelwein, Iowa, August 22, 1925, at the age of 45 years, 8 months and 6 days.

He was reared in a home as one of six children, three boys and three girls. The two brothers preceded him in death. He spent his boyhood, went to school and grew to manhood in the place of his birth. Indeed he lived his entire life in the Oelwein community except seven years he spent in Waverly, Iowa, in the adjoining county. It was while he was employed at Waverly that he met Miss Emma Smith who became his bride May 29, 1901. To this union were born four children, two sons, Charles W. and Leslie F., then two daughters, Norma and Thera L. He is survived by his wife and life companion, his four children, his mother and father, Mr. and Mrs. W. B. McQueen, his three sisters, Mrs. Earl Gray of Minneapolis, Mrs. John Powers and Mrs. Harvey Pratt of Oelwein, also large company of relatives and well merit red friends.

He was a blacksmith by trade and for 24 years worked in the Chicago Great Western shops in Oelwein. His constant and regular employment attests both to his faithful and efficiency as well as the regard and respect of his fellow craftsmen. During the years of his employ he gathered about him a large group of friends with whom he grew in daily esteem. He was an ardent adherent to the principles of organized labor and held membership in the International Brotherhood of Blacksmiths, Dropforgers and Helpers.

He was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and for two years held the office of clerk in the local lodge. He was a member of the Grace Methodist Church and took seriously his membership as confession of Christian character and service and found faithful in his discipleship to Jesus Christ. At the last meeting of the Men's Club of Grace church he was elected to the office Vice President.

Ben McQueen was a man of definite conviction and impulses, what he believed he believed and was will to suffer for. He was as honest as the day was long, ever kind and considerate of those that were entrusted to his care. In his passing his loved ones suffer the loss of a good father and a loyal friend and the community an honest and respected citizen.

Funeral services were held at the home on 4th Avenue North and at the Grace Methodist Church, Monday afternoon, August 24th at 5:00 o'clock. Rev. A. W. Henke, Minister of the church officiating. Interment was made in Woodlawn cemetery, Oelwein, Iowa.

Oelwein Daily Register - August 26, 1925