SUBMITTED BY: Elizabeth Lackey Brock (edited and vetted by Cheri Todd Molter)
John B. Queen was my 2x great uncle. He was the son of James H. & Isabel Bryson Queen of Jackson County, North Carolina. John was born in 1836 and was twenty-five years old when he enlisted in the Confederate Army on May 30, 1861, serving in Company B of the 25th Regiment (NC). On July 1, 1862, John was shot in the head and killed at Malvern Hill, VA.
The following was written by Elbert Brown to honor his friend, John B. Queen:
“Come, friends and my relations, and listen while I tell of John B. Queen who died and fell at
Malvin [sic] Hill, a soldier under Jesus, His Prophet King and Priest, a soldier for his country; He
hastened to enlist. He embraced religion early and joined the Church of God. His object was to
honor and glorify his Lord.
With Joy he hailed the morning that rolled the Sabbath around,
and in the courts of worship he surely was found.
But, oh, this world of trouble propelled him from his home; he bid his friends and brethren a
long, a long farewell.
Through cold and heat, distressing and dangers, sick and well,
he served his blessed Jesus until he dying, fell.
He addressed his only brother in words so kind and good, that he should see his father and
mother got his goods.
And while you live, dear brother, oh always kindly prove, be sure to aid and help them as long as
they may live.
Oh in a few more days at most this body mine may die and moldering to its mother dust be there
forgotten by.
If I’m called home to glory, don’t grieve nor cry for me; this is a debt we all do owe, then cease
your tears for me.
I feel like when this body of clay shall be disabled
I have a home in Heaven, a building made of God.
Ne’ar [sic] moth nor rust in heaven, nor thief’s breakthrough and steal.
My purposed aim is Heaven, and that’s enough for me.
Twas on the first of July eighteen and sixty-two,
to Elbert Brown he then did say on bidding him adieu:
Oh, hear me comrade soldier if I should ne’ar [sic] return, my things I do now leave you; you send
them to my friends.
Then on into the battle they hastily marched along,
and fought into the evening was closing then around.
When he was thus engaged, obedient to command;
a ball his forehead bursted and he fell on the ground.
So now he sleeps in Jesus far from his home and friends, beyond the world’s distresses where
death shall never reign.
No war can more disturb him, nor cannons loudly roar,
Oh may his friends all meet him on Canaan’s peaceful shore.
So farewell friends and neighbors; I’ve bid you all farewell.
Farewell dear Father, Mother, I reign where Jesus dwells.
Adieu, my only brother and brethren in the Lord, all Glory to my Savior who bought me with his
blood.
Editor’s Note: Elbert Brown had been residing in South Carolina before the war; however, on March 20, 1862, he enlisted into B Company, 25th Infantry (North Carolina) at Jackson County, North Carolina. He was promoted to Sergeant on Dec. 11, 1863 and to First Sergeant on Feb. 20, 1865. He survived the war, surrendering with his regiment on April 9, 1865 at Appomattox Court House, VA.