Background
James M. MacQueen was born in 1859 in Scotland, United Kingdom.
James M. MacQueen was born in 1859 in Scotland, United Kingdom.
The youth served an architectural apprenticeship under the late James Fairweather. He continued his studies during six months of travel in Europe.
On his return to Edinburgh secured a position as Clerk of the Work in the Engineering Department of the City. Leaving there he served as draftsman in a number of local architectural offices.
Migrating to the U. S. during the early 1890's, MacQueen first practiced in Harrisburg, but left there in 1902 to settle in Pittsburgh. After beginning as draftsman in the office of Alden & Harlow, he worked with other architectural firms until 1902 when he established his own office in the city. Continuing active in practice for more than thirty years, Mr. MacQueen designed varied types of buildings including residences, commercial structures and a number of churches. Among the latter was the Fourth Reformed Church at Harrisburg, Pa., Episcopal Church at Monessen, the Hummelston, Pa. Reformed Church, and Parish House of the First Methodist Church in Pittsburgh. He was also architect of the Pennsylvania Steel Company’s Office Building in Hightower, Pa.
Although his basic training was in Engineering, Mr. MacQueen was vitally interested in the profession of Architecture in all its phases.
He was a member of the Pittsburgh Chapter, A. I. A. from 1906 until the time of his death, and served successively as Vice-President and President, also was a member of many Chapter committees.
James M. Macqueen was married in New York City, December 6, 1886, to Emma Rachel Martin, of St. John’s, Newfoundland, daughter of the late J. P. and Elizabeth Holmes (Hudson) Martin. They have had four children: Emma Elizabeth Eustatia, born August 7, 1889; James Ronald, born April 9, 1892; Mary Virginia, born August 2, 1893; Margaret Elmira, born September 1, 1895.