William Alexander McQueen was born and raised in Sumter, South Carolina. His father was the pastor of a local Baptist church, and it is likely that the bronze 12 pdr field howitzer which he commanded was made from the bells of that church.

Lt. McQueen's gun was one of five Confederate cannon that went forward in support of "Pickett's Charge" and for his acts of unselfish heroism and gallantry, he was posthumously awarded the Confederate Medal of Honour by the Sons of Confederate Veterans.