Bon Joe

About the Book

The Slim Statue of a man entered the community that he had not known. His pathetic appearance was obvious. The clothes he wore were made of burlap sacks. The threads on his left shoulder had stretched to the point that his shoulder blade was partly visible. His faded hat showed several dusty sweat lines that had dried. He forced the dusty strapless sandals on his feet. Yet, he showed dignity and a polite mannerism.  His exhaustion was shaded with a big smile.

            He greeted each person he met by politely saying “Bon jour.” Since the people didn’t speak French, they thought he was introducing himself as Bon Joe. Thus, he was given this name throughout the community of Beauty Spot.

            In return for his lodging and meals, Bon Joe gave piano lessons to the children who showed a desire to play. There was no piano in the home, so he used his homemade wooden keyboard to teach them. After about two weeks of practice, the children were prepared  to  play  hymns on the piano at church.

            Professor Charles Gibbs was blessed with many talents: He was a musician, a college graduate, and an excellent piano teacher. In fact, a few of his former piano students are musicians at the present time. He taught his pupils values, morals, and self respect. 

            The story of Bon Joe is one for all readers. His inspiration will effect the present and future generations. He was an example of an ancient proverb; "You can’t judge a book by looking at its cover.”

About the Author

John Troy McQueen was born in Bennettsville, South Carolina. He grew up on a  farm. He was the ninth of ten children born to Kinney and Estelle Oliver McQueen. He worked his way through college with determination and faith. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from  Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC. He holds a Master’s Degree in education with a certification in Elementary School Administration from the University of South Carolina.

            He taught the fifth and sixth grades before becoming an Elementary School Principal. He has worked at the District Office level as an Attendance   Supervisor and as an Adult Education Director. He retired in 2002 , after a career of thirty-five years in education- all in South Carolina Schools.

            Mr. McQueen is the author of the following books: “A World Full of Monsters, "  " The Story of Aunt Jemima, “  " A Biography of Edward James Sawyer,”  " Marlboro County’s Black Heritage, "   " Marlboro County’s African American Heritage, “and “Famous First Facts, “  ( about African American Heritage in Marlboro County ).

            His marriage to the former Dorothy Jackson of Chester, South Carolina produced  four adult sons: John Troy Jr., Gregory Lamont, Garrick Desmond, Jackson Kinte, and a guardian daughter , Felicia Rogers.  He is a member of the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church where he  is a Deacon and sings with the choir ,  a  Mason and holds membership in several civic organizations. Reading,  gardening, and traveling are also things he enjoy .