Encyclopedia Dubuque
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MCLEAN, Charles
MCLEAN, Charles. (Dubuque, IA--Dubuque, IA, Apr. 12, 1942). The son of a MISSISSIPPI RIVER packet captain when the chief means of transportation north and south was by the river, Mclean had a twin brother George who followed his father in the river steamboat business. Charles pursued his interest in newspaper work. Ironically, George became secretary and general manager of the KEY CITY GAS COMPANY and Charles was his successor. Despite their different business interests, both were deeply committed to a revival of the river transportation system. They served as chairmen of the Waterways Committee of the Chamber of Commerce and directors of the Upper Mississippi River Association. Through their work with others, the lock and dam system along the Mississippi was developed to maintain a nine-foot CHANNEL.
Charles entered the newspaper business as a reporter for the Dubuque Telegraph, of the predecessors of the Telegraph-Herald. He advanced to becoming the editorial writer of the Times-Journal.
He cut his ties with newspapers for a career as publicist for different organizations. One of his first clients was an organization opposed to women's right to vote. Other clients were opposed to taxation in all branches of government. He became an active member of the Iowa Taxpayers Association and developed a reputation as an expert on the subject.
McLean was appointed chief of the Estate Division of the Bureau of Internal Revenue for Iowa when the state office was located in Dubuque. In this role, he was active in writing pamphlets and magazine articles on taxes. After the death of George, Charles assumed his role in the gas company.
McLean served as the president of the Chamber of Commerce, member of the executive committee of the Dubuque Birthday Ball, vice-president of the Dubuque Library Board, member of the executive committee of the Iowa Public Utilities Association, and was an officer of the Iowa Taxpayers League.
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Source:
"Charles McLean of Key City Gas Company Dies," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, April 13, 1942, p. 1A