Marcus Fitzherbert Wheatland, Sr. b. Bridgetown, Barbados, B.V. I., [February 16 or 17, 1868?]   d. Newport, RI, August 16, 1934 Arrived in Newport in 1894, perhaps due to his association with two notable African American men, M. Alonzo Van Horne and George T. Downing [q.v.].  Wheatland was married in Boston to Irene De Mortie on June 2, 1898, the granddaughter of Downing.  Licensed to practice in Rhode Island in 1895, began as a general practitioner.  He is considered to be the first known African American physician to live and practice in Newport.  Dr. Wheatland was a genial man, quiet, well-read, and an excellent raconteur.  As an authority on the x-ray in application to the treatment of diseases, he possessed the first x-ray machine in Newport.  On the staff of Newport Hospital, he provided the x-ray coverage there. Wheatland was well known and from time to time would be seen carrying a box of his equipment to and from the homes of the wealthy.  His practice included all classes of people.  Dr. Wheatland purchased, after Downing died, the city block that bears that name.  Served on the Town Council of Newport representing the Fourth Ward from 1910 through January 1914.  The Redwood Library received 182 volumes of books as well as pamphlets and journals from Dr. Wheatland from 1924 through 1929, although he was not a shareholder.  He briefly resided at #23 Thomas Street, home of the Isaac Rice family.  The Wheatland long term residence was located at #84 John Street (Historic Hill section).  Maintained his medical practice there.  His funeral was held at Hambly Funeral Home.  Buried at Island Cemetery. The Newport Daily News states "His death is a distinct loss to the community.  He will be missed."  In February of 1994, West Broadway was renamed Dr. Marcus F. Wheatland Boulevard in his honor.  Dr. Wheatland gained a national reputation in his field and is claimed to be the first African American radiology specialist in the U.S.  Educated in private schools of Barbados.  He arrived in Boston on November 11, 1887.  Arrived with little money in his pocket.  Headed for medical school in September of 1892.  Received medical degree from Howard University in 1895.  Howard awarded him an Honorary Master of Arts degree in 1906 [or 1905].  Wilberforce University bestowed upon him a Doctor of Laws, LL.D., honorary degree in 1911.  Appointed to the Board of Trustees of Howard University in 1910.  Served on Board until his death in 1934.  A contributor of numerous medical articles, Wheatland was a member of the American Electro-Therapeutic Association, and the 11th president of the National Medical Association (professional society of black physicians).  He is the only African American radiologist listed in the early editions of Who’s Who in America.  Bibliography