William Henry Fitzbutler

William Henry Fitzbutler (1842–1901), also known as Henry Fitzbutler, was an American educator, doctor, medical school founder, newspaper editor, and civil rights leader. He was the first African American to graduate from University of Michigan's medical school in 1872.[1] He founded Louisville National Medical College[1] and helped establish Louisville Hospital.[2]

William Henry Fitzbutler
BornDecember 22, 1842
Virginia, U.S.
DiedDecember 28, 1901
Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
Other namesHenry Fitzbutler
Occupation(s)Educator, physician, medical school founder, newspaper editor, civil rights leader
Known forFirst African American to graduate from University of Michigan Medical School
SpouseSarah Helen McCurdy
Children6, including Mary Fitzbutler

Biography

Fitzbutler was born on December 22, 1842 in Virginia, to a father who was enslaved.[3] Their family escaped to Canada though the Underground Railroad, settling in Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario.[1][3] He apprenticed with Daniel Pearson, an African American doctor in Canada.[3] He then studied at Adrian College and graduated from Detroit Medical School, followed by the University of Michigan Medical School.[4]

He moved to Louisville, Kentucky where he worked with his wife, Sarah Helen McCurdy (1847–1922), providing medical care. He also published the Ohio Falls Express newspaper.[2][5] One of his six children was physician Mary Fitzbutler Waring, born as Mary R. Fitzbutler.[2]

He died on December 28, 1901 in Louisville.[3] The Fitzbutler House at the University of Michigan is named for him.[6]

References
  1. "University of Michigan's Bicentennial: Celebrating William Henry Fitzbutler, M.D." University of Michigan Medical School. February 17, 2017.
  2. "Fitzbutler, William Henry". Notable Kentucky African Americans Database, University of Kentucky Libraries, University of Kentucky.
  3. "Henry Fitzbutler (1842-1901) •". BlackPast.org.
  4. "Black History Month Feature - Dr. William Henry Fitzbutler". WEMU-FM. 2023-02-06. Retrieved 2023-03-11.
  5. "Fitzbutler College". School of Medicine University of Louisville.
  6. "Fitzbutler House | University of Michigan Medical School".
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