Edward Mayfield Boyle facts for kids

Edward Mayfield Boyle (born June 21, 1874 – died November 21, 1936) was a very important doctor from Sierra Leone. He was one of the first West African doctors to study at famous universities in the United States. He even went to Harvard Medical School! He also attended Howard University College of Medicine, where his niece, Edna Elliott-Horton, later became one of the first West African women to graduate.

Edward Boyle's Early Life

Edward Boyle was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on June 21, 1874. His father was Charles Boyle, and his mother was Sarah Easmon. Sarah's family, the Easmon family, was well-known in Sierra Leone. Edward's mother had African-American roots.

Edward had two famous uncles who were also doctors. His uncle, Albert Whiggs Easmon, was a top doctor and surgeon in Freetown. Another uncle, John Farrell Easmon, was a Chief Medical Officer in the Gold Coast. He even came up with the name for a disease called "Blackwater fever".

Edward went to the Wesleyan (Methodist) Boys' High School in Freetown. He also attended the Zion Methodist Church, Wilberforce Street. This church was started by early African-American settlers who helped found Freetown. Edward was inspired by Edward Wilmot Blyden, a scholar from the Caribbean. Blyden taught in Liberia and Sierra Leone and believed in Pan-Africanism, which is about uniting people of African descent.

Education and Medical Career

Edward Boyle was very smart and received a scholarship to study medicine. He got financial help to attend Howard University College of Medicine in the United States. There, he worked hard and became a qualified medical doctor.

After his studies at Howard, he continued to learn even more. He took special courses at Harvard Medical School, which is one of the most famous medical schools in the world. He also studied at Meharry Medical College. These experiences helped him become a highly skilled doctor.

Later Life and Passing

Edward Mayfield Boyle passed away in Baltimore, Maryland, on November 21, 1936. He was survived by his wife and several children.