In search of students

Several years ago, I began researching the historic Greater Mt. Nebo African Methodist Episcopal Church, school and cemetery, as well as the post-Civil-Warera town of Queen Anne, located along the Patuxent River in Prince George’s County. Dr. William Lane Watkins was one of town’s most prominent residents. He was the first Black male graduate of the Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM), and became the first teacher at Mt. Nebo Colored School in 1877, while maintaining his medical practice.

His tenure as teacher and principal lasted 30 years. Later, he became recording clerk for the Circuit Court in Upper Marlboro. He also enhanced the well-being of community members as a social worker.

Dr. Watkins was actively engaged in community affairs and exerted considerable influence in Maryland politics during Jim Crow. Because the memory of his life and achievements have faded over time, Friends of Historic Mt. Nebo Preservation Corporation (FOHMN) has sought to “reintroduce” Dr. Watkins to the world.

FOHMN’s campaign to honor Dr. Watkins’ memory has gained momentum, and plans have already begun to organize public programming at BUSM in 2022, as well as an exhibition to commemorate the 170th year of his birth at Greater Mt. Nebo AME Church in Bowie.

We would like to invite Dr. Watkins’ descendants and students who attended Mt. Nebo School to the commemorative events next year. I am writing in the hope that your readers may be able to locate them.

If you are a former Mt. Nebo School student, or want to learn more about the 2022 celebration, please contact Friends of Historic Mt. Nebo, P.O. Box 1137, Upper Marlboro, MD 20773, fohmn3@yahoo.com or jhjmh@aol.com.

Janis Hagey, Bowie