He was apprenticed at sixteen to R. C. Ward of Ollerton, Newark, and always strongly advocated the system of apprenticeship.

He then went to the Mediterranean on a yachting cruise as surgeon to Lord Lincoln, afterwards fifth duke of Newcastle and secretary of state for war.

In 1897, when the association held its annual meeting at Montreal, McGill College made him hon.

From 1870 to 1895 he was first secretary and afterwards treasurer of the West Riding Medical Charity, and in 1902 he was presented by his fellow members with an address of thanks and testimonial.

Wheelhouse filled the unusual position of a general practitioner who made a name in pure surgery.

An admirable teacher, he did much to convert the Leeds medical school into a worthy integral part of the university.