The life of thomas elkins
An inventor, abolitionist, and trained medical professional, Dr. Thomas Elkins played a significant role in supporting the Underground Railroad in Albany, New.!
Thomas Elkins designed a device that helped with the task of preserving perishable foods by way of refrigeration.
Thomas Elkins ( – August 10, ) was an African-American dentist, abolitionist, surgeon, pharmacist, and inventor.
Elkins patented this refrigerated apparatus on November 4, 1879. and had previously patented a chamber commode in 1872 and a dining, ironing table and quilting frame combined in 1870.
Dr. Thomas Elkins was a pharmacist and respected member of the Albany community.
An abolitionist, Thomas Elkins was the secretary of the Vigilance Committee. As the 1830’s drew to a close and the decade of the 1840’s began, committees of citizens were formed all across the north with the intention of protecting fugitive slaves from re-enslavement.
As slave catchers sought fugitives vigilance committees provided legal assistance, food, clothing, money, sometimes employment, temporary shelter and assisted fugitives in making their way toward freedom. Albany had a vigilance committee in the early 1840’s and into the 1850’s.
Thomas Elkins was an avid inven