Thomas elkins inventor refrigerator model

Thomas Elkins, an inventor, abolitionist, and trained medical professional, was a key supporter of the Underground Railroad in Albany, New York, during the s and s.

What did thomas elkins invent

During the latter part of his life, he also made significant contributions to the development of refrigeration techniques and patented several inventions for other household furniture items. Elkins, who was born in New York in , studied surgery and dentistry, possibly with one of the founders of the Albany Medical College. Elkins went on to run a pharmacy in Albany for several decades, as well as provide dental services.

Elkins joined the Albany Vigilance Committee in the s and served as its secretary during the s. Vigilance committees were an important part of the Underground Railroad, providing food, legal aid, and medical care to those seeking freedom. Elkins was the medical examiner for the famed 54th and 55th Massachusetts regiments during the Civil War.

Andrew, to serve alongside a group of other African Americans from Albany who volunteered. Elkins traveled internationally after the war, including to Liberia. Elkins successfully filed a series of patents beginning in the s. On February 22, , for example, he received approval for his invention U. Patent number , of a table that could be used for dining, ironing, and as a quilting frame.