An inventor,abolitionist ,and trained medical professional, Dr. Thomas Elkins played a significant role in supporting the Underground Railroad in Albany,New York during the 1840s and 1850s.He also made an important contribution to the development of refrigeration techniques,and patented several inventions for other household furniture items during the latter part of his life.
Born in New York City.Thomas studied surgery and dentistry,possibly with one of the founders of the Albany Medical College. He went on to operate a pharmacy in Albany for several decades and offered dental services as well. Additionally, the 1881 edition of the Albany Handbook identifies him as " district physician," a position recognized by the city.
Beginning in the 1840s,Thomas became a member of the Albany Vigilance Committee,serving as its secretary during the the 1850s.Vigilance committees were a key part of the Underground Railroad,
providing all manner of assistance ( food,legal aid,medical attewntion) to those seeking freedom. One of the leaders in Albany was Stephen Myers,publisher of the Northern Star and Freeman's Advocate among other papers.
During the Civil War,Thomas served as the medical examiner for the famed 54th and 55th Massachusetts regiments. Appointed by Massachusetts' abolitionists governor John A.Andrew,Thomas joined a group of other African American from Albany who volunteered for service.After the war, Thomas traveled internationally, including to Liberia.
Beginning in the 1870s, he successfully filed a series of patents. On February 22,1870,for example,his invention
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