2018 Black History Month.

Dr. Thomas Elkins. (1818-1900)

Inventor, abolitionist, and a medical professional.

Dr. Thomas Elkins supported the Underground Railroad in Albany, New York. He studied surgery and dentistry, operated a pharmacy in Albany and offered dental services.

In the 1870s, Dr. Elkins successfully filed a series of patents. His invention for the Chamber Commode (toilet), received U.S. Patent number 122,518. This Chamber Commode had a bureau, mirror, bookshelf, washstand, table, easy-chair, and earth-closet or chamber-stool.

The Albany Handbook identifies Dr. Thomas Elkins as a “district physician,” which is recognized by the city of New York.