Thomas Elkins, born in 1818, was a dentist, surgeon, pharmacist and inventor. He received an education in pharmacy and ran a small drugstore until economic difficulties forced him to close. He focused on dentistry and minor surgery. He studied dentistry under Dr. Charles Payne, and surgery under Dr. Marsh.
He participated in the Underground Railroad, helping slaves escape to Canada. The house where he and his wife operated the "best-run" Underground Railroad station in New York is now owned by the Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region, Inc.
During the Civil War, Governor John Andrew of Massachusetts appointed him to be the medical examiner in the 54th and 55th Massachusetts Infantries. He improved the refrigerating apparatus, which prevented the decay of human corpses and food.
He patented an chamber-commode, a predecessor to the toilet.
Elkins died in August 1900.
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