Thomas Elkins
Photo credit: Albany Rural Cemetry
Born in the 18th century, Thomas Elkins was a pharmacist, abolitionist, and inventor. He had a number of significant inventions credited to his name, including a refrigerator design to preserve perishable food, a folding multi-purpose table for dining, and perhaps (most famously) a chamber commode (water closet toilet).
Elkins received a U.S. patent in 1872 for a chamber commode, which included a mirror, washstand, mirror, and more.
