William purvis fountain pen biography meaning

William B. Purvis, born August 12, 1838, was an inventor and businessman who received multiple patents in the late 1800s. His inventions included improvements on paper bags, an updated fountain pen design, improvement to the hand stamp, and a close-conduit electric railway system.

Born in Pennsylvania, Purvis was one of eight children to a wealthy and influential Black family.

William Purvis was born into Black excellence.

His father, Joseph Purvis, was a gentleman farmer and mother, Sarah Louisa Forten Purvis, was a noted poet.

William’s maternal grandfather was African-American sailmaker, merchant, philanthropist, inventor, civil rights agitator and Abolitionist James Forten; his uncle was Robert Purvis, wealthy businessman, abolitionist and landowner; his aunts included educator Margaretta Forten and essayist and poet Harriet Forten Purvis; cousins included Dr.

Charles Burleigh Purvis of Freedmen’s Hospital in Washington, D. C., suffrag William B. Purvis (1838-1914) - Blackpast ROFUD