Little Known Black History Fact – Black America 250: January 7, 1890-Inventor William Purvis received a patent for his improvements of the fountain pen

As a result of his work on the fountain pen, William Purvis enabled it to provide even ink distribution, prevent blots, and be carried in a pocket by adding an elastic tube to return excess ink to the reservoir, making it simpler and more durable for general use. His fountain pen design addressed the common inconvenience of carrying ink bottles, making writing cleaner and more efficient for businesses and individuals. Mr. Purvis, born August 12, 1838, was an inventor and businessman who received multiple patents in the late 1800s. His inventions included the updated fountain pen design, improvements on paper bags, 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.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., suffragist and author Harriet Purvis, Jr., and educator, poet and essayist Charlotte Forten Grimke.Purvis’s upbringing is credited to his uncle, Robert Purvis, regarded by many as the “President of the Underground Railroad.”

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