Archia Ross

Archia L. Ross, an African American inventor, received five U.S. patents for inventions at the turn of the 20th century. The inventions were a runner for stoops (1896), The runner was also patented in Canada.
On June 7, 1898, Ross was granted a patent for a bag closure device (605,343). The device allowed removal of waste from a home or business without spillage. The mouth of the bag hung open for easy filling. Once filled the bag closure sealed the opening preventing spilling when moved from one location to another. The following year, the bag closure was patented in Canada.
The third patent for a trouser support or stretcher (638,068) was issued on November 28, 1899. The invention could be used in a cabinet, closet or wardrobe. It had several hooks that allowed trousers to be hung without being folded over, thereby preventing the clothing from being wrinkled. It could accommodate several pairs of pants and the removal of a single pair of trousers was easy. At the time the patent was filed, Ross was living in Port Chester, New York.
Ross then had a garment-hanger (723,031), patented on March 17, 1903, for trousers and skirts. The hanger contains eyes, loops, and arms to fasten the clothing. Ross lived in Manhattan at the time of the patent filing. A patent was filed in Canada for the garment-hanger on January 7, 1904.
On February 18, 1913, a patent was issued for a holder for brooms and like articles (1,053,747). The device was made to be attached to the wall and hold a number of articles. Ross was still living in Manhattan at the time of the patent.
Storefront
In 1915, Archia L. Ross had a store at 763 Lexington in Manhattan which sold wardrobe fixtures for hanging clothes. The home residence was 818 E. 214th Street. Three years later, the listing was for Archie L. Ross and the business was located at 419 Lexington Avenue, with the same home residence.

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