LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 115th Anniversary of W.H.
Richardson obtaining a patent for the Baby Buggy

WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in acknowledging
esteemed residents who have distinguished themselves in their profes-
sion; the late W.H. Richardson is one such individual; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the
115th Anniversary of W.H. Richardson obtaining a patent for the Baby
Buggy; and
WHEREAS, On June 18, 1899, W. H. Richardson, an African American,
walked into the Baltimore patent office and patented the Baby Buggy,
changing baby carriages and the lives of countless mothers to come
forever; it was his idea to use a special joint to allow the bassinet to
be turned to face the operator; and
WHEREAS, It was then, W.H. Richardson created the first reversible
baby carriage; and
WHEREAS, W.H. Richardson was born in Freetown, Cortland County on
December 15, 1835, and was educated in the common schools and graduated
at the esteemed Groton Academy; and
WHEREAS, At the age of 25, he married Miss Ellen Van Nortwick, daugh-
ter of William Van Nortwick, and together they had one son, Clarke H.
Richardson; and
WHEREAS, In 1863, he bought part of the Van Nortwick estate, and three
years later, bought what was known as the Palmer Drake property of 68
acres, which adjoined his property, having a total of approximately 150
acres; and
WHEREAS, In 1875, W.H. Richardson established coal, lime, lumber and
agricultural implements businesses; in addition, he was a buyer and
shipper of produce; and
WHEREAS, The late W.H. Richardson, one of the oldest merchants in his
town, took an active interest in temperance, educational and religious
matters, and was recognized as an independent, conservative citizen of
sterling worth and high integrity; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 115th Anniversary of W. H. Richardson obtaining a patent
for the Baby Buggy; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the ancestors of W.H. Richardson.