It turns out that the original idea for perforated toilet paper was patented in 1871 as patent number US117355A. A quirky little piece of the Empire State's history, the first toilet paper patent was given out to a New York business man back in 1891.Seth Wheeler's 1891 patent shows the original placement of the toilet paper roll using an "over" approach. Correct way of hanging toilet paper. Library: St. John's University Libraries. May include: Two black and white patent drawings. The first drawing is of a. Modern commercial toilet paper originated in the 19th century, with a patent for roll-based dispensers being made in 1883. Meanwhile, Arthur and Spence plan a business idea, but are worried about what will happen once the patent runs out and knock-offs are produced. Born into slavery, Goode became the second Black woman to receive a U.S. patent with her invention of the fold-out bed.