The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1919-11-12

Of
William Thomas Fountain

\ William Thomas Fountain
y X
X X ~
William Thomas Fountain was born
in Sinkwood, Maryland, November
goth, 1863. The exact date is not
known, but near the age of twenty-one
he came to Mississippi and settled for
a time in Grenada. Here he start
ed his business career as a clerk in
the store Of Mr.. F. r. Austin. In a
short time Mr.. Austin moved his
business to Greenwood and MI Foun
tain came with him.
Here began a career that has left
its mark for all time upon the bust
ness, civic and religious life of our
entire community and state. The
move tx Greenwood was made Janu-
airy 1st, 1889. He continued with Mr..
Austin until 1902, when he started in
business for himself. Under the name
of "W. T. Fountain, Big Busy Store"
this business grew to its present large
proportions. The present beautiful
building, with an additional structure
now in process of construction, stands
as a monument to the business saga
city and far sighted vision of this
wonderful man. No one can estimate
the commercial value to a community
of a business and man with such a
vision. It has had a large place in
putting Greenwood on the map.
Mr.. Fountain married Miss Ella
Whitehead, daughter of DR.. and Mrs.
N. E. Whitehead, a distinguished
physician, and through her father and
mother, Mrs. Fountain brought to her
husband a large and distinguished con-
nection. This marriage took place June
18th, 1898. Five sons have come OF
this happy union. Two died some
years ago, three are living, two OF
whom are prepared to take up their
fathers business and we hope carry it
on successfully.
On February 18th, 1894, Mr.. Foun-
tain united with the Presbyterian
church, and thereby took the most i'm,
portant step of his life, a step the
1 influence of which affected his en-.
tire life inspiring and directing every
noble impulse of his wonderfully gift.
!. ed nature. Mr.. Fountain made an en-
tire surrender when he entered the
church. land to a marvellous degrees
succeeded in living a consecrated ant
i consistent Christian life. Jan. 20
1895, Mr.. Fountain was electet
Deacon. On March 7th, 1897 he wa
unanimously elected an Elder of thu
I church. Thus for a period Of ~ years
he held this high office, with ever IN
creasing interest in the church and it
work, preserving always a reputation
e void Of offense toward God and tow
ard man. Both of these impertan
S and responsible offices he filled wit
fidelity and honor. At the anne tim
L he held the position of ~Superintenc
ent of the Sabbath School, which h
kept till his death. In this positlo
} he was exceedingly happy and USE
- full.
He worked as hard as any man an
built up a great business, but 1T wa
E. not the love of money that inspire
$ him. Liberal to a fault, his hea1
r. and hand we're ever open to respor
IS to every worthy appeal, it matters
not from what source it came. II
moor. as we'll as the church, have 10
a friend-one whose place it will
hard to fill.
us Mr.. Fountain met many people Al
II. rarely forgot them. He loved his II
Ill low-men and was never happier tn
when with them. Who can ever Il
get his laugh, his smile, his cord1
e greeting? "'The place that knew n
ny will know him no more forever" b
tie his emo abides. In a true sen
al he is with us. Death cannot rob
S. IF pleasant memories and sweet
sociations .
Three years ago his friends not
IS ed his failing health, but the bre
Ell came so rapidly al the last, that
ere was even then a shock. He hoped
ma the end that he might recover,
God decreed otherwise and he swe
VI " fell asleep in the early morn
hours of Sunday, October 26th, l9
.He was not, for God took him"
and
ms Servant of God we'll done!
the Rest from thy loved employ;
The battle fought, the victory "
Enter thy Masters joy.
1.-THE pains of death r past,
was Labor and sorrow cease;
yes And life's long warfare closed
lest last.
r. His soul is found in peace.
"Soldier of Christ! well done
81, Praise be thy new employ;
And while eternal ages run,
Rest in thy Saviour's joy"
The Session would thus record
gratitude to God for the life OF
of servant, to whom we believe, q
$ in God, we are indebted in q i
measure, the preservation and grs
Of this church. We wouid record
of. aoor onrrociation of him 1