Spencer “S.K.” Fountain

Spencer K. Fountain (1848 – 1931), community builder, inventor and communications pioneer, supervised installation of the first telegraph line from Rocky Mount to Wilmington. He designed and made the necessary components and was key in establishing the first voice communication from the train depot to Rocky Mount Mills, from Rocky Mount to Tarboro and to Wilson. He was instrumental in starting the first agricultural fair, Cotillion Club and many other community firsts. Mr. Fountain was also the leader of the Silver Coronet Band, Rocky Mount’s first. In 1880, in addition to working for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, he operated a foundry, a machine shop, and planing mill where he devised the necessary parts for his many technological innovations. A man of many talents!

Inducted into Hall of Fame 2004
Deceased