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| Paul
E Fountain was born in Lone Tree, Iowa on September 11, 1897 to Albert
and Alice (McConnell) Fountain. The family came to Miami County,
Indiana in 1911. He was the stepson of Louis Nelp of Peru,
Indiana. He had two brothers, Clarence and Robert and two
sisters, Florence Williamson & Miss Mary Nelp. Corporal Paul E Fountain served during World War I at LeMans, France. He spoke French due to his work history in Canada, so he was recruited to direct incoming troops at the train station at LeMans. After the war, Paul worked in several positions including WPA work at Maconaquah Park on State Road 19 in Miami County; The Wabash Railroad, Peru; Peru Foundry; American Stationery (night security, janitor) and Peru High School (custodian). His marriage in 1920 was to Dolas "Honey" Brugh. They had a daughter, Betty L (William S Copeland) and three grandchildren - William M Copeland, Lynne A Copeland and Suzy Copeland Dresser. He was a member of the First Baptist Church. No one really knows the cause or onset of his hearing loss. In his youth at LeClaire, IA, he often dove the Mississippi to scavenge mussel shells, which were sold for button making. He was thought to be ignorant, but proved to be an avid reader, mechanic, and carpenter. He was a good laborer and dependable employee. He learned Morse code, sign language, French and some German, typing, and shorthand. After late diagnosis, he finally was provided a hearing aid, which he controlled either his sense to hear or (often) not hear.Paul died on August 14, 1971 in Peru, Indiana and was laid to rest at Mount Hope Cemetery, Peru, Indiana |
 Photographs and biographical information were submitted by Lynne A Copeland. |
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