Lewis Edson Waterman: The Father of the Modern Fountain Pen

Lewis Edson Waterman (November 4, 1837 – May 1, 1901) was an American inventor generally recognized as being the man who invented "The First Practical Fountain Pen". He also co-founded The L. E. Waterman Company which still manufactures high-quality writing instruments using modern designs as well as Waterman's name today. As a young businessman in New York City in the 1880s Waterman became very frustrated while using a dip pen and inkwell due to their tendency to leak and blot so easily. So, Waterman used his mechanical drawing knowledge to perfect a reliable fountain pen he invented to use himself; and then later introduced to several insurance company friends he socialized with in New York City (see, The Practical Fountain Pen, page 84).