JOHN BRUMBAUGH, Huntington, Indiana.
John Brumbaugh was born in Huntington, Indiana, September 14, 1864, and attended public school in that place until he was 15 years of age, when he secured a position as jointer in a stave factory in his native city. He worked at this business for several years, and then accepted a place as engine watchman on the Cincinnati, Wabash & Michigan. He held this position six months and then returned to the stave business at Hector, Ohio. He worked there three years and then secured a place on the coal docks at Huntington in the employ of the Erie, for which company his father, John Braumbaugh, Sr., works as a carpenter. In July, 1888, he was advanced to fireman, and he then fired freight two years and passenger six years, when he was promoted to engineer in the fall of 1896. Since that time he has run an engine in the freight service and has fully demonstrated his entire fitness for the position.

He was married May 16, 1886, to Miss Johanna Ross, daughter of Jerome Ross, a prominent farmer of Van Wert, Ohio. Three children have come to make their home pleasant; Agnes Bertha, aged 12; Mabel, aged 9, and Hazel Gertrude, aged 7, all of whom are attending public school in Huntington. Mrs. Brumbaugh, who is interested in social affairs as well as being a model housewife, is a member of the Ladies' Society of the B. of L. F. She was President of the Order for one term, and at present holds the office of Secretary. Mr. Brumbaugh is a member of William Hugo Lodge, No. 166, B. of L. F., and enjoys the respect of a large circle of friends, being highly regarded by his fellow engineers and the citizens of his community.

Excerpted from: "American Locomotive Engineers, Erie Railway Edition," H.R. Romans Editor; Crawford-Adsit Company Publishers, Chicago, IL 1899.

From the March 17, 1909 issue of the Marion Daily Star:
Engineer John Brumbaugh made a remarkable run this morning, between Lima and Marion with Erie fast freight No. 78. Leaving Lima at 6:50, the schedule time for the passenger No. 8, Brumbaugh brought in his train, which was quite heavy, eight minutes ahead of No. 8's time. Considering that he made a stop at McGuffey to set off four stock cars, this is considered a fine record.

From the February, 1924 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
A record performance for the Chicago Region was established when a special train was operated from Hammond, IN to Kent, OH, a distance of 361 miles, in 6 hours, 56 minutes, at an average speed of 53.3 miles per hour. The total delays sustained on this run amounted to 23 minutes, which, if excluded, make the average speed for the distance 55.5 miles per hour.

The reason for this special movement was to overtake Erie train No. 4 to accommodate a party of business men arriving in Chicago from a western line 2 hours 46 minutes after the departure of the Erie train. It was necessary, therefore, to make an exceptional effort, or run special a greater distance, the latter course being undesireable.

The train, consisting of three cars, with engine 2562, Engineer John Brumbaugh (Born Sept. 14, 1864, employed as fieman Aug. 17, 1888, promoted to engineer Jan. 25, 1896) and Conductor W.T. Drake, passed through Hammond at 2:20 p.m., stopped for water at Rochester, IN, went through Huntington without a stop, took water at Ohio City, and arrived at Marion 6:56 p.m. (Central time), a distance of 248 miles for the crew and engine, at an average speed of 54.3 miles per hour, including stops, or, exclusive of them, 57.1 miles per hour.

This is the first train that ever went through Huntington, en route from Hammond to Marion, without stopping. In the past efforts have been made, but it remained for Engineer Brumbaugh, the yard force and dispatchers at Huntington to establish this record. The passengers commented on the fact that there was not a rough start or stop enroute; that a steady speed was maintained upgrade and down, and that at no time were speed restrictions violated, the performance being accomplished by maintaining a steady, even speed and reducing to the very lowest minimum unnecessary stops. It was noticed that there was no black smoke, the steam pressure was maintained, and in every way the performance was one of which the entire crew might well be proud.

At Marion, the Kent Division forces took charge of the train and did equally as well. Engineer John Cronenwett (Born August 22, 1858, employed as fireman Dec. 5, 1883, promoted to engineer Oct. 17, 1887), with engine 2547, and Conductor M. Mason made the run from Marion to Kent in 2 hours 17 minutes, a distance of 114 miles, at an average speed of 50.0 miles per hour. An effort was made for a non-stop run, and this would have been accomplished had not a train of another railroad interefered with the movement on joint track at Akron Union Depot, making it necessary to stop four minutes. No water stop was made on the Division and none due to Divisional operating interference over a distance of 114 miles. While this is a good distance to run for water on any low-grade division, it is an exceptional performance when one takes into consideration the fact that the Kent Division is a succession of grades, and brings out very clearly the perfect handling by Engineer Cronenwett.

As on the Marion Division, the run was made without violating any speed restrictions and only goes to prove how needless fast running is when a steady, even speed is maintained and stops eliminated.

To accomplish these results required the cooperation of not only the men operating the train, but all other employees on the divisions. The dispatchers, other train crews, switch tenders, crossing watchmen, and all others were required to cooperate. It is quite evident that these things do not "just happen." They are the result of careful training and supervision in the everyday conduct of affairs. Such a performance shows the results of the efforts put forth by trainmasters, road foremen and others, who possibly, at times, do not perceive the results being attained. It proves that when all unite to make a division one where such things can be performed a spirit of harmony and unity must prevail, and goes to show the spirit that has brought the Erie Railroad up to the position of prominence in its operation which it occupies today. These results cannot be obtained with poor roadbed, power or equipment.

From the July, 1927 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
Entertainment at the May 21, 1927 meeting of the Chicago & Atlantic Veterans Association included the music of "Jack" Ferris and his orchestra. "Jack" is the grandson of of J. Brumbaugh, a member of the accociation.

From the October, 1937 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine:
Marion Division Yard Engineer J.F. Brumbaugh of Huntington was retired on the new Federal Railroad Retirement statute recently at age 72, after 49 years of service.