JOHN WAMBAUGH, who is a well known grain and stock farmer residing on his one hundred and twenty acre farm in Jackson township, Sullivan county, is a native of Decatur county, Indiana, born August 9, 1862, a son of Ebenezer and Rosena E. (Freedman) Wambaugh. His father was born in Berlin, Germany, in October, 1829, and came to this country in 1858. He was married after arriving in America, and first located in Decatur county, Indiana, where he purchased the sixty acres of land upon which he lived until 1873, and in the following November bought the farm upon which John, his son, now resides. He bought one hundred and twenty acres at first, but later added to it, making in all three hundred and seventy-five acres. Here he became an extensive cattle and hog raiser. He was an enterprising man, and had the confidence and esteem of a large circle of friends. Politically he voted the Democratic ticket, and in church faith was a Roman Catholic. His wife was born about 1824, in Berlin, Germany, along the river Rhine. She accompanied some of her brothers and sisters to America. The date of her death was April 10, 1896, and that of her husband was April 20, 1896. Their children were as follows: Lynia, Mrs. Rossfield, residing in Louisville, Kentucky; Tressa, Mrs. Lansing, of Aurora, Indiana; Mary, Mrs. Miller, of Indianapolis; John, of this notice; Anna, Mrs. Brown, residing in Jackson township, Sullivan county; Rose, Mrs. Burton, of Jackson township, and Joseph, of Coalmont, Indiana.
John Wambaugh received his education at the common schools and was reared to farm pursuits. After farming on his father's land a few seasons he bought thirty-five acres east of his present place, which he subsequently sold, as well as the other land that he owned. He next purchased the farm on which he now lives in Jackson township, consisting of one hundred and twenty acres, which has come to be a well improved place and which he devotes to both grain and stock raising.
Politically Mr. Wambaugh is a supporter of the Democratic party, but prefers others to fill the local offices of his township and county. Both he and his wife are faithful members of the Presbyterian church. He was united in marriage November 23, 1886, to Ellen Forbes, born June 12, 1866, in Linton township, Vigo county, Indiana, a daughter of Calvin and Harriet (Fitzwater) Forbes, Her father is now living with his daughter in Sullivan, the mother being deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Wambaugh are the parents of four children: Noble William, born November 1, 1887; he has completed his common school studies and is now assisting his father on the farm; Almeda, born June 15, 1890, graduated from the common school and then entered the Normal school, but owing to her failing health she is now at home; Iva G., born November 1, 1893, is attending school, and Irma May, born March 3, 1903, is also in school. Mr. Wambaugh is a member of the United Mine Workers of America, District No. 11.