19th Century Wagon Maker
Henry Studebaker was a farmer, blacksmith, and wagon-maker who lived near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania in the early 19th century. By 1840 he had moved to Ohio and taught his five sons to make wagons. They all went into that business as they grew westward with the country. Clement and Henry, Jr. became blacksmiths and foundrymen in South Bend, Indiana. They first made metal parts for freight wagons and later expanded into the manufacture of wagons. John made wheelbarrows in Placerville, California and Peter made wagons in Saint Joseph, Missouri. The site of John's business is California Historic Landmark #142. The first major expansion in their business came from their being in place to meet the needs of the California Gold Rush in 1849.
Gold Rush End
When the gold rush settled down, John returned to Indiana and bought out Henry's share of the business. They brought in their youngest brother Jacob and incorporated in 1852. Expansion continued to support westward migration, but the next major increase came from supplying wagons for the Union Army in the American Civil War. After the war they reviewed what they had accomplished and set a direction for the company.
They reorganized into the Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company in 1868, built around the motto of "Always give more than you promise." By this time the railroad and steamship companies had become the big freight movers in the east. So they set their sights on supplying individuals and farmers the ability to move themselves and their goods. Peter's business became a branch operation.
During the height of westward migration and wagon train pioneering, half of the wagons were Studebaker's. They made about a quarter of them, and manufactured the metal fittings to sell to other builders in Missouri for another quarter.
Studebaker Wagons
To learn more about the studebaker wagons and wagon's check out the site
"Wheels That Won The West
Studebaker Wagon Aluminum
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