Studebaker Brothers Wagon Company established

Background. John Studebaker, father of the five brothers who began the Studebaker Corporation, was the son of Clement Studebaker Jr. The five sons were Henry, Clement, John Mohler, Peter Everst, and Jacob Franklin. Henry and Clement started the wagon business in 1852, which became the foundation of the family fortune and the corporation that now bears their name.

Early Operations. Clement and Henry Studebaker Jr. became blacksmiths and foundrymen in South Bend, Indiana, in February 1852. They first made metal parts for freight wagons and later expanded into the manufacture of complete wagons. The first major expansion in Henry and Clem's South Bend business came from meeting the needs of the California Gold Rush that began in 1849.

Corporate Structure. The firm was originally a coachbuilder of wagons, buggies, carriages, and harnesses. It was founded in 1852 and incorporated in 1868 as the Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company. The three older brothers formed the company with Clem as president, Peter as secretary, and John M. as treasurer.