Clement Studebaker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clement Studebaker
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Studebaker in a 1918 publication
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| Born | March 12, 1831 |
| Died | November 27, 1901 (aged 70) South Bend, Indiana, U.S.
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| Resting place | Riverview Cemetery South Bend, Indiana, U.S. |
| Other names | Clem Studebaker |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) |
Charity Bratt
(m. 1852–1863)Anna Harper Milburn
(m. 1864) |
| Children | 5, including Clement Jr. |
| Relatives | John Studebaker (brother) Peter Studebaker (brother) |
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Clement Studebaker (born March 12, 1831 – died November 27, 1901) was an important American businessman. He was known for making wagons and carriages. With his brother Henry, he started a company called H & C Studebaker. This company later became the famous Studebaker Corporation.
During Clement's life, the company built strong wagons, like the Conestoga wagon, and fancy carriages. After he passed away, the company started making automobiles. All of this happened in South Bend, Indiana.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
Clement Studebaker was born on March 12, 1831. His hometown was East Berlin, Pennsylvania. His family had a German background, often called Pennsylvania Dutch.
From a young age, Clement learned to be a blacksmith. He worked in his father's shop in Ashland, Ohio. When he was 20, Clement moved to Indiana. For a short time, he taught school in St. Joseph County, Indiana.
Building a Business
In 1851, Clement Studebaker worked in a factory that made farming machines. But soon, he wanted to start his own business.
Starting the Studebaker Company
In February 1852, Clement and his older brother, Henry Studebaker, opened a blacksmith shop. It was located in downtown South Bend, Indiana. They called their business H. & C. Studebaker.
A few years later, in 1858, Henry decided to leave the business. He wanted to focus on farming. Another younger brother, John Mohler Studebaker, then joined the company.
Growing with Wagons
The Studebaker brothers started making wagons for the United States Army. They continued to do this during the American Civil War.
In 1868, Clement and three of his brothers officially formed the Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company. Clement became the president of this new company. Under his leadership, it grew to be the largest wagon maker in the world. It was also the only company that successfully switched from making horse-drawn vehicles to making cars.
Public Service and Leadership
Clement Studebaker was also involved in public life. He represented Indiana at big international events. For example, he went to the Paris Exposition in 1878. He also served as president of the managers for the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893.
Clement was a member of the Republican Party. He attended national political meetings in 1880 and 1888. President Benjamin Harrison even asked him to join a special conference in 1889. Clement also served on the South Bend City Council from 1870 to 1872.
He was a leader in his industry, serving as president of the Carriage Builders' National Association. He also helped guide DePauw University as a trustee.
Family Life
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Clement Studebaker married Charity Bratt in October 1852. They had two children, Clems and Eddie, but sadly, both died when they were babies. Charity passed away in 1863.
In September 1864, Clement married Anna Harper Milburn. Her father, George Milburn, was also a wagon company president. Clement and Anna had three children:
- George Milburn Studebaker (1865-1939)
- Anne Studebaker Carlisle (1868-1931)
- Clement Studebaker Jr. (1871-1932)
George and Clement Jr. later started their own business, the South Bend Watch Company.
Clement Studebaker was a religious man and a member of the Methodist church. He was sometimes called "Clem" by his friends and family.
Clement Studebaker passed away at his home in South Bend on November 27, 1901. He was buried at Riverview Cemetery in South Bend.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
Clement Studebaker's influence continued after his death.
St. Paul's Memorial United Methodist Church
After Clement died in 1901, a church he had helped fund was completed in South Bend. This was St. Paul's Memorial United Methodist Church. He had given money to build it in memory of his first father-in-law, George Milburn. The church was officially opened in 1903.
The Studebaker Corporation
In 1911, the Studebaker company bought another car company. This led to the creation of the Studebaker Corporation. Clement's son, Clement Studebaker Jr., was involved with the company's board.
Clement Studebaker Jr. also became a leader in other businesses. He was president and chairman of the North American Light and Power Company. He also held important roles in other power and railroad companies.
Tippecanoe Place
In 1889, Clement Studebaker finished building a very large house in South Bend. It was about 26,000 square feet! He named it Tippecanoe Place. This beautiful mansion has been carefully restored and is now a restaurant.
