John M. Studebaker: Wagon and Automobile Pioneer (Titans of Fortune)

As America expanded westward in the 19th century, the covered wagon, or "prairie schooner" as it was called, became ubiquitous in American lore. More than half of them were manufactured by one company—H. & C. Studebaker—the largest wagon manufacturer on the globe. A century or so later, in September 1966, the last Studebaker automobile, a blue and white cruiser, rolled off the assembly line at Studebaker's Hamilton, Ontario, plant, an ignominious end to the Studebaker name in the production of some of the most unique and historic American vehicles. Although five Studebaker brothers were involved at one time or another in the wagon and car business, the evolution of the company from wagons to cars and its enormous success is largely attributable to one brother, John Mohler Studebaker. Award-winning author Daniel Alef brings to life Studebaker's story. [2,823-word Titans of Fortune biographical profile]