Peter E. Studebaker

Peter Everst Studebaker (April 1, 1836 – October 9, 1897) was treasurer and chairman for the Studebaker wagon business. He was known for helping his brothers expand the business to St. Joseph, Missouri, Chicago and throughout the United States in the 1860s and 1870s.

Early life Peter Everst Studebaker was born on April 1, 1836, in Ashland, Ohio, to Rebecca and John C. Studebaker. He attended schools in Ashland. Studebaker moved to South Bend, Indiana, in 1852 and worked as a clerk at a dry goods store. He then started a merchandising business as a peddler. Studebaker led the sales department of the business. He helped the company expand its branches throughout the country, including its Chicago, New York and San Francisco branches. He lived in Chicago partially for a period of ten years.

Studebaker was a Republican. He campaigned two months for James A. Garfield during the 1880 United States presidential election.

Legacy

Studebaker donated to provide a marker in Spencer County, Indiana, for Nancy Lincoln, the mother of President Abraham Lincoln. Studebaker helped fund the Episcopal Church in South Bend.