Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Question: A young forty-niner arrived in Placerville in 1853 chasing gold but instead made his fortune building wheelbarrows for miners, then went home to help build the company that became one of America’s most famous automakers. What was his name?

Answer: John Studebaker. Nicknamed “Wheelbarrow Johnny,” he built rugged wheelbarrows for miners, saved about $8,000 and returned home five years later. He joined his brothers in expanding their wagon business in South Bend, Indiana, which became the Studebaker Corporation and began producing automobiles in 1902.