Car Company Founder John Studebaker Sends A Condolence Letter To The Family Of An Old Friend

JOHN M. STUDEBAKER (1833-1917). John M. Studebaker was a co-founder of the Studebaker automobile company. He was the corporate president from 1868 until his death. TLS. 1pg. 7 ¾” x 10”. November 9, 1909. South Bend, Indiana. A typed letter signed “J.M. Studebaker” on his “President, Studebaker Bros Mfg Co.” stationery. He wrote to the Myers family of Ashland, Ohio: “I received the different papers from Ashland giving the notices of the death of your venerable father. It is true, as they say, ‘He lived to a ripe old age of nearly four score years and ten.’ He left a legacy to all his children of which they can well be proud. And your dear old mother has lost her companion of so many years standing. But she should feel thankful that she is surrounded with her loving children, who will do all in their power to make her happy. The summons of death comes to us all, sooner or later, and we must be prepared at all times, to meet our Father in Heaven. Extend my sincerest sympathy to your good mother, as well as to all your brothers and sisters.” The letter has two small pin holes in the upper left, the number 12 in faint blue crayon, and two mailing folds, including one that goes through the bottom of the “J” in the autograph.