Industrialist. As president of the Studebaker Corporation from 1915 to 1933, he literally guided the Studebaker company from the “horse and buggy” days into the position of a major player in modern auto production. The 1927 Studebaker Erskine Roadster Model 50J with rumble seat was named for him. Only six are known to exist worldwide today. In 1925, the Hotel Russel Erskine in Huntsville, Alabama, was built and named for him. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. He also served on the Board of Trustees at Notre Dame University where he initiated the Albert Russel Erskine Award which designated a panel to choose the best college football team of the year. The award was the forerunner of the method used today in deciding the collegiate champion. The 1929 stock market crash and the ensuing depression caused Erskine to lose almost everything in a matter of just four years. To start over seemed an overwhelming task. He died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his heart. (bio by: Graveaddiction)  Family links:  Spouse:  Anna Lyell Garland Erskine (1875 – 1938)