Clarence L. \"Leo\" Best (April 26, 1878[citation needed]–September 22, 1951, San Francisco, California), usually known as C. L. Best, was a pioneering tractor company executive.[1] Son of Daniel Best and owner of C. L. Best Gas Traction Company (later C. L. Best Tractor Company), he merged his company with Holt Manufacturing Company to form Caterpillar Tractor Company, of which he was chairman of the board from its 1925 founding until his death in 1951.[2] C. L. Best started out working for his father\s company, Best Manufacturing Company. He eventually became manager of the Stockton, California plant. Best Manufacturing was bought out by Holt Manufacturing Company in 1908; but, in 1910, C. L. Best left Holt and formed his own company, C. L. Best Gas Traction Company, to continue his father\s work.[3] Originally using a plant in Elmhurst, California,[clarification needed] the Best
