Walker, Martin O.

Martin O. Walker and John Frink established Frink, Walker & Co., which was a long-established stagecoach line dating from 1836. Years before the railroads made their way to Chicago, they had already established Chicago as the hub of their stage and mail coach operations which reached from the southwest tip of Lake Michigan and points east to the outposts of the newly established Northwest Territories. The firm’s terminal was located at the intersection of Dearborn Street and Lake Street, one of Chicago’s busiest intersections.

Originally operated by John Frink and a long list of short-lived partners, Frink found a more compatible associate in Martin O. Walker and the pair commenced business as Frink, Walker & Co. in 1840.

In 1855, shortly before John Frink passed away, Martin O. Walker parted with his business partner of the past 15 years and in partnership with his brother, Samuel B. Walker, established a new omnibus and livery operation, M.O. & S.B. Walker. However, the firm retained the good will enjoyed by the earlier firm and was commonly known as Frink & Walker, despite the fact the original firm was dissolved.