Morris Markin

Morris Markin (Russian: Морис Маркин; * July 15, 1893; † July 8, 1970 ) was a Russian -born, American businessman (later: Checker Motors Corporation), the Checker Cab Manufacturing Company founded.

Early years

Morris Markin was born as one of ten children of a Jewish family in Smolensk in western Russia and worked in his early years in a clothing factory. Through hard work, he reached 19 years old, a promotion to foreman. In 1912 he emigrated to the United States. Upon his arrival at Ellis Iceland in New York, he did not speak English and could not pay the entry fee. A janitor there lent him the necessary U.S. $ 25.

From New York, Markin went to Chicago, where he lived with his uncle. He worked as a house servant at various dominions, most recently at a tailor, who taught him his craft. When the tailor died, Markin bought on credit the business from his widow. He worked hard and saved enough money to bring his seven brothers and two sisters to America. Along with one of his brothers, he then opened a factory that produced during the First World War pants on behalf of the government. This company was also successful after the war.

Establishment of Checker Cab

1921 Markin moved into the automobile business. He bought a wheelwright operation called Lomberg. He had previously Lomberg a loan in the amount of U.S. $ 15,000 granted to maintain the operation of the company. However, this was not possible and so Lomberg turned to ask for another loan to Markin. This, however, refused and instead took over the whole company. He then acquired the failed carmaker Commonwealth Motors and with this company and the accountant Ralph E. Oakland. Markin bought also the earlier work of Handley -Knight chassis and bodywork manufacturers there in Kalamazoo. Markin moved his entire operation to Kalamazoo, where he established on 2 February 1922, the Checker Cab Manufacturing Company.

In 1929 he acquired the Yellow Cab Company by John D. Hertz.