The name "Locofoco" derives from ""locofoco", a kind of friction match". John Hucks Stevens also patented a safety version of the friction match in 1839. John Walker (inventor)&colon; Invented the friction match. Local chemist John Walker invented the friction match in his shop at 59 High Street. The friction match was invented in Stockton-on-Tees in 1826 by John Walker.