He attended Ohio University in Athens from 1839 to 1840, but was expelled for violating the school's rule against partisan political activities after he campaigned for William Henry Harrison in the 1840 United States presidential election.

He was also an active member of the state militia, and was commissioned a brigadier general in 1843.

He moved to New York City in 1847, where he continued his mercantile career.

He served as president of the International Commercial Convention held in Detroit, Michigan, July 11, 1865.

Walbridge was elected as a delegate to the 1866 National Union Convention in Philadelphia.