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Biography
James B. Martindale (March 30, 1836 – May 17, 1904) was an American lawyer and a founder of the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, the noted legal reference and catalog of lawyers. He was also known as J.B. Martindale.
Martindale was born on his family’s farm in Henry County, Indiana; a son of Elder Elijah Martindale. He studied law, was admitted to the bar, and established a law firm, called Martindale Law and Collection Agency in Indianapolis, which he later moved to Chicago. Still later, he led the New York, New York office of the firm.
He published the first issue of Martindale's Directory in 1868. His other publications include: Indiana Executor's Guide for Executors, Administrators and Guardians, Martindale's Unclaimed Money, Lands and Estates Manual.
James Martindale was early widowed and had to raise alone his two sons, who later became his business partners. He also wrote poetry, which was nearly always devoted to rural and peaceful home surroundings among familiar scenes and friends.