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Thomas Martindale

1845 – 1916

English-born American merchant, grocer

GrocerMerchant Community leader
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About Thomas Martindale

Lived 1845 – 1916 (aged 70–71). Thomas Martindale was a British and American grocer, merchant, community leader, author and importer.

Thomas Martindale (1845–1916) was an English-born American merchant, grocer, tea importer, and author. He founded Martindale and Johnson Thomas Martindale Company, and Martindale's Natural Markets, his stores are thought to be the first natural foods store in the United States. He then spent some time in Canada.

Martindale founded a grocery store in Oil City, Pennsylvania in 1869. Some sources state he co-owned the first grocery store in Oil City in 1869, but then bought out his partner. A Strawbridge and Clothier publishing department had published his book, Sport Royal, I Warrant You (1897) and the book was displayed amongst his "hunting trophies" in the department store window. Martindale was active in political issues facing grocers, such as a proposed bill requiring products be sold by weights and measures in 1911.

Death and legacy Martindale died on a hunting expedition in British Columbia. The Martindale family maintained a presence at the store until 1991.

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Important facts

Born
1845
Birth century
Died
1916
Occupation
Grocer, merchant, community leader, author, importer

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Thomas Martindale's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Thomas Martindale?

English-born American merchant, grocer (1845–1916)

When was Thomas Martindale born?

Thomas Martindale was born in 1845.

When did Thomas Martindale die?

Thomas Martindale died in 1916.

What was Thomas Martindale's occupation?

Thomas Martindale was a grocer, merchant, community leader, author and importer.

What nationality was Thomas Martindale?

Thomas Martindale was British and American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Thomas Martindale

· Wikidata: Q110941117

· DBpedia: Thomas Martindale

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Thomas Martindale. https://biography.guide/thomas-martindale/

MLA: "Thomas Martindale." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/thomas-martindale/.

Chicago: "Thomas Martindale." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/thomas-martindale/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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