By the early 20th century, the ranching industry that had spurred the growth of Atascosa County had begun to wane, and many large ranches were divided into smaller ranches, farms, and town lots. Recognizing the need to research title for the resulting real estate transactions, George M. Martin founded Martin Abstract Company in 1909. After Martin's death in 1917, A. N. Steinle, a Jourdanton attorney, purchased the company in 1919. His son, Glenn N. Steinle, owned and managed the business after returning from military service during World War II until his death in 1983, and afterward members of the Steinle family continued to own and operate it.