Actively connected with the agricultural interests of Bethel township, John Singer was born in the village of Brandt, October 2, 1848, and is a representative of one of the honored pioneer families of Miami county. His ancestors came to this section of the state at an early period in its development, when the most far- sighted could not have dreamed of the changes which were soon to occur and produce the transformation, placing this part of Ohio on a par with the older settled regions of the east. The forests were uncut, the prairies uncultivated and the labor of development remained for the future. The parents of our subject were John and Elizabeth (Arnold) Singer, and it was Jacob Arnold, the maternal grandfather, who came to Miami county in pioneer days, locating near Brandt when only seven years old. The great-grandfather also bore the name of Jacob Arnold, and was a native of Germany. When a young man he crossed the Atlantic to the new world, taking up his abode in Kentucky, where he was married. Subsequently he removed to Greene county, Ohio, and two years later took up his abode in Wayne township, Montgomery county, where his family remained for many years. John Singer, the father of our subject, was also born of German parentage, and by trade was a shoemaker. He was twice married, his first union being with a Miss Bodiker, whom he wedded in Brandt. She died a year later, and their only child died in infancy. Mr. Singer worked at the shoemaker's trade and enjoyed a good business, furnishing employment to four or five men. During a portion of his business career he successfully conducted a grocery store. He was recognized as one of the leading representatives of the business interests of this community, and through his well- directed efforts he acquired a comfortable competence. His death occurred in 1860, when he had attained the age of forty-eight years. His wife, who was born in Montgomery county, survived him until June 17, 1894, when she, too, was called to her final rest, departing this life in Brandt. In their family were four children: John, whose name introduces this review; Mary, wife of David D. Mann, a farmer of Brandt; Elizabeth, wife of Michael Brenner, of Dayton, Ohio; and Anna Margaret, who died July 26, 1894 at the age of thirty-six years. Her death occurred just five weeks after her mother's demise.

John Singer spent his boyhood days at Brandt and in the common schools obtained his education. He was early trained to habits of industry upon the home farm, working the fields throughout the summer months. For a number of years he served as township assessor, and his capability and worth were widely recognized by his fellow townsmen. In 1880, however, he left the farm and engaged in the grocery business, in company with John Black. The partnership was maintained for fourteen years and was attended with excellent success. They also bought and shipped wool and clover seed, handling almost all the wool grown in this section of the state. Close application to business, sound judgment and earnest purpose brought to them success, and they made money rapidly. In 1894, however, Mr. Singer sold his interest in the store, but yet deals in wool and clover seed. He has made judicious investments in farming land and is now the owner of a valuable tract of land in Bethel township, near Brandt, and another farm in Lost Creek township, giving his personal supervision to the former. He has it well stocked with sheep for wool producing purposes, and annually sells a large amount of that product. His home is situated in the village of Brandt and is a very pleasant residence.

On the 20th of October, 1898, occurred the marriage of Mr. Singer and Miss Lana Hagen, a daughter of Augustus and Catherine (Smith) Hagen, of Elizabeth township, Miami county. Mrs. Singer was born in Minnesota, but during her early girlhood was brought by her parents to Ohio and spent the greater part of her early life in Miami county. She is a member of the Reformed church, of Alcony, and is a most estimable lady.

In 1895 Mr. Singer's partner was elected to the position of township treasurer, but his death occurred the following fall and his last request was that John Singer be selected to fill the vacancy. The trustees therefore appointed him, and the following spring he was elected to the office and has twice been re-elected without opposition, so that he is the present incumbent. He supports Democratic principles, often attends the conventions of his party and takes an active interest in its success and growth. In 1884 he was appointed postmaster and served four years, and in 1892 he was again appointed and served through Cleveland's second term. This office was not sought by him, but thrust upon him and he served his people well. Socially he is connected with the New Carlisle Lodge, No. 100, F. & A. M., but the greater part of his attention is given to his business affairs. In manner he is never ostentatious, but possesses that pure worth which cannot be hidden and which is always recognized by people of superiority. He is a type of the progressive spirit of the age--the spirit which has given marked preeminence along various business lines--and the undaunted enterprise, indomitable perseverance and resolute purpose which have ever characterized his career have been the means of raising him from a position of comparative obscurity to a leading place in the ranks of the business men of Miami county.