Biography - Thomas Singer
THOMAS SINGER. It seems odd that while our Teutonic neighbors are
generally conceded to be rather phlegmatic and slow, and notoriously a
home-loving people, that at the same time they should be among the widest
traveled people and have accomplished more in advancement, in the general
sciences, than any other nationality. Our subject, Thomas Singer, who
resides on his farm located on section 6, Tower Hill Township, Shelby
County, is a German by birth and education, and his life has been one of
varied experiences. Reared as a farmer lad in his own country, he had a
taste for military training to which the lads of Germany are subjected.
Mr. Singer was born in Bavaria, Germany, November 8, 1831. He is a son of
John and Caroline (Dorn) Singer, and is the only one of the family who have
left the home nest and dared the dangers of the three thousand miles of
ocean, to come to the United States. A half-brother, John Haberlein, came
with him. Our subject came hither in 1852 and after landing proceeded to
Fairfield County, Ohio, where for some time he was engaged in work as a
hostler.
In 1856. when the gold fever was at its height in California, the original
of our sketch crossed the plains in order to seek his fortune in the land
then productive of the precious metal, now yielding the richest harvest in
its fruits and woods. He there remained for ten years, during that time
being engaged as a farm hand for seven years, after which he kept a dairy
near San Jose. He was reasonably successful in a financial way while West,
although he had to contend with much sickness in his family. In 1866, he
returned to the Central States, locating in Shelby County, where he
purchased land upon which he now resides. This tract was originally railroad
land and at the time of his location was virgin soil, its only product
having been the wild flowers of the prairie; for this he paid $13 and $16
per acre. He now owns one hundred and thirty-one and a third acres, which is
thoroughly improved and in a fine state of cultivation, the changes having
been made by his own efforts.
Mr. Singer has erected a good farm residence upon his place. It is quite
new, having been built in 1890. Just before his removal to California, our
subject united himself for better or worse to Catherine Leyh. She was born
in Fairfield County, Ohio, and was of German parentage, her parents being
Nicholas and Elizabeth (Arnolt) Leyh. Several children have come to gladden
the hearts and homes of their affectionate parents. Their names are John,
George, Thomas, August, Elizabeth, Henry, Ellen and Clara. Politically Mr.
Singer favors the Democratic party, its broad platform more nearly
approaching the idea which in early life he formed of the freedom of
government in America. He, with his family, is a member of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church.
Extracted 17 Aug 2020 by Norma Hass from 1891 Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties Illinois, pages 695-696.
