BIOGRAPHY: Jacob SINGER, Cambria County, PA 

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From Wiley, Samuel T., ed. Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of Cambria 
County, Pennsylvania. Philadelphia: Union Publishing Co., 1896, p. 256-7
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JACOB SINGER, one of the substantial farmers of Conemaugh township, Cambria 
county, Pennsylvania, is a well-known figure on the streets of Johnstown. 
Although he has passed the allotted three-score and ten he is still bright and 
active. Being born March 11, 1826, his memory extends back to pioneer times. In 
fact his maternal grandfather, Jacob Good, was one of the earliest settlers in 
this vicinity, having settled on the farm which our subject now occupies in the 
year 1796. This was four years before Joseph Johns laid out the “Town of 
Conemaugh” in the valley below the Good homestead.
     Our subject's father (David Singer) was born in York county, Pennsylvania, 
in 1790. When but two years of age his father died, and the family were thrown 
on their own resources. At the age of fifteen years he found his way to Cambria 
county, which was formed the same year by act of legislature, although the first 
court was not held until two years later, when the organization of the new 
county was completed.
     This lad of fifteen had to make his own way among entire strangers in a new 
country, but was successful. When he grew to manhood he married Mary Good, 
daughter of Jacob Good, and purchased the old Good homestead, where he resided 
until his death in 1850. He had learned the trade of a weaver, but followed 
farming all his life. His wife, the mother of our subject, survived until 1858. 
They were the parents of thirteen children: Christiana, wife of John B. Horner; 
John, who died at the age of sixty-three; Mary; Susan, wife of ex-Sheriff John 
Roberts; Elizabeth, wife of Morganza Brown; Barbara, Jacob, David, Samuel, 
Aaron, Sarah, wife of John Carrol; Catherine and Christian.
     Of these Mrs. Horner, Carrol, Aaron and Jacob are all that survive. David 
Singer and his wife were honest, God fearing and industrious; in religion they 
are adherents to the sect known as Dunkards of German Baptists.
     Jacob Singer grew up on his father's farm and attended the district school, 
but his educational advantages were very meagre. He finally became the owner of 
this valuable farm of one hundred and eight-eight acres, all underlaid with 
coal. He is possessed of abundant means, but cannot be induced to leave the old 
farm, where his life has been spent, to enjoy the comforts and luxuries of city 
life.
     While he is an earnest republican and takes a deep interest in his party's 
success he has never sought for office. During the Civil War he was appointed 
enrolling officer for Conemaugh, Taylor and Yoder townships, and held that 
office until Lee surrendered. He still takes an active interest in local 
politics.