In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1834, Perry county
From A genealogical and biographical history of Keokuk County, Iowa .. (1903)
CHARLES F. SINGMASTER.
Charles F. Singmaster was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, February 29, 1834. and came to Keokuk dainty. Iowa, in 1844. with his father. Samuel Singmaster. of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. He was reared on the farm and early in life became ciated with his father and brothers in the importation and sale of high-class draft hor>es. The style of the linn was Singmaster and Son-, and later Singmaster Bros. In 1891, at the death of William Singmaster. our subject dissolved partnership with his father and his brother Thomas, and established the firm of Singmaster & Sons, he being the senior member of the firm and his sons, J. Omer and Charles A., constituting the other member- Locating about two miles north of Keota the firm has since maintained their horse ranch here. The farm is known as "Maple-hurst." and here are ten large barns, and other ern facilities for the care of their horses, and Mr. Singmaster has a large and modern residence; just across the road in a pleasing cottage home resides his son Charles A., while his son J. Omer and only daughter resides in the parental home.
Mr. Singmaster was married in 1867 to Mary Ann McCarty. daughter of Charles and Mary (Collins) McCarty. Six children were born unto the marriage, three of whom. Samuel,.Mice and Tressa are deceased, those living being J. Omer. who married Edna
\ ercheval; Lharles A., who married Sadie McFarlane; and Sophia, unjnarried.
The firm of Singmaster & Sons is second to no other firm of horse importers in this country. They import and breed Percheron, Belgian, Clyde and Shire drafts, the preference being the Percheron, which our subject deems to meet the largest demand and in his jud \ merit is the best of all draft horses. The sales and shipping barn is located in the town of Keota, and is a model barn, attractive and convenient. Much credit for the splendid success of the firm is due the excellent business judgment and unflagging energy of our subject. He is a hard worker, and carries his undertakings to a successful issue with noticeable determination.
His son. J. Omer, is the purchaser in Europe and mi his judgment much depends; he has gained an enviable reputation among Americans visiting Europe to purchase horses. Charles A. assists his father in the sale of the horses, and. like his father, is a man of energy and splendid business judgement.
As printed in A genealogical and biographical history of Keokuk County, Iowa .. (1903). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1903. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.