Mr. Singer was born on Union Hill, Hudson County, N. J., July 13, 1868. There his parents have resided for over thirty-two years, and the property owned by his father, at the corner of Palisade Avenue and Franklin Street, was the scene of the first mass meeting held for the purpose of hearing the town charter publicly read. When Charles was three years old the family moved to Utica, N. Y. Later they lived in Syracuse and in Buffalo in that State, and in San Francisco, Cal., but when he was eleven years of age they returned to Union Hill, N. J., where they have since remained. Mr. Singer was graduated with honor from the public schools of his native town in 1882, and also attended a private school, developing in these institutions a naturally bright and quick intellect, and, despite his fun-loving disposition, being always studious and observing. After leaving school he entered the employ of the great silk manufacturing firm of Givernaud Brothers, where he remained fourteen years. During the greater part of this period he held a most responsible position as one of the managing clerks of the concern.

He has been a member of the Democratic Town General Committee since he attained his majority (1889), and for five years he has been President of the First (old Third) Ward Democratic Club of the Town of Union. He was also an organizer and the first Secretary and is still a member of the Democratic Central Organization. In politics he has always been a leader of recognized ability, but never sought office. He declined all political preferment until April. 1896, when he was urged to accept the nomination for Town Clerk, which he did, though much against his wishes. He was elected by a large majority, and in April, 1899, was re-elected for a second term of three years without opposition. In accepting this office he sacrificed, in a measure, the bright and promising prospects which appeared open for him in a business career, but the selection of him as a candidate has more than justified the wisdom of the choice. He has conducted the town's affairs in a thorough, business-like manner, creditable to himself and his constituents, and most satisfactory to all classes of citizens irrespective of party. With characteristic energy and application he entered upon his duties as Town Clerk, which he has discharged for more than four years with great fidelity and honor. He has proven himself more than equal to his task, and is acknowledged to be one of the best clerks the Town of Union ever had.