Career
In 1752 he created the Syng inkstand, which was used to sign the United States Declaration of Independence and United States Constitution. He was a founding trustee of the Academy and College of Philadelphia (now the University of Pennsylvania), serving from 1749 to 1773. Syng was also elected to various public offices including city assessor, warden of the port, and treasurer of the city and county of Philadelphia.
Syng died in Philadelphia in 1789, and is buried at Christ Church Burial Ground.