Newport Poor Tax of 1797 showing property owners, their total assessed worth and the tax due.
April is here and the Tax Man is lurking around every corner. In earlier times, taxes were ordered by the town and colony for the annual budget and specific projects such as building construction, military support and aid to the poor. In 1662 the General Assembly ordered a tax to help pay for John Clarke’s living expenses and passage from London to Newport. He arrived safely the following year with his luggage, carry-on bag and a box of parchment affectionately known as the King Charles Charter.