Taxation with Representation

Taxation laws for Liberty County were established by the state in 1799.

There was a tax of 35¢ for every $100 value of land, and a tax of 31 3/4 cents on all free white males above the age of 21, and a 1/4 cent tax on all Negroes under the age of 50. There was a 15¢ tax on all free Negroes, mulattoes, and mulattoes above the age of 21.

There was a 37 1/2 cents tax for every $100 value of all lots, wharves, or other land not already covered by the new law, and a tax of 251/2 cents on every $100 value in trade by mer­chants, a $4 lax on lawyers and doctors, a $50 tax on billiard tables, and a $300 tax on faro and other such games.

There was a $4 tax on factors and brokers, and an 18 1/2 ­cents tax on every $100 value of all foreign wares, liquors, and merchandise sold, bartered, and trafficked by factors and brokers.

Tax relief for poor people was spelled out in the new law.

The Inferior Court collected all taxes. If a grievance arose, it could be resolved in a circuit court, on a new schedule in 1799, which met the fourth Monday of each March, and the fourth Monday in Liberty August in County Courthouse at Riceboro.