1803 antique HIGHWAY ROAD TAX LIST rupert vt SHELDON PHELPS LEACH history
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AI-assisted research note: This description was prepared with the help of AI tools. While care has been taken to read and interpret the document accurately, handwriting, damage, and period terminology may result in minor errors. Buyers are encouraged to review images closely and draw their own conclusions.

Original handwritten 1803 highway road tax list from RUPERT, VERMONT, documenting assessments levied on town residents for the maintenance and repair of public roads.

The document opens with a formal directive to AARON SHELDON, identified as Surveyor of Highways for the 2nd District of Rupert, instructing him to keep roads in good repair and to collect assessed sums from individuals listed. The return is formally dated May 24, 1803.

This manuscript functions as an early municipal infrastructure record, listing names, amounts assessed, and taxes owed — a valuable snapshot of civic responsibility in post-Revolutionary rural Vermont.

Named individuals include (partial list):

• AARON SHELDON, Surveyor of Highways

• MARY H. MATILDA SHELDON (minor / ward referenced)

• JULIA A. SHELDON

• DEBORAH SHELDON

• JAMES LEACH

• JOHN PHELPS

• ELKNA PHILLIPS

• SAMUEL PHILLIPS

• HENRY HARWOOD

• DANIEL DARLING

• MILTON SIKES

• ELISHA SIKES

• DAVID KIMBALL

• Additional members of the Sheldon, Phelps, Leach, Harwood, Phillips, Sikes, and Darling families

The reverse contains additional accounting entries and bears the signatures of Rupert town selectmen, indicating official review and acceptance of the highway tax accounting.

Historical & genealogical significance:

• Early 19th-century Vermont civic record

• Documents road maintenance taxation before modern tax systems

• Strong genealogical value, tying named residents to Rupert, VT in 1803

• Demonstrates how local infrastructure costs were distributed among households

Condition is consistent with age: toned paper, fold lines, edge wear, scattered staining, and ink show-through. Text remains legible throughout.

An excellent primary source for Vermont historians, Sheldon/Phelps/Leach family researchers, and collectors of early American municipal documents.

Authentic period piece related to family, history or local heritage - well-suited for historical collections, genealogical /genealogy research, or museum acquisition.  Vintage or Antique.

CONDITION:  See listing description and photos.











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