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Overton kept detailed records in his tax collection book |
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In 1795, John Overton was appointed Supervisor of Revenue for the
Southwest Territory. His job was to collect taxes on luxury items,
especially from the 450 liquor distilleries operating in the territory.
Not surprisingly, this was not an easy job. Many resented the federal
government for collecting taxes. Land disputes between settlers
and Indians frequently resulted in armed clashes, and the federal
government had provided little military support to the settlers.
Overton’s ability to articulate the benefits of good relations
with the federal government and the necessity of the tax helped
calm tensions in the territory.
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