English Proprietors jail Samuel Baldwin for
not paying property tax.
In 1745, the English proprietors jailed Samuel Baldwin for
not paying his 40-shilling tax per acre.
This arrest enraged the Mountain Society. Armed with clubs,
axes and crowbars, they stormed the county jail in Newark, broke
down the door, and freed Baldwin. The proprietors arrested 27
rioters, which led to even greater riots. Repeated arrests were
made, but each time the Mountain Society came back to the jail to
free their friends and neighbors.
Further Resources of Interest on this
subject: