August 19 Tuesday – The New York Times, Aug. 20, p.8 reported on Sam’s attempts to lower the tax assessment on his Tarrytown property, dateline Aug. 19.
MARK TWAIN PROTESTS.
One of Those Who Think Their Property Is Assessed Too Highly.
TARRYTOWN, N. Y., Aug. 19.—This was grievance day in the towns of Mount Pleasant and Greenburg. Unlike former years, there were very few objections to the assessments. This was due to the fact that in both towns the valuations remained practically the same as last year.
Mark Twain was one of those protesting. He had Henry C. Griffin to represent him. When Mr. Clemens purchased his home here, he paid $47,000 for it. The village Assessors fixed its taxable value at $70,000. There was no protest because he did not know of the assessment until too late to enter objection. The town Assessors were more moderate, and placed the value at $50,000. Mr. Griffin asked that this be reduced to $45,000, which he asserted was a fair valuation.