In 1875, the tax records record either the residence (address) of the property in town lots and blocks or the legal description (section, township and range) and number of acres the property holds. It gives a valuation of the property and of the improvements. It makes an assessment of the capital investment in merchandise and manufacturing, how much is held in money and credits, shares and stocks. It notes household property, jewelry, gold and silver, the number and value of: clocks and watches, musical instruments, carriages and vehicles, horses, mules, cattle, sheep and other animals. It sums up by giving a valuation of all other property, and a total valuation. It lists how many polls (men able to vote), and remarks. Looking at the tax assessment role will give you a pretty good indication of how these people lived and worked.