1860s E. R. Skinner Montpelier VT 5 Cents Merchant Scrip Note - Uncirculated Remainder - 1860s Vermont Merchant Five Cent Scrip Note

This listing is for the photographed 1860s E. R. Skinner 5 Cent Montpelier VT Merchant Scrip Remainder Note. This note was printed for the merchant E. R. Skinner of Montpelier, Vermont. It is an unissued remainder, meaning that it was never circulated, having no signature, date, or serial number. The note features a green printed design on the reverse, which is a rare find among obsolete scrip notes, as most have blank backs. Almost Uncirculated (AU) grade/condition, little to no folds and other signs of circulation, crisp note! Great find with an incredibly interesting history!

Eliab Reed Skinner was born in 1819 in Brookfield, Vermont. He got a common school education in Brookfield and Chelsea, VT, before he attended a private school under the tutelage of Reverend Dow, a local wealthy benefactor who Skinner lived with for several years during his schooling and early career. He worked as a butcher in Chelsea until 1852, after which he began working as a wholesale dealer of staple and fancy goods. In 1858 he moved to Montpelier, VT, where he further expanded his business, having trade routes through the entire northern part of the state. In the 1860s he issued merchant scrip like this note, which was a common business tactic used by local merchants of the period. His wholesale business remained successful for nearly two decades, hiring several four-horse teams to travel across the state and beyond delivering goods. He stepped back from control of the business in 1875, leaving his partners and employees to continue the business. He died in 1901 in Montpelier. 

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1860s E. R. Skinner Montpelier VT 5 Cents Merchant Scrip Note - Uncirculated Remainder - 1860s Vermont Merchant Five Cent Scrip Note