The Inventory, Appraisements, and Settlements books consist of a wide variety of record types. They include wills formatted similar to the will books, in which an enslaver would divide and bequeath enslaved people amongst their heirs, general relations, and friends. These wills were typically written when an enslaver was older but while they were still of “a sound mind and body,” according to their own language. Inheritors were not always specified, but may have been referenced implicitly, such as simply saying “[the enslaver’s] wife” rather than giving the wife’s name. The books also include estate appraisements and settlement of estates, in which a deceased enslaver’s whole estate and “possessions” would be cataloged and priced. This would include all household items, livestock, and in the case of enslavers, enslaved people would be listed as well, priced and at times sold to other enslavers. Settlement of estates were also recorded in which someone would list all of their trades, payments, and transactions with other people, including the hiring out of enslaved people to other enslavers. The money from such hires would go to the enslaver and not the enslaved person doing the labor. The information provided on enslaved people was largely dehumanizing and transactional, and the records provided herein are limited by this. It is also important to note that for every valuation of an enslaved person, there were white people who may or may not have been enslavers themselves but were actively involved in this aspect of the slave trade.
George, Zache, Mett, and Moses were bequeathed to Thomas Fowler's grandsons Lewis Taylor, Shelton Taylor, James Taylor, and Thomas Taylor to be divided equally between them all.
In the appraisement of Thomas Fowler's personal property, "Winna a woman," Liza, Martha, and Winna were listed on the same line and had an evaluation of $380 placed on them.
In the appraisement of Thomas Fowler's personal property, "Winna a woman," Liza, Martha, and Winna were listed on the same line and had an evaluation of $380.00 placed on them.
Evans sold Jerry to William Petit for $950.00, and sold Priscilla to John M. Betty for $100.00. He noted that he the sale value of Priscilla went to his wife, Elizabeth Evans.
William Johnston was the husband of Lucy Johnston. He bequeathed enslaved people to the individuals listed below. A valuation of $1,950.00 was placed on Mary and Susan. However, the remaining enslaved people were valued at $4,300.00. After being divided amongst seven heirs of William Johnston's estate, it came out to each share being $614.00.
Left Betsey, Charles, Martha Ann, Robert, Davy and Dick to his wife, Fanny W. Farly. Farly's executors to "sold" May, Claiborne, Cinder, Lucy, and Mary with their "future increases."
William wad an enslaved boy previously owned by Samuel Stoner. A valuation of $480.00 was placed on William. William was then purchased by Wm. Noffsinger.