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.
In Will Book 1, George Howbert willed Samuel and Peter to his son "and his future heirs," and while his son's name is not recorded here it is presumed to be Samuel Howbert. In IAS 1, Howbert willed Peter (but with no mention of Samuel) to his son Samuel, who in this case was explicitly recorded.
In IAS 1, George Howbert willed Peter to his son Samuel under the condition that George had not already sold Samuel by the time of George's death. In Will Book 1, George Howbert said Samuel could be sold "for any value."
George Campbell was listed in an indenture agreement: “...bind unto the said Lewis Zirkle a boy of colour named George Campbell until he arrives to the free age of twenty one which will be on the 25th day of June 1854.”
A value of $500.00 was placed on George.
"To my son George Gish a boy named George… boy will be under the control of my wife should she remain a widow until my son arrives to age of twenty or marry, which ever may happen first."
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.
Maria, Patience, Amelia, William, Henry, Blanch, Priscilla, Harriett, Peggy, James, and Mary were all bequeathed to Frances Deaton's husband, according to her will. They were "to be hired out to others to pay off the Deaton family's debt of $650," at least $500.00 of which was due to John Foster, and "the enslaved individuals are to be freed after" the debt was paid. After this debt was paid, they were to be hired out raise $650.00 for Deatin's children.
Once freed they were to be set up with jobs locally and able to keep their earnings, living on the family land until they had enough funds to relocate to a free state. They had the option to decline this offer and pick another "master" or "mistress." Though the wording may have seemed simple, the process for the manumission of enslaved individuals was a more complicated process.
Frances was likely disabled or ill, as she was recorded as "not healthy." A valuation of $300.00 was placed on her in one appraisement, and a valuation of $250.00 was placed on her in a later appraisement.
F. Johnston is listed as the administrator for Fleming James in the IAS Book 4. In the appraisement of Fleming James' property, two entries are listed mentioned enslaved people. One of these entries states, "To recd. of Mrs. A. James, balance of many in her hands at the time of F. James death, after deducting burial expenses + clothing for servants" with a value of $166.45. Another entry states, "Deduct this sum for Mrs. C. P. Jones, Richmond for interest of her children in land + negroes per decree of court" with a final value of $3,585.76. The original amount listed was $3,923.09 but was subtracted from to get the final amount listed.
William Farly's 1846 will stipulated that the enslaved people listed above be bequeathed to his widow, Fanny W. Farly. Upon her passing, these enslaved people were to be divided equally between the enslaver's children.