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 IAS Book 1, it is stated that William was "hired out" to Cyrus Price for $60.00 from a list that included several other enslaved individuals associated with Thomas Fowler.
In the record, it is stated that Creed was bequeathed to Thomas Fowler's daughter along with his mother, Jane, his siblings (Oly, Ann, and Counsellar), and Ellender and her child.
In the record, it is stated that Counsellar was bequeathed to Thomas Fowler's daughter along with his mother, Jane, his siblings (Oly, Creed, and Ann), and Ellender and her child.
Charles Nelson was listed in an indenture agreement: "...I bind Charles Nelson a boy of color unto the said David Sloan until he arrives to the age of twenty one years...April 1847..."
There is a possible connection to Louisa Dillard and the "negro woman Mary" mentioned in Louisa Dillard's will. These individuals could be the same person or two separate people but the record does not state a connection between the two.
In the IAS book 1, no valuation was listed for Tom and Charles. Tom and Charles were listed alongside one another, likely due to the fact neither of them had a value placed upon them. This lack of valuation may indicate that they were disabled, elderly, or infirm.
In the IAS book 1, Joseph Woods placed on Charles a valuation of $35.00. This relatively low valuation likely means Charles was disabled, elderly, or infirm.
Henry Snyder is the husband of Catharine Snyder. He bequeathed to her "one negro woman and her increase named Eliza..." His will states that, once Catharine passes, the two are to be sold with all the land to the executor for profit.
In his will, George Sarver bequeathed Laelok (or Zaddok) to his mother, Catharine Sarver. George Sarver wrote that Amy was entitled to her "title," but that if she could not pay for her freedom then her and her two unrecorded named children were to be willed to his mother Catharine as well.
Jane was valued alongside with her two children, Lucy and Catharine. A valuation of $600.00 was placed on the family. They were purchased by John Johnston at the estate sale of William Walton.