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.
Black Tim was previously enslaved by Samuel Stoner. Stoner's sales bill shows that a valuation of $650.00 was placed on Black Tim. F. James and J.L. James purchased Black Tim from Samuel Stoner.
A value of $200.00 was placed on Bill at the time he was listed in IAS 1, and he was sold to William Johnston. He was described as unsound. In IAS 2, which contains the appraisal of Johnston's estate, a value of $500.00, was placed on Billy. In 1854, a value of $388.25 was placed on him when he was sold in Lynchburg, as recorded in IAS 3.
In the IAS book, Jane Lewis states "that said negro man be disposed of and employed by their mother in any way she may deem best to promote the interest of the said children."
While most of the above enslaved people were listed in two separate appraisements, Betty (alongside Nannie) is one of two who only appears in the appraisement in IAS Book 1, page 210. In this appraisement, Betty and her husband Barnett are grouped together and "taken for nothing," by B. Craig. This lack of valuation likely means both Betty and Barnett were disabled, ill, or elderly.
According to both records, Betsey was bequeathed to Fanny W. Farly alongside Lany, Davy, Robert, Mary, Charles, Martha Ann, and Dick. Upon Fanny's passing, these enslaved people were to be divided equally between the enslaver's children.
Benjamin Hawley is listed in an indenture agreement: “unto the said Benjamin Hawley a girl of colour by the name of Magdeline Saunders until she arrives to the age of 21 years…the 22nd day of June 1858…”
In the record, it is stated that "Jacob a man" was "hired out" to Benjamin Deyerle for $65.00 from a list of enslaved individuals associated with Thomas Fowler.
In the first IAS Book 1 appraisement, a value of $25.00 was placed on Barnett; this value could indicate that Barnett was disabled, ill, or elderly. This is confirmed by the appraisement in IAS Book 1 on page 210 in which Betty and Barnett are grouped together "taken for nothing," by B. Craig.
In the record, it is stated that "Joseph a man" was "hired out" to Aron Burns for $38.00 from a list that included several other enslaved individuals associated with Thomas Fowler.
Ann was valued alongside with her mother Rachel and her sister Elizabeth. All together, a valuation of $600.00 was placed on the family in one appraisement, and a valuation of $650.00 was placed on the family in a later appraisement.
In the record, it is stated that Ann was bequeathed to Thomas Fowler's daughter along with his mother, Jane, his siblings (Oly, Creed, and Counsellar), and Ellender and her child.
George Sarver willed Amy to his father, James Sarver, which he noted was a part of his mother's (Catharine Sarver) inheritance of his grandfather Walker's estate.