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.
This unrecorded named man was previously enslaved by Samuel Stoner. Stoner's sales bill shows that this unrecorded man was sold to F.G.J.L. James and Co. for $650.00.
John Johnston's will stipulated that two enslaved people "of suitable ages" with his grandsosns, John and John, "be delivered to their parents in trust" as soon as his wife could conveniently do so. John and John are said to be William's son and Elizabeth's son.
John Johnston's will stipulated that two enslaved people "of suitable ages" with his grandsosns, John and John, "be delivered to their parents in trust" as soon as his wife could conveniently do so. John and John are said to be William's son and Elizabeth's son.
This unrecorded named child was the child of an enslaved woman named Jenny. They were both previously owned by Samuel Stoner. A valuation of $299.00 was placed on Jenny and her child. This child and their mother Jenny were then purchased by George Ground.
Matilda and her child were previously enslaved by Samuel Stoner. Stoner's sales bill shows that a value of $600.00 was placed on Matilda and her child.
Sarver willed "the 'title' to Amy if she paid for her freedom, and noted that if she could not pay for her freedom "she and her 2 Unidentified children are to remain with [Sarver's] mother." The tile of freedom is likely referring to manumission.
Sarver willed "the 'title' to Amy if she paid for her freedom, and noted that if she could not pay for her freedom "she and her 2 Unidentified children are to remain with [Sarver's] mother." The tile of freedom is likely referring to manumission.
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.