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.
Matilda and her child were previously enslaved by Samuel Stoner. Stoner's sales bill shows that a valuation of $600.00 was placed on Matilda and her child. Matilda and her child were then purchased by Mrs. Stoner.
Based on Will Book 1 and IAS 1, it can be assumed that Michael Shepard's grandson is Susan Brown's son. The grandson's name is not recorded. Matilda was bequeathed to Susan Brown, Michael Shepard's daughter.
Farly's 1846 will stipulated that Dick, Lany, Robert, Mary, Charles, and Betsey be bequeathed to his widow, Fanny W. Farly. Upon her passing, these enslaved people were to be divided equally between the enslaver's children.
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.
Magdeline Saunders was 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…”