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.
Bequeathed an unknown number of enslaved individuals to be split between his daughters. His daughters' names are Julianna, Elizabeth, Matilda, Lucinda, Jane, and Sarah.
Jane Lewis' will stipulated that Washington was to be emancipated after paying $300.00 over the course of three years. Her will also stipulated that should Washington want to remain in Virginia, he could.
John Johnston's will stipulated that two enslaved people "of suitable ages" with his grandsons, 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 Hubbard was previously enslaved by Samuel Stoner. Stoner's sales bill shows that a valuation of $105.00 was placed on John Hubbard. Hubbard was then purchased by Henry S. Langhorn.
It is stated that George a man was hired out to John Arthur from a list that included several other enslaved individuals associated with Thomas Fowler.
In the appraisement of Thomas Fowler's personal property, Moses, Nancy and John were listed on the same line and a value of $900.00 was placed on them.
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 grandsons, 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.