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.
Peyton is mentioned in a bill of complaint filed against his enslaver, Edward Watts. The document states that Peyton was sold because of his refractory conduct. A value of $580.00 was placed on Peyton. He may have absconded.
Patterson Hannah bequeathed Henry Clay, Edward, and Stephen to Ivin P. Henry, who would obtain them when he became 21 years old. Until that time, Matthew Harvey was to "have the services" of those three enslaved people.
David Gish's will stipulated that if his wife and children are deceased, then the enslaved would go to his remaining heirs.
A valuation was placed on Patsey and her two children of $800.
Ann N. Branch bequeathed Collin, Paulina, Margaret, Caroline, Amanda and "Little Tom" to Ann W. Dennis and Nugent M. Reed. In the will, these enslaved people were only bequeathed to Nugent M. Reed. It was specifically stated in the will that the children of Amanda and "little Tom" stay together. In the will, there is no further mentions of the children or their relationships beyond that Amanda had an unknown number of children. In IAS book 2, Amanda and Tom's children may be Margaret and Caroline, but the way their names are transcribed makes it unclear.
Lucy McClanahan's will requested Milly and Nelson, as "elder servants," had a sufficient amount of money retained to support them "as long as they live."
Nancy and an unrecorded named girl were previously owned by Joseph Woods. They were both bequeathed to John Ballard. The will testament shows that Nancy and the child were living with Martha Ballard.