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.
Elizabeth Riffee willed a woman named Nancy and her son John to a John Smith of Kentucky. If this John Smith of Kentucky is the same John Smith in which Nance is listed, then Nancy and Nance are likely the same person. However, there were at least 8 men named John Smith living in Roanoke around 1850, the time of these records, so this connection cannot be assumed.
Mrs. Saunders is mentioned in a bill of complaint against Edward Watts, filed by William L. Morris, and on behalf of Martha Watts. The first division of enslaved people was divided between Mrs. Saunders and Mrs. Morris.
In IAS Book 2, it is stated that Cyrus Price and Moses Greer are administrators of the "will annexed of Thomas Fowler, deceased." Under the entry, it is also stated that a claim against John Pitzer "for hire of his negro and lost on account of sickness of negro" with the price of $40.00 also listed.
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."
Mathew Harvey is the father of Irvin P. Henry. Patterson Hannah bequeathed Henry Clay, Edward, and Stephen to 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.
Daughter of David Gish. Her father's will stipulated that she would inherit a male slave named Bob. If Mary Eliza Gish were to pass, Bob would go to any of the remaining Gish children. She was also bequeathed Tom, Dely, Mary, and Patsy, to her and brother George Gish.
In the will of Sarah Betts, found in IAS Book 3, it is listed that Mary and the other enslaved individuals listed above be divided equally between Sally Betts Jones, Josephine W. Jones, and Paul James Jr. It is also recorded that Mary would have been bequeathed along with her children, but there is no indication saying how many children she had or their names.
A value of $600.00 was placed on Mary in IAS2, and she is described as a girl. In IAS3, however, a value of $1,950.00 was placed on Susan, Mary, and Lucinda; Mary is described as a woman here. William Johnston bequeathed Mary to Lucy Johnson.
Lousia Dillard's will stipulated that Mary would be bequeathed to the daughter of Benjamin Harris. The name of the daughter is not written in the Will Book. The IAS Book 2 clarifies that the names of his daughters are Elizabeth and Sarah.
David Gish's will stipulated that if his wife and children are deceased then the enslaved would go to his remaining heirs.
A value of $500.00 was placed on Mary.