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.
A value of $600.00 was placed on Winston. In the record, he is described as being a boy which means he was likely still a child or minor at the time this was written.
In the IAS Book 4, F. Johnston is listed as the administrator for William M. Richards. One entry in the appraisement states, "To cash recd. in A. Bruce for hire of Lucy 1856" with a value of $41.20.
William Junius was a enslaved man previously owned by David Gish. William Junius had a value of $450.00 placed on him. Based on the Commissioner Report of Slaves and Division of Property of David Gish, William Junius would be taken in by Jacob B. Brugh.
William Johnston was the husband of Lucy Johnston. He bequeathed enslaved people to the individuals listed below. A valuation of $1,950.00 was placed on Mary and Susan. However, the remaining enslaved people were valued at $4,300.00. After being divided amongst seven heirs of William Johnston's estate, it came out to each share being $614.00.
William D. Sims gave Billy Howard and Stephen $50.00 a year for as long as they live, so long as Betty and David S. Read permit them to stay on their plantation. If they don't stay on the plantation, they'll be given $500.00 each so they may go where they please.
Willam was an enslaved man previously owned by David Gish. A value of $800.00 was placed on William. Based on the Commissioner Report of Slaves and Division of Property of David Gish, William would be taken in by Polly Brugh (Polly Gish).