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 of $76.00 was placed placed on Charlotte to be hired out to J.M. Thomas for the year of 1856 from David C. Shanks, before she was instead bequeathed to Ann R. Earnest.
In the will of Sarah Betts, found in IAS Book 3 Ishmael is listed alongside Cyphax, Juby, and Royall. The will states that Sarah Betts' executors are directed to sell and pay the proceeds to Elizabeth Dufong or the trustees of her.
In the will of Sarah Betts, it is listed that Isaiah and the other enslaved individuals listed above be divided equally between Sally Betts Jones, Josephine W. Jones, and Paul James Jr.
In the settlement of estate of Henry E. Blair, it is recorded that he was the guardian of Andrew J. Mary, John T. Edward, Georgiana Barnes, William Bird Barnes, and all of Aaron Barnes' children. He left Elizabeth Barnes $239.67.
Henry is mentioned in the will of Edward Watts, who is discussing the passing of property to his son, William. Edward Watts stated: "...also all of the slaves which may be on the land at that time except Robert, in whose place I give him Henry, the son of Anthony..."
Henry had an enslaved brother named Harrison and an enslaved mother named Rose. In the will of Jacob Murray, Rose will be allowed to chose a new master for herself and her children. Murray did not want them to be sold publicly or taken away by strangers. However, Henry was later purchased by Mrs. C. Murray for $500.00; if Mrs. C. Murray was Jacob Murray's wife or another close family member, it is possible Henry was still kept with his family. In the Appraisement of Property of Jacob Murray, a value of $500.00 was placed on Henry.
In IAS Book 4, the partition of the lands and other property of Edward Watts, Henry is listed among the enslaved individuals that were bequeathed to Edward Watts's son, Col. William Watts. A value of $2,800.00 was placed on Henry.
In the IAS Book 4, an entry under Charles E. Oliver, guardian of Ann Rosaltha, states, " To hire of man Henry to Stover" with a value of $135.75. This could be Joel C. Stover.
In the will of Sarah Betts, it is listed that Henry and the other enslaved individuals listed above be divided equally between Sally Betts Jones, Josephine W. Jones, and Paul James Jr.