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.
In the will of Sarah Betts, found in IAS Book 3 Cyphax is listed alongside Juby, Ishmael, 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.
Sarah Betts' will requested that the family of Claiborne and Anne, as well as their infant Sally Betts, are granted the option of freedom or remaining with the family at the risk of being sold. This was a first step in the manumission of the Scott family.
"1860 June 16: Cash recieved under decre of the county court of Caroline County, being 1/10 of proceeds of 'slaves' of the estate of Richard B. White." A value of $1950.00 was listed.
A value of $600.00 was placed on Charlotte. In December of 1858, Charlotte was hired out for $80.00. In 1859, Charlotte was hired out for $80.00. On December 31, 1859, Charlotte was hired out for $40.00 for the year of 1860.
Andy, Margaret, and Charlotte were enslaved under the estate of which Josephine and M.G. Barnett inherited, and that David Shanks managed as guardian. Plans were made to hire out Charlotte to J.M. Thomas for the year of 1856, with a valuation of $76.00. However, by order of the Roanoke County Court, these three enslaved people were to be given to Ann R. Earnest (formerly Ann Barnett), as part of her dowry following the death of Charles L. Barnett.
Andy, Margaret, and Charlotte were enslaved under the estate of which Josephine and M.G. Barnett inherited, and that David Shanks managed as guardian. Plans were made to hire out Charlotte to J.M. Thomas, Margaret to A.M. Lanz, Andy to William L. Walton. However, by order of the Roanoke County Court, these three enslaved people were to be given to Ann R. Earnest (formerly Ann Barnett), as part of her dowry following the death of Charles L. Barnett.
Charles was an enslaved man previously owned by David Gish. Charles had a value of $300.00 placed on him. Based on the Commissioner Report of Slaves and Division of Property of David Gish, Charles would be taken in by Jacob P. Brugh.
In the appraisement bill of Thomas C. Read's personal property, a value of $1,000.00 was placed on Caroline and an unnamed child. This child was most likely related to Caroline but it is not mentioned specifically in the record.