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.
Anthony 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..."
Sarah Betts' will requested that the family of Claiborn 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.
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.
In the will of Sarah Betts, it is listed that Ann and the other enslaved individuals listed above be divided equally between Sally Betts Jones, Josephine W. Jones, and Paul James Jr.
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 Andy to William L. Walton for the year of 1856, with a valuation of $130.00. 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.
In the appraisement bill of Thomas C. Read's personal property, a value of $900.00 was placed on Anarchy and child. This child was most likely related to Anarchy but it is not specifically mentioned in the record.
While IAS book 2 mentions an Amanda bequeathed to Laura Reed, and an Amanda connected to Little Tom bequeathed to Nugent M. Reed and Ann W. Dennis, who are assumed to be separate people. However, in Will Book 1 a woman named Amanda was bequeathed to Laura Reed, and then "the children of Amanda and little Tom together" were bequeathed to Nugent M. Reed. Thus, Amanda may have been one person who was separated from her children. While they have been input as two separate people, you can view the information for the other Amanda bequeathed to Laura Reed attached below.
In the will of Murray, Alexander was allowed "to hire himself out, from year to year," and was allowed "to receive, and to make use of his own wages, as he pleases provided he shall conduct himself in a proper and orderly manner." It is also mentioned that Murray directed that his wife and his adopted son, James R. Burchatt, "shall each bind themselves to pay an equal amount, towards his support, if it shall become necessary." In the Appraisement of Property of Murray, a value of $800.00 was placed on Alexander.
In the appraisement bill of Thomas C. Read's personal property, a value of $1,000.00 was placed on Alcy and child. This child was most likely related to Alcy but it is not specifically mentioned in the record.