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 appraisement bill of Thomas C. Read's personal property, a value of $1,000.00 was placed on Peggy and an unnamed child. This child and Peggy are most likely related but it is not mentioned specifically in the record.
In the will of Sarah Betts found in IAS Book 3, it is written that the enslaved people listed above should be divided equally between Sally Betts Jones, Josephine W. Jones, and Paul.
David Gish's will stipulated that if his wife and children are deceased, then the enslaved would go to his remaining heirs.
A valuation was placed on Patsey and her two children of $800.
In the will of Sarah Betts, it is listed that Patrick and the other enslaved individuals listed above be divided equally between Sally Betts Jones, Josephine W. Jones, and Paul James Jr.
Osborn was an enslaved man previously owned by David Gish. A value of $600.00 was placed on Osborn. Based on the Commissioner Report of Slaves and Division of Property of David Gish, Osborn would be taken in by Polly Burgh (Polly Gish).
Nancy was an enslaved woman previously owned by David Gish. A value of $750.00 was placed on Nancy. Based on the Commissioner Report of Slaves and Division of Property of David Gish, Nancy would be taken in by Jacob P. Brugh.
It is mentioned in the record that N. Harres had a "bond for hire" of a "negro girl Caroline" associated with Thomas C. Read. The value put on this bond was $60.00.