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.
Moses is an enslaved man previously owned by David Gish. Moses had a value of $450.00 placed on him. Based on the Commissioner Report of Slaves and Division of Property of David Gish, Moses would be taken in by Polly Brugh (Polly Gish).
In the appraisement bill of Thomas C. Read's personal property, a value of $1,200.00 was placed on Minna and Brenda. In the record, it also states that Minna and Brenda were twins.
In the will of Sarah Betts, it is listed that Minerva and the other enslaved individuals listed above be divided equally between Sally Betts Jones, Josephine W. Jones, and Paul James Jr. It is also recorded that Minerva would have been bequeathed along with her children, but there is no indication saying how many children she had or their names.
A value of $600.00 was placed on Milly. It is unclear who Milly was devised to, but it is possible that she was also devised to E.B. McClanahan since the rest of her family were also devised to McClanahan.
Jacob Fowler's will stipulated that Mildred choose the child that she wanted to be inherited to due to her being "too old and worthless". This would indicate old age/inability to do work and she was to be supported via the estate.
Melvin was an enslaved man previously owned by David Gish. Melvin had a value of $300.00 placed on him. Based on the Commissioner Report of Slaves and Division of Property of David Gish, Melvin would be taken in by John Brugh.
Bequeathed the above enslaved people by Sarah Betts, alongside the following people. These enslavers likely split up the above individuals amongst their own estates.
Mathew Harvey is the father of Irvin P. Henry. Patterson Hannah bequeathed Henry Clay, Edward, and Stephen to Henry, who would obtain them when he became 21 years old. Until that time, Matthew Harvey was to "have the services" of those three enslaved people.
In the Settlement of Estates of Sarah Betts, it is written that Mason, and the other enslaved individuals listed above, would be sold to Elizabeth McClanahan. In this same entry, it is written that, "cash amount of valuation of Mason, Julius, Maria, and Evaline, deserted by will to be sold and taken by Elizabeth McClanahan at valuation of agreement of parties." The valuation of the enslaved people listed alongside him was $2,300.00.
In the will of Sarah Betts, as found in IAS Book 3, Mary Ward is listed as to receive proceeds from Marrian, Julia, Maria, and Evaline. It is also listed that she would receive a "specific legacy" known as Venus. The enslaved people listed below were bought by Elizabeth McClanahan.
A value of $600.00 was placed on Mary in IAS2, and she is described as a girl. In IAS3, however, a value of $1,950.00 was placed on Susan, Mary, and Lucinda; Mary is described as a woman here. William Johnston bequeathed Mary to Lucy Johnson.
David Gish's will stipulated that if his wife and children are deceased then the enslaved would go to his remaining heirs.
A value of $500.00 was placed on Mary.