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.
Martha was an enslaved woman previously owned by David Gish. A value of $500.00 was placed on Nancy. Based on the Commissioner Report of Slaves and Division of Property of David Gish, Martha would be taken in by Polly Brugh (Polly Gish).
In the will of Sarah Betts, it is listed that Martha 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 Margaret to A.M. Lanz for the year of 1856, with a valuation of $50.00. 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.
John Persinger willed $800.00 to his wife Elizabeth which was "expended in the purchase of a negro woman named Malinda." A value of $700.00 was ultimately placed on Malinda in the appraisal of John Persinger's personal estate.
Magdalen Brubaker's settlement was under the guardianship of George Trout, May S. Trout, and Henry S. Trout. Another entry listed under John Trout lists the same individuals.
Stephen was enslaved by Jacob Murray. In the Sales Bill regarding Murray's estate, a value of $50.00 was placed on "Stephe." He was then bought by his wife, M. Shooly. In the appraisement of Murray's estate, a value of $200.00 was placed on an enslaved man named Stephen. It is assumed that these two passages are describing the same person.
It is presumed that M. Shooly was a free person of color purchasing her husband in order to free him.
Lucy Johnston was the wife of William Johnston. William Johnston bequeathed Lucinda, Susan, and Mary to Lucy Johnston. A value of $1,950.00 was placed on Lucinda, Susan, and Mary.
In IAS2, a value of $100.00 was placed on Lucy, who was described as an old woman. In IAS3, however, Lucy and John were valued at $600.00 together, and she is described as a girl.