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 IAS Book 4, the partition of the lands and other property of Edward Watts, Bowyer is listed among the enslaved individuals that were bequeathed to Edward Watts's daughter, Mrs. Holcombe. A value of $1,500.00 was placed on Bowyer.
In IAS Book 4, the partition of the lands and other property of Edward Watts, Booker is listed among the enslaved individuals that were bequeathed to Edward Watts's daughter, Mrs. Holcombe. A value of $800.00 was placed on Booker.
In IAS Book 4, the partition of the lands and other property of Edward Watts, Bob Larellen is listed among the enslaved individuals that were bequeathed to Edward Watts's daughter, Letitia Watts Rives. A value of $1800.00 was placed on Bob.
In IAS Book 4, the partition of the lands and other property of Edward Watts, Bob Johnston is listed among the enslaved individuals that were bequeathed to Edward Watts's daughter, Letitia Watts Rives. A value of $1400.00 was placed on Bob.
In IAS Book 4, the partition of the lands and other property of Edward Watts, Betsy is listed among the enslaved individuals that were bequeathed to Edward Watts's daughter, Mrs. Holcombe. A value of $900.00 was placed on Betsy.
In IAS Book 4, the partition of the lands and other property of Edward Watts, Ben is listed among the enslaved individuals that were bequeathed to Edward Watts's son, Col. William Watts. A value of $1,600.00 was placed on Ben.
In the IAS Book 4, the annexed will of James Kyle states, "By Hire of Negro man Ben for the year 1859 as per agreement between Jas. + Wm. Kyle at $150 - interest to 1st March 1865 - 46.50." This probably meant that James Kyle had hired out Ben from William Kyle with an agreement requiring interest to be paid.
In IAS Book 4, the partition of the lands and other property of Edward Watts, Baldwin is listed among the enslaved individuals that were bequeathed to Edward Watts's son, Col. William Watts. A value of $700.00 was placed on Baldwin.
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..."
In IAS Book 4, the partition of the lands and other property of Edward Watts, Annett is listed among the enslaved individuals that were bequeathed to Mrs. Carr. A value of $400.00 was placed on Annett.
In the IAS Book 4, the partition of the lands and other property of Edward Watts, Ann is listed among the enslaved individuals that were bequeathed to Edward Watts's daughter, Mrs. Holcombe. A value of $1,500.00 was placed on Ann.
In IAS Book 4, the partition of the lands and other property of Edward Watts, Amy is listed among the enslaved individuals that were bequeathed to Edward Watts's daughter, Alice W. Morris. Amy is listed as having been "deducted as a charge," of $200.00. She is listed alongside Adam who was "deducted as a charge," and a value of $400.00 was placed on her.
In IAS Book 4, the partition of the lands and other property of Edward Watts, Amy is listed among the enslaved individuals that were bequeathed to Edward Watts's son, Col. William Watts. A value of $1,000.00 was placed on Amy.
In IAS Book 4, the partition of the lands and other property of Edward Watts, Allen is listed among the enslaved individuals that were bequeathed to Edward Watts's daughter, Alice W. Morris. A value of $1,600.00 was placed on Allen.
Mrs. Morris is mentioned in a bill of complaint against Edward Watts, filed by William L. Morris, and on behalf of Martha Watts. The first division of enslaved people was divided between Mrs. Saunders and Mrs. Morris.
In IAS Book 4, the partition of the lands and other property of Edward Watts, Alice is listed among the enslaved individuals that were bequeathed to Edward Watts's daughter, Alice W. Morris. A value of $500.00 was placed on Alice.