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, Martha and her child are listed among the enslaved individuals that were bequeathed to Edward Watts's daughter, Letitia Watts Rives. A value of $1300.00 was placed on Martha and her child.
In IAS Book 4, the partition of the lands and other property of Edward Watts, Maria is listed among the enslaved individuals that were bequeathed to Edward Watts's daughter, Letitia Watts Rives. A value of $450.00 was placed on Maria.
In the IAS Book 4, the appraisement of H. H. Chapman's property states that E. J. Chapman is listed as his administrator. One entry in the appraisement states, "To Amt. E. J. Chapman's note for hire of Ned, James, Lewis, + Maria 1862" with a value of $500.00.
In IAS Book 4, the partition of the lands and other property of Edward Watts, Magdalen and her child are listed among the enslaved individuals that were bequeathed to Edward Watts's daughter, Mrs. Holcombe. A value of $900.00 was placed on Magdalen and her child.
F. Johnston and J. K. Pitzer are listed as administrators of Madison Pitzer's estate and property. J. K. Pitzer could possibly be John Pitzer but the record does not specify whether John Pitzer and J. K. Pitzer are the same person.
In IAS Book 4, the partition of the lands and other property of Edward Watts, Lydia is listed among the enslaved individuals that were bequeathed to Mrs. Carr. A value of $800.00 was placed on Lydia.
In IAS Book 4, the partition of the lands and other property of Edward Watts, Lucy Sims 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 Lucy Sims.
In IAS Book 4, the partition of the lands and other property of Edward Watts, Lucy is listed among the enslaved individuals that were bequeathed to Mrs. Carr. A value of $1,500.00 was placed on Lucy.
In IAS Book 4, the partition of the lands and other property of Edward Watts, Lucy and her child are listed among the enslaved individuals that were bequeathed to Mrs. Carr. A value of $1600.00 was placed on Lucy and her child.
In IAS Book 4, the partition of the lands and other property of Edward Watts, Lucy is listed among the enslaved individuals that were bequeathed to Edward Watts's daughter, Alice W. Morris. A value of $700.00 was placed on Lucy
In IAS Book 4, the partition of the lands and other property of Edward Watts, Louisa and her child are listed among the enslaved individuals that were bequeathed to Mrs. Carr. A value of $1700.00 was placed on Louisa and her child.
In IAS Book 4, the partition of the lands and other property of Edward Watts, Louisa is listed among the enslaved individuals that were bequeathed to Mrs. Carr. A value of $600.00 was placed on Louisa.
In IAS Book 4, the partition of the lands and other property of Edward Watts, Louisa is listed among the enslaved individuals that were bequeathed to Edward Watts's son, Col. William Watts. A value of $600.00 was placed on Louisa.
In IAS Book 4, the partition of the lands and other property of Edward Watts, Louis is listed among the enslaved individuals that were bequeathed to Edward Watts's son, Col. William Watts. A value of $1,500.00 was placed on Louis.
In IAS Book 4, the partition of the lands and other property of Edward Watts, London is listed among the enslaved individuals that were bequeathed to Edward Watts's daughter, Alice W. Morris. A value of $1,500.00 was placed on London.
In IAS Book 4, the partition of the lands and other property of Edward Watts, Lizzy is listed among the enslaved individuals that were bequeathed to Edward Watts's daughter, Letitia Watts Rives. A value of $1000.00 was placed on Lizzy.
In IAS Book 4, the partition of the lands and other property of Edward Watts, Lewis is listed among the enslaved individuals that were bequeathed to Edward Watts's son, Col. William Watts. A value of $650.00 was placed on Lewis.