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.
Jim and the others willed alongside him were to remain on the Chapman plantation for a year after Chapman's death to "work for a year after Chapman passes, bringing the plantation to good standing and then to all be sold."
Jesse Wilson was the guardian of Robert Right, who was a free boy. Robert was raised by Wilson and Wilson wanted to leave Robert real estate in his will. In his will, Jesse appoints a trusteeship in case Robert could not inherit the real estate Wilson left for him. He bequeathed Robert to his wife Sousan.
In the IAS Book 4, William Kyle is listed as the administrator of the annexed will of James Kyle. In the multiple entries involving enslaved individuals, it names Eliza and child, Walker, and Ben.
In the Sales Bill of Murray, an enslaved boy named Henry was purchased by Mrs. C. Murray for $500.00. A enslaved man named Stephen was purchased by "his wife," M. Shooly, for $50.00. It is unclear, but the phrasing implies M. Shooly was Stephen's wife. It is possible she was a free woman buying her husbands freedom. A enslaved boy named Phill was purchased by J. W. Hurt for $800.00.
A valuation of $3000.00 was placed on Isabell and her four children. In a later appraisement. Isabell and her 2 children had a combined value of $1300.00 placed on them. Although Isabell was listed as having 4 children, 2 children are unaccounted for and the initial value decreased.
The enslaved people listed in his will were to all remain together on Chapman's plantation. In Chapman's will it was requested that the enslaved people work for a year on the plantation after their enslaver passed away to, "bring the plantation to good standing and then to all be sold."