The Will Books contain wills from 1839 to 1885. In these wills, people would specify where their property and savings would be inherited to. In the case of enslavers, they would specify enslaved people or a certain number of enslaved people that were to be inherited by named individuals. At times, enslaved people would be priced and when divided amongst heirs, money would be paid between inheritors in order to insure the value being inherited was equal. Many wills also describe the "future increases" of female slaves, referring to future unborn children as potential property. These wills also sometimes specify familial relations between enslaved people, but usually just between spouses and parents and children. Family relationships such as siblings, parents of adult children, grandparents, aunts or uncles, etc., are rarely if ever specified. In these wills, people would specify where their property and savings would be inherited to. In the case of enslavers, they would specify enslaved people or a certain number of enslaved people that were to be inherited by named individuals. At times, enslaved people would be priced and when divided amongst heirs, money would be paid between inheritors in order to insure the value being inherited was equal. Many wills also describe the "future increases" of female slaves, referring to future unborn children as potential property. These wills also sometimes specify familial relations between enslaved people, but usually just between spouses and parents and children. Family relationships such as siblings, parents of adult children, grandparents, aunts or uncles, etc., are rarely if ever specified.
Lucy McClanahan's will requested Milly and Nelson, as "elder servants," had a sufficient amount of money retained to support them "as long as they live."
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.
In Shepard's will, it is recorded that he bequeathed enslaved people to his daughter Catharine Hickle, his "other" daughter Susan Brown, and his third daughter Mary Thomas. It is also recorded in the sale book that, "remaining slaves not to be sold out to different families."
George, Zache, Mett, and Moses were bequeathed to Thomas Fowler's grandsons Lewis Taylor, Shelton Taylor, James Taylor, and Thomas Taylor to be divided equally between them all.
Bequeathed the above enslaved people by Sarah Betts, alongside the following people. These enslavers likely split up the above individuals amongst their own estates.
May and the others willed alongside her 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."
Based on Will Book 1 and IAS 1, it can be assumed that Michael Shepard's grandson is Susan Brown's son. The grandson's name is not recorded. Matilda was bequeathed to Susan Brown, Michael Shepard's daughter.
Daughter of David Gish. Her father's will stipulated that she would inherit a male slave named Bob. If Mary Eliza Gish were to pass, Bob would go to any of the remaining Gish children. She was also bequeathed Tom, Dely, Mary, and Patsy, to her and brother George Gish.
Farly's 1846 will stipulated that Dick, Lany, Robert, Mary, Charles, and Betsey be bequeathed to his widow, Fanny W. Farly. Upon her passing, these enslaved people were to be divided equally between the enslaver's children.
Lousia Dillard's will stipulated that Mary would be bequeathed to the daughter of Benjamin Harris. The name of the daughter is not written in the Will Book. The IAS Book 2 clarifies that the names of his daughters are Elizabeth and Sarah.
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.