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.
According to both records, Lany was bequeathed to Fanny W. Farly alongside Robert, Davy, Dick, Mary, Charles, and Betsey. Upon Fanny's passing, these enslaved people were to be divided equally between the enslaver's children.
Bequeathed Blanch and Josephine and their future increases by Sarah Betts. When an enslaved person and their "future increases" are bequeathed to an enslaver, it means that that enslaved individual's children and their children's children would be bequeathed to Josephine W. Jones.
Joseph Campbell willed that the enslaved individuals be "hired out," along with their "future increases," and be allowed to pick their "masters." It is also stated in the will that the enslaved individuals be divided among Joseph Campbell's children. There is no further mention of names or the number of enslaved individuals in the will.
Bequeathed an unknown number of enslaved individuals to be split between his daughters. His daughters' names are Julianna, Elizabeth, Matilda, Lucinda, Jane, and Sarah.
Jacob Fowler's will stipulated that John Steel would receive an unrecorded woman and child that are collectively valued at $600.00. John Steel was the son in law of Jacob Fowler.
Jane Lewis' will stipulated that Washington was to be emancipated after paying $300.00 over the course of three years. Her will also stipulated that should Washington want to remain in Virginia, he could.