John was listed in the register as having a "light brown complexion," a scar in the middle of his forehead, and a burn mark on his left elbow. He was 5 feet 10.5 inches tall. In Common Law Book E, his appearance was listed in the same manner.
In Common Law Book E, it is recorded that in a motion by John Barnett, an exemption was filed from the County Levy for William, an enslaved man, on count of "bodily infirmities."
Joseph Woods' will and testament stated that 13 enslaved people would be divided equally between John Ballard, Harrison M. Ballard, Martha Ansnian, Susan Brown, Elizabeth Wood, Jane Campbell, Polly Ballard.
J. B. J. Logan was an informant for Elizabeth Johnston. Charlotte, a mother who was enslaved by Johnston, was doing work for him in June 1861, and gave birth to Mary.
It is stated that George a man was hired out to John Arthur from a list that included several other enslaved individuals associated with Thomas Fowler.