Maria, Patience, Amelia, William, Henry, Blanch, Priscilla, Harriett, Peggy, James, and Mary were all bequeathed to Frances Deaton's husband, according to her will. They were "to be hired out to others to pay off the Deaton family's debt of $650," at least $500.00 of which was due to John Foster, and "the enslaved individuals are to be freed after" the debt was paid. After this debt was paid, they were to be hired out raise $650.00 for Deatin's children.
Once freed they were to be set up with jobs locally and able to keep their earnings, living on the family land until they had enough funds to relocate to a free state. They had the option to decline this offer and pick another "master" or "mistress." Though the wording may have seemed simple, the process for the manumission of enslaved individuals was a more complicated process.
Frances was likely disabled or ill, as she was recorded as "not healthy." A valuation of $300.00 was placed on her in one appraisement, and a valuation of $250.00 was placed on her in a later appraisement.
F. Johnston is listed as the administrator for Fleming James in the IAS Book 4. In the appraisement of Fleming James' property, two entries are listed mentioned enslaved people. One of these entries states, "To recd. of Mrs. A. James, balance of many in her hands at the time of F. James death, after deducting burial expenses + clothing for servants" with a value of $166.45. Another entry states, "Deduct this sum for Mrs. C. P. Jones, Richmond for interest of her children in land + negroes per decree of court" with a final value of $3,585.76. The original amount listed was $3,923.09 but was subtracted from to get the final amount listed.