David was listed in the register as being 6 feet 0.25 inches tall, having a yellow complexion, and having "a scar above the left knee; spare made." In Common Law Book B, his appearance was described in the same manner, and he "was known by the court to be free."
David Sloan was listed in an indenture agreement: "...I bind Charles Nelson a boy of color unto the said David Sloan until he arrives to the age of twenty one years...April 1847..."
David was listed in the Free Black Register as having a "dark complexion," scars on his left forefinger and right little finger, and a stiff finger on his right hand. David registered twice at 21 and 22 years old, and his height was recorded twice as 5 feet 7.5 inches and 5 feet 8.5 inches. He appeared in Common Law Book E at 21 and 22 years old.
David Gish's will stipulated that Tom, Deely, Patsy, and Mary are given to his widow and children. The names of the widow and their children are not written. Gish also bequeathed a young boy named Bob to his daughter Mary Eliza.