In order to satisfy creditors if a person happened to die in debt, an inventory was taken of the real and personal estate, and values were assigned each item at the time of the death of the head of household. Those charged with completing the inventory customarily walked from room to room, recording every item. These inventories are one tool used by historians and other researchers to inform themselves about the lives of people from the past. Often they reveal personal possessions that can help us to understand how people lived. Charles Hart Ashley (1860-1925) was a farmer and his real estate (including land in Cuba) was by far his major asset, appraised at $19,645, whereas his personal estate (cash, household goods, and touring car) totaled only $1,645.38. His household furniture is not itemized and was valued at only $100.
Probate court. Inventory of Charles Hart Ashley. August 11, 1925. Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, American Centuries. https://americancenturies.org/collection/l01-031/. Accessed on October 11, 2024.
Please note: Citations are generated automatically from bibliographic data as a convenience, and may not be complete or accurate.