Hello Everyone, I recently obtained the inventory of an ancestor, Robert HYDE (wife Jane UNDERHILL), who died about 1717 in York Co. VA. Robert Hyde was a lawyer, and his inventory includes quite a number of horses and cattle, but none of the items one would associate with any sort of agricultural production, so I assume he either lived in Williamsburg or somewhere in the vicinity of Felgate Creek (need to do the deed work). There are several entries for tableware, tumblers and candlesticks, some pewter but others difficult to read. He has several beds/furniture/trunks/chests/chairs. His inventory includes five slaves valued at £ 10, 28, 28, 20, and 20. The other large entry is £ 10 for a parcell books. The total value of the inventory is £174.14. I have two questions. Can anyone tell me how extensive a library in 1717 valued at £10 might be? Would this be a large library? Second, a cousin with whom I've been exchanging inventories for primarily plantation owners, most 50 or more years later, commented that he was not particularly wealthy, with an inventory of only £174.. I pointed out that (a) he had, because he didn't need more, few slaves the largest single item in most of the sizeable inventories; (b) we don't have information on his real estate; and (c) there was probably an inflation factor involved. One specific inventory in comparison I was told was "wealthy" was in 1761, Chesterfield Co., a tobacco planter with 21 slaves, whose estate was valued at more than £1,200. FYI, I know there are some calculators out there but I couldn't find them. Footnote, I don't see a phaeton or anything, but he did have a canoe! Best Regards, Janet Hunter To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html