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Inventories are one tool used by historians and other researchers to inform themselves about the lives of people who lived in the past. Often they reveal personal possessions that can help us to understand how people lived. Mr. Ashley's 1925 inventory lists his real estate in some detail and names a touring car, but his household furniture is not itemized and valued at only $100. Mr. Ashley was a farmer and his real estate was by far his major asset, appraised at $19,645 whereas his personal estate (cash, household goods, and car) totaled only $1645.38. The real estate includes the land in Cuba, discussed in L01.030.

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