Records won’t always describe the individuals involved, but sometimes they do. This 1799 inventory of an estate from Maryland indicates who the appraisers are (fairly typical). It also indicates that the inventory has been acknowledged by two men who are “Kindred” and two men who are creditors.
Appraisers can’t be relatives or creditors–so that’s a clue right there. The relationship to the kindred is not stated, but it is reasonable to conclude that they have an inheritance relationship in the estate. The creditors also have an interest in the estate. 
One response
How very interesting to read something like this. Thank you.