John E. Durham married Mrs. Ida M. Covington on 13 December 1881 in Essex County, Virginia. He was 28 and a farmer. She was 20. Both were single, had been born in Essex County and were residing there. Parents were Thomas Durham and Louisa C. Durham and William F. Durham and Mary C. Courtney. [Essex County Marriage Register Book 1, page 62.]

On 16 February 1914, a will purporting to be the true last will and testament of W. F. Durham was produced and proved by John E. Durham and R. G. Cauthorn who were acquainted with the handwriting of W. F. Durham. [Essex County, Virginia, Wills, Fiduciary Accounts, Etc. 3, page 47.]