James Hunter is mentioned in the 1787 will of his grandmother Ann Garnett. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 14, page 135.]

An undated bill of complaint states that Sarah Hunter died intestate leaving her only children William Hunter, James Hunter, Taliaferro Hunter, Muscoe Garnett Hunter, and Martha Taliaferro Hunter. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 14, item 14-K-48.]

On 11 January 1815, a division of the slaves of James Munday was made by Micajah Munday, William Garnett and James Hunter. Total value $6213. Lots go to Meriday Munday, Sally Munday, William Younger, Muscoe Munday, Edmund Munday, and Thomas Munday. Recorded 16 January 1815. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 18, page 99.]

“Essex 13th Feby 1817 — all accounts and transactions of every sort and kind between my Brother James Hunter & myself are settled and even to this day — Especially, I declare I have no claim against him on account of any balance appearing against him, on a division made several years ago of Negroes belonging to the Estate of Wm Hunter — Meaning hereby to make known that at this time neither is indebted to the other” Signed M G Hunter. Witnesses: James Hunter Jr., Thos. Matthews. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 18, page 364.]

On 3 October 1824, a James Hunter witnessed the will of George W. Lee. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 20, pages 196–197.]

On 18 March 1826, Martha T. Hunter relinquished the right of administration on the estate of her deceased brother, James Hunter. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 20, page 362.]

The will of James Hunter was dated 26 February 1826. Sons Robert and William. Daughters Maria Garnett, Martha F. Hunter, Jane S. Hunter. Youngest daughter Sally. Maria’s father-in-law Jas. m. Garnett. If Maria should marry again… Grandson Muscoe. Signed James Hunter. No witnesses. Proved 20 March 1826. Bond follows. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 20, pages 359–361.] See also Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 36, item 36-C-12.

On 8 May 1826, an inventory and appraisement of the estate of James Hunter, deceased, was made by Thos L Oneale, Richard Rowzee, and Robt P Waring Jr. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 20, pages 404–414.]

On 20 March 1826, David W. Pitts, James M. Garnett, Muscoe Garnett, Bevan D. Pitts, Reuben L. Pitts and Thomas D. Pitts were bound in the penalty of $70,000 for David W. Pitts’s administration with the will annexed of the estate of James Hunter. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 20, pages 361–362.]

The estate of James Hunter in account with David W. Pitts from 1826 to 1827 was settled on 25 January 1827 by Robt P Waring, John M Garrett, Wm B. Beverley and Richard Rowzee. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 21, pages 89–94.]

The estate of James Hunter in account with David W. Pitts, administrator, from 1827 to 1828 was ordered recorded on 21 April 1828. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 21, pages 237–242.]

The estate of James Hunter in account with David W. Pitts, administrator, from 1829 to 1831 was ordered recorded 18 April 1831. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 22, pages 223–234.]

The estate of James Hunter in account with David W. Pitts, administrator, from 1828 to 1831 was ordered recorded 18 April 1831 [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 22, pages 255–260.]

The estate of Janes Hunter in account with David W. Pitts, administrator, from 1831 to 1833 was ordered recorded 16 September 1833. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 23, pages 144–146.]