“James Durham son of James Durham was bornd [illegible] 1810” [Minter-Durham family Bible at the Virginia State Archives, Acc. 26856]

“James Durham & Harriet Minter md Dec 23, 1830” [Minter-Durham family Bible at the Virginia State Archives, Acc. 26856]

On 11 November 1831, John Trible, Richard H. Harwood, Smith Young, William Smith senr., James Durham, William S. Croxton, Moses Crow, Francis G. W. Smith, Hundley Moody, Mace Clements, Richard T. Hundley and Peter Broocke served in an inquiry on the death of “Thornton, a negro boy slave the property of Addison Glascock”, that “a certain person unknown did kill and murder the said Thornton, by inflicting several blows upon his head”. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 22, pages 347–348.]

Orator and oratrice James Durham and Frances his wife who was Frances Coates, widow of Thomas Coates decd. That Thomas Coats died some years since intestate leaving a widow and two children namely Sarah Jane and Anne Thomas his only heirs at law. Anne Thomas Coates died an infant of tender years after the death of Thomas Coates. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 40, item 40-G-1.]

In the name of God amen! I John Minter of the County of Essex and State of Virginia do make this my last will and testament in manner and form following, viz: I lend to my beloved Wife Ann Minter during her life the whole of my estate both real and personal to be used and enjoyed by her agreeably to her discretion. After the death of my wife the whole of my estate both real and personal that may be left after the payment of my just debts I give and bequeath to James Durham junr. who now lives with me to him and his heirs forever. Lastly I hereby constitute and appoint the said James Durham junr. executor of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all wills heretofore made by me. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 29th day of April 1833. Signed John Minter. Witnesses: Richard Harper, Chaney his x mark Broach, William his x mark Brooks. On 20 April 1840, presented in court by James Durham and proved by Richard Harper, “and the proof of said Writing being contested by Richard Shearwood a great Nephew of the Testator, Jane Isabella Broach and Joanna Broach children of Frances Broach who was Frances Fletcher a Niece of the Testator by Chaney Broach their Guardian and next friend by consent of the parties, the proof of the said writing was continued till the next Court.” “At a Court of Quarterly session begun and held for Essex County at the Courthouse in Tappahannock on the 18th Day of May 1840. This Writing purporting to be the last Will and Testament of John Minter decd. being again brough into Court and offered for proof by James Durham Jr. and the proof of said writing being contested by Richard Shearwood and others. On the motion of the said James Durham Jr. the proof of the said writing was continued till the next court; and on the further motion of the said Durham it was ordered that Chaney Broach be summoned to appear here on the first day of the next Court…” At court of 15 June 1840, “This Writing purporting to be the last Will and Testament of John Minter decd being again brought into Court and offered for proof by James Durham Jr. was further proved by the oath of Chaney Broach another subscribing Witness to the same and was Ordered to be Recorded—” [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, pages 488–489.]

On 20 July 1840, James Durham Jr., William A. Wright and Robert G. Haile were bound in the penalty of $12,000 for James Durham Jr.’s executorship of the estate of John Minter, deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, pages 489–490.]

1850 U.S. Census, Essex County, Virginia
Page 102
Dwelling 661, Household 661
Durham, James, 38, male, farmer, value of real estate $1,000, born in Virginia
Durham, Frances, 35, female, born in Virginia
Durham, Thomas, 15, male, born in Virginia
Durham, William, 13, male, born in Virginia, in school within the year
Durham, Adaline, 4, female, born in Virginia
Coates, Sarah, 14, female, born in Virginia, in school within the year

1860 U.S. Census, Essex County, Virginia
Lloyds Post Office, Sheet 759
Dwelling 805, Family 76
Durham, James, 49, male, farmer, value of personal estate $1,440, value of real estate $10,810, born in Virginia
Durham, Francis, 43, female, born in Virginia
Durham, Mary A., 14, female, born in Virginia

1870 U.S. Census, Essex County, Virginia
Millers Tavern Post Office
Page 137
Dwelling 436, Family 436
Durham, James, 59, male, white, farmer, value of real estate $1,600, value of personal estate $300, born in Virginia
Durham, Lucy E., 26, female, white, keeping house, born in Virginia
Durham, Clara B., 2, female, white, at home, born in Virginia
Croxton, Willoughby B., 14, male, white, farm laborer, born in Virginia
Cauthorn, Emma E., 30, female, white, without occupation, born in Virginia
Cauthorn, William J. W.[?], 1, male, white, at home, born in Virginia

“James Durham departed this life Sepr. [illegible]” [Minter-Durham family Bible at the Virginia State Archives, Acc. 26856]