Joseph B. Covington was mentioned in the 27 November 1820 will of his uncle, Thomas Covington, with his brother Richard L. Covington was named co-exector of the will, which was proved 16 September 1822. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 19, pages 348–349.]

On 16 December 1822, Joseph B. Covington, Richard L. Covington, and Edwin Upshaw were bound in the penalty of $20,000 for Joseph B. Covington’s and Richard L. Covington’s execution of the last will and testament of Thomas Covington, deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 19, pages 349–350.]