Based on the will of Isabel Hewes , made in 1757 and probated in 1763, we know that James Dean married Isabel's daughter SARAH HEWES sometime between 1757-1763. This marriage linked James, through his wife's sister, Elizabeth, to John Durham who was one of the central members of the emerging mixed blood community in Kent Co. And through John, James also became linked to the other mixed blood families - the Concilors , the Sisco's and the Hansors .

In 1761 James purchased land in Little Creek Hundred from Jeremiah Rees. He later appeared in the Little Creek Taxables List of 1782 with Daniel Durham and John Durham (possibly brothers). Also in the taxables that year was THOMAS DEAN. It is possible that this was James' brother, both possibly descended from the Thomas Dean who died in 1766.

During his lifetime, James acquired property along the "great Dover to Smyrna Road", which is under the current Rt. 13, near it's intersection with Rt. 42, Fast Landing Rd. Based on his will, James built his house on the west side of the road although his property extended to both sides of the road.

On 2 June, 1787, James wrote his will . He described himself as in poor health and living in Little Creek Hundred. The will mentions his wife (SARAH HEWES), 2 daughters, Rebecca and Keziah Dean and a son Jesse Dean . Keziah inherited only 2 shillings, 6 pence. Rebecca Dean and her mother inherited James' house and land on the west side of the road for use during their lifetimes only, then reverting to his son, Jesse. Son Jesse also inherited the lands on the east side of the road. James seems to have been trying to insure that his farm remained intact, all passing eventually to his son, Jesse. The will was probated on 26 June, 1787.

No other children were mentioned in James' will but there were other Deans living in Duck Creek Hundred who may have been children already established on lands of their own and so not mentioned in their fathers will. This includes another "James Dean" who, with his family, continued in the census records for Duck Creek Hundred until the early 19th century.

But my connection with the Deans continued through James' son, Jesse Dean .