John became one of the leading members of the Kent Co. mixed blood community. He was connected to most of the other key families (Concilors, Hansors, Siscos, Deans etc.) and appeared frequently in land and court records of the period.
In 1754 John purchased land in Little Creek Hundred. It is not known where he was living prior to this purchase.
In 1756 John sold 100 acres of adjoining lands to William Concilor who became a close friend as well as neighbor. In fact, two of John's daughters later married Concilors, possibly sons of William.
In 1757 John was mentioned in the will of his mother-in-law, Isabel Hewes. No mention was made in the will of John's wife, Elizabeth Hewes Durham, so it is possible that she was dead by this time.
On 16 December, 1768, John was named co-administrator with Sarah Hansor on the estate of William Hansor , Sarah's deceased husband. When Sarah died in 1771, Letters of Administration on her estate were granted to John who was called her "next of kin" so it is possible that Sarah was John's sister.
In June 1776 John Durham's son, John Durham Jr., died. Letters of Administration on his estate were granted on 19 June 1776 to John Durham Senior. These documents were also signed by Whittington and Daniel Durham. We know that Whittington was John's son. It is possible that Daniel Durham was also a son.
On 1 May, 1780 Letters of Administration on the estate of William Concilor were granted to his friend and neighbor, John Durham.
In 1783 Rebecca Durham (later mentioned in John's will as the guardian of his 2 grandchildren - children of his deceased son, John ) appeared in Kent Co. Orphans Court records petitioning for guardianship of a John Durham, a minor under the age of fourteen (therefore born between 1770-1775). This child was probably the son of the deceased John Durham Jr.
Also in 1783 John Durham Senior was appointed guardian for Rachel Hansor, a minor above the age of fourteen. Rachel was the daughter of the deceased William Hansor and his wife, Sarah (Durham?) Hansor.
In 1788 John Durham sold land adjoining his own to his brother-in-law James Dean and his son-in-law, Elijah Concilor.
On 9 April, 1788, John Durham, sick and living in Little Creek Hundred, wrote his will. Based on this will and earlier information we have the following children for John and Elizabeth Hewes Durham:
- John Durham Jr. (d. 1776)
2 children: left in the care of Rebecca Durham
- William Durham (d.1797)
- Isaiah Durham (d.1800)
- Whittenton Durham (d.1793)
- Sarah Durham married John Sisco
- Letitia Durham married Thomas Lacount
- Elizabeth Durham married to Thomas Concilor
- Hannah Durham married to Elijah Concilor
By 13 May,1788 when Letters of Administration were granted, John Durham was dead. He had been, during his lifetime, a prominent member of the mixed blood community of Kent Co. He bought and sold much land in Little Creek Hundred, often to members of his extended family. Through marriage he was joined to most of the other mixed race families in the area: the Deans, Hewes, Concilors, Hansors, and Siscos. Most of the numerous Durhams that continued in Kent County into the 19th and 20th centuries were his descendants.
John died a prosperous man. His estate was valued at 233 pounds, 7 shillings & 67 pence.
