On October 27, 1739 Daniel Durham requested 150 acres adjoining John Hammits plantation in Mispillion Hundred, Kent Co., DE. The warrant was signed by Tho. Penn {Warrant Book A, pg. 64}. This Daniel was probably born sometime before 1721.
On May 17, 1744 Daniel Durham purchased 100 acres in the Forest of Little Creek in Kent Co. from Isaac Pounds for 76 pounds {N-1-46}. This was part of 200 acres known as Littleworth granted by warrant in Philadelphia on November 9, 1734 to Thomas Alstone. In 7 places in this document, Daniel is referred to as "JUNer" implying there was another, older, Daniel Durham also in Kent Co. at this time.
The relationship between these two Daniels in not yet proven. It is pure speculation but I believe that my Daniel Durham may have been the brother of John Durham who was married to Elizabeth Hewes and that both John and Daniel were the sons of the elder Daniel Durham.
On 16 December, 1768, John Durham and Sarah Hanzer (a sister?) were named administrators for the estate of Sarah's late husband, William Hanzer. Signing the papers with them were William Conselar and Daniel Durham who signed with his mark, a "D". This is the first documented connection between John and Daniel. This would also suggest that Daniel was probably born sometime before 1748, possibly before 1739.
In 1776 John Durham's son, John Durham Jr., died. Letters of Administration on his estate were granted on 19 June to his father, John Durham. Also signing the papers were Whittington and Daniel Durham. We know that Whittington was John's son.
On 7 December, 1779 Daniel Durham, living in Little Creek Hundred, Kent Co., DE wrote his will . In it he refers to his wife, Elenor. Based on this will we know Daniel and Elenor had the following children:
- Benjamin Durham (d.c. 1810)
married Elizabeth Hansor
- Daniel Durham (d.c.1801)
married Unity ("Nicey" or "Eunice")
- Thomas Durham (d.c. 1795)
married Mary
- Joanah Durham
- Hester Durham
- Rachel Durham
- Mary Durham
- Ellinor Durham
- Sarah Durham
In 1782 Daniel appeared in the Tax & Levy Lists for Little Creek Hundred. Appearing in the same lists were John Durham and Daniel's son, Benjamin. In 1783 Daniel sold land to Thomas Butcher. In 1785 the tax lists show Daniel still living in Little Creek Hundred but his sons, Daniel and Benjamin, are shown now living on their own in St. Jones Hundred. This suggests that his sons were probably born sometime before 1765. In 1786 Daniel sold more land to Thomas Butcher (Z-1-38).
Daniel's will was probated on 17 August, 1786 so Daniel probably died about that time. His estate was valued at 116 pounds, 19 shillings and 6 pence and included " a boy named George" left to his son, Benjamin, to keep until he reached the age of 21. It is not clear is George was a slave or an indentured servant.
