Sarah Purkins was mentioned in the 21 September 1738 will of her father Henry Purkins of the County of Essex. The will was proved on 17 April 1739. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 6, pages 171–172.]

Sarah (or Sary) Purkins in account with Cary Purkins her guardian from 1741 to 1746 can be found in Essex County, Virginia, Guardian Book 1, pages 51, 76-79, 107-108, and 111-112.