On 19 November 1753, James Gatewood and Penelope his wife of the County of Essex and Parish of Southfarnham sold to James Mills gentleman. Lease and release. For 5 shillings/£60, 600 acres that formerly belonged to John Gatewood deceased. Signed James Gatewood, Penelope Gatewood. Witnesses: as to John Gatewood: John Figgins, Henry Wisheart; as to John and Penelope Gatewood: John Corrie; as to Penelope Gatewood: John Bowcock, Ann Bowcock. Recorded 19 March 1754. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 26, pages 421–425.]

On 20 July 1772, in the case of Leonard Burnet and Amey his wife, complainants, against Richard Burnet Admr. &c. of Joseph Burnet decd. Deft., in Chancery, it was ordered that a Commission be issued to take the Depositions of Penelope Gatewood, Ann Barker, and Richard Hodges. [Essex County, Virginia, Order Book 28, page 335.]

On 12 May 1786, Penelope Gatewood gave a deposition at her house in Caroline County in a case depending between Leonard Burnett and Amy his wife and Richard Burnett. That Leonard Burnett had been courting her daughter, now his present wife. That Leonard’s father, Joseph Burnett, had agreed to give land and slaves to Leonard. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 27, item 27-L-17.] Other depositions were taken at her home that day in the same case.