On 18 January 1815, Washington H. Purkins and William Davis were bound in the penalty of $400 for Washington H. Purkins’s administration of the goods, chattels and credits of Carter Davis, deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 18, pages 96–97.]

The estate of Carter Davis for 1815 in account with Washington H. Purkins was settled on 12 June 1824 by H. W. Latane, Robt. G. Haile, Fontaine Wood, and Henry H. Boughan, and was ordered recorded on 17 January 1825. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 20, pages 123–124.]

On 18 January 1815, Washington H. Purkins, William Davis, Gabriel Purkins and John Games were bound in the penalty of $1,000 for Washington H. Purkins’s administration of the goods, chattels and credits of Lindsay Davis, deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 18, pages 97–98.]

The estate of Lindsay Davis in account with Washington H. Purkins, administrator, from 1815 to 1818 was settled on 12 June 1824 by H. W. Latane, Ro: G. Haile, Fontaine Wood, and Henry H. Boughan, and was ordered recorded 17 January 1825. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 20, pages 122–123.]

On 21 September 1818, Robert G Haile, Henry H Boughan, Wm T Upshaw, Wm A Garnett, Washington H Purkins and Graves Burke were appointed commissioners to divide the land of Major Boughan deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 37, item 37-I-27.]

On 25 October 1822 Washington H. Purkins witnessed the will of Thomas Allen of the County of Essex. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 19, page 347.]

In an undated petition, orators and oratrices Thomas Rowe jr and Elizabeth his wife, John T. Purkins, Mary D. Purkins, Catharine B. Purkins and Lucy S. Purkins and Henry B. Purkins infants by Jno T. Purkins their next friend complained that Gabriel Purkins died intestate, that Washington H. Purkins was granted administration of his estate. That your orators and oratrices and Washington H. Purkins, with the exception of Thomas Rowe jr, are Gabriel’s only children. [Essex County, Virginia, loose chancery paper 38-D-19.]

On 14 May 1822, orators and oratrices Moses Crow and Catharine his wife, Reubin Brooks and Elizabeth his wife, James Stodghill and Lucy his wife, Peggy Croxton, John Croxton, Samuel Doggins and Sally his wife, Delphia Croxton, Johannah Croxton, Carter Croxton an infant under 21 by Washington H. Purkins his Guardian, Eliza Croxton an infant under 21 by Moses Crow her Guardian, and Moses Crow Admr of William Croxton decd who died intestate, which sd Catharine Crow was late Catharine Croxton, Elizabeth Brooks late Elizabeth Croxton, and the said Lucy Stodghill late Lucy Croxton, Peggy Croxton, John Croxton and the said Sally Doggins was late Sally Croxton, Delphia Croxton, Johannah Croxton, Carter Croxton, Eliza Croxton and William Croxton Deceased, were sons and daughters, and Legatees of James Croxton deceased, complained that James Croxton died toward the close of 1807 or the beginning of 1808 leaving a last will and testament. He named his wife Sarah and Joseph Bohannon executors, but only Joseph Bohannon qualified. Another child, Milly Croxton, died an infant unmarried. In 1814 the relict Sarah died. Joseph Bohannon died in 1815. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 48, item 48-D-4.]

On 16 December 1822, Caty Allen, Washington H. Purkins and Thomas Pilcher were bound $2,400 for Caty Allen’s execution of the will of Thomas Allen. Signed Caty Allen, Was. H. Purkins, Thomas Pilcher. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 19, pages 347–348.]

On 16 June 1828, Robert G. Haile, Henry H. Boughan and Washington H. Purkins were appointed commissioners to sell at auction the lands of Mary Boughan, deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 37, items 37-I-23 and 37-I-25.] On 25 September 1828, the land was auctioned off by Was:H:Purkins and Henry H Boughan. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 37, item 37-I-23.]

On 19 November 1829, Washington H. Purkins, John H. Micou and Thomas Pilcher were bound in the penalty of $6,000 for Washington H. Purkins’s administration of the estate of Josiah Minter, deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 22, pages 33–34.]

On 15 February 1830, Washington H. Purkins and Samuel Williamson were bound in the penalty of $400 for Washington H. Purkins’s adminsitration with the will annexed of William G. Crittenden, deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 22, page 78.]

The estate of Twyman Greenwood, deceased, in account with Washington H. Purkins, administrator, from 1828 to 1830 was ordered recorded 19 July 1830. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 22, pages 121–122.]

On 19 October 1830, Washington H. Purkins, Ann W. Howerton, James Croxton Jr., Wm. Fisher, Anthony Haynes, Henry H. Boughan, John H. Micou, Amos Cauthorn, Eldred Howerton and Albert Micou were bound in the penalty of $12,000 for Washington H. Purkins’s and Ann W. Howerton’s administration of the estate of William Howerton, deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 22, pages 157–158.]

The estate of William G. Crittenden, deceased, in account with W. H. Purkins, administrator, from 1830 to 1832 was ordered recorded on 18 June 1832. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 22, pages 456–457.]

On 30 August 1833, Washington H. Purkins made an affidavit at the said Purkin’s office in the Town of Tappahannock. That he was well acquainted with John St John and had frequently seen him write and believes the exhibits to be in his hand. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 45, item 45-J-7.]

On 19 November 1833, Washington H. Purkins and George Wright were bound $300 for Washington H. Purkins’s adminisration of the estate of Winneyfred Howerton. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 23, page 152.]

On 19 November 1833, Washington H. Purkins and George Wright were bound $400 for Washington H. Purkins’s administration of the estate of Mary Agnes Howerton. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 23, page 153.]

On 19 November 1833, Washington H. Purkins and George Wright were bound $400 for Washington H. Purkins’s administration of the estate of Judson S Howerton. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 23, page 154.]

The estate of William Howerton, deceased, in account with W. H. Purkins, administrator, and A. W. Howerton, administratrix, from 1830 to 1833 was ordered recorded 16 December 1833. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 23, pages 160–163.]

The estate of Josiah Minter, deceased, in account with Was H Purkins, administrator, from 1831 to 1834 was ordered recorded on 16 June 1834. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 23, pages 274–277.]

On 22 September 1835, Was: H: Purkins witnessed the will of Elizabeth Foster, and proved it in court on 17 October 1836. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, page 71.]

On 9 November 1835, an inventory and appraisal of the estate of Capt. William Fisher, deceased, was made by Was: H Purkins, Chas Bray, and John P White. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, pages 158–160.]

On 21 December 1835, William Beazley and Washington H. Purkins were bound in the penalty of $200 for William Beazley’s administration of the estate of John C. Dalley, deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 23, pages 433–434.]

On 15 February 1836, Mary M. Crow, Washington H. Purkins and Henry H. Boughan were bound in the penalty of $7,000 for Mary M. Crow’s administration of the estate of Moses Crow. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 23, pages 460–461.]

On 26 April 1836, an answer of Moses Crow to a bill of complaint by George Saunders and Lucy his wife and George Durham and Polly his wife was filed. Contains much financial information concerning the estate of John Crow. States that Armistead Jones absconded in 1831 with five of the slaves of the said trust fund. This respondent heard this in February 1831. Your respondent being sick at the time asked James Croxton and Washington H Purkins to pursue and reclaim them, and they were pursued a considerable distance beyond Richmond City. Three of the slaves were brought back, but Jack and Sukey were not. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 49, item 49-D-14.]

On 20 February 1837, John P Armstrong, Washington H Purkins and Leonard Henley were bound in the penalty of $5,000 for John P Armstrong’s administration of the estate of Hundley Moody, deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, pages 97–98.]

The estate of Josiah Minter, deceased, in account with Was: H Purkins, administrator, from 1834 to 1837 was ordered recorded on 19 June 1837. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, pages 126–129.]

On 20 November 1837, Washington H Purkins deposed hat he was well acquainted with the lands of the late Joseph Burnett, particularly the part held by Mrs Winny Burnett as her dower. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 47, unnumbered paper in unnumbered folder.]

On 3 April 1838, Washington H. Purkins witnessed the will of Catharine Dix, and proved the will in court on 17 December 1838. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, page 340.]

In an undated petition, Washington H Purkins administrator with the will annexed of Caty B Allen decd shews that on or about 29 May 1838, James Wm Banks a nephew of the testatrix was confined in jail in the County of Essex indicted and charged with felony. Washington H Purkins secured his bail, and James Wm Banks is now gone. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 48, item 48-J-23.]

On 20 July 1838 Washington H. Purkins prodivded an affidavit: The affidavit of Was. H Purkins of lawful age taken at the office of Richard Rowzee at Loyds on the 20th day of July 1838 to be read as evidence in a certain matter of accounts in the case of John A and Benjamin L Fisher pltfs vs Richd Motley admor of William Fisher by order of the Court for the County of Essex dated 18th day of January 1836.
This affiant being first duly sworn saith, that he is at this time acting as the legal guardian of the Children of Wm Fisher decd and therefore is doubtful whether he is in this cause a competent witness—and further he states that between the years of 1825 & 1830 he hired from the late Wm Fisher decd for one year a negro woman named Eve, and a boy named Mark, but the precise year or price he does not recollect, and after having the aforesaid negroes a few weeks, the woman Eve informed him that she was very sickly and not able to work half her time, but from her appearance as she was quite a likely woman and looked very well he did not believe her to be sickly, and therefore urged her to work, but at least one half of the time while at his house she was confined in the house and stated that she was sick and further that she was pregnant, she remained with him untill the last of February or first of March about which time he informed to Capt Wm Fisher that he was disappointed in the woman and disired he would take her back, to which he readily consented provided he would also give up the boy Mark, and upon reflection he determined to give up both rather than be troubled further with Eve—he also states that he thinks the woman Eve had a little girl with her that was not her own child, but cannot say any thing certain about it—The woman Eve was a healthy looking woman and perhaps if well dressed might have brought a good price, but she was a dirty filthy, Lazy sleepy creature and had a great disposition to evade her duty and such a one as did by no means sate [sic—state?] this affiant, and therefore he was induced to get her off his hands, in the year 1828 he does not recollect what Negroes were selling for, but at Jany or Feby Ct 1829 he attended a sale of Negroes in Tappa & saw several sold & of various descriptions he purchased a woman & child who he thinks was as likely and about the age of Eve but she had a lame knee, for the two he give [sic] between 160 & 170 $—there were also sold several Girls about the age of 15 or 16 years which as well as he recollects brought between $200 & 300 but the precise amt not recollected—as well as this affiant recollects he was to have paid for Eve, Mark & child at the end of the year $15 but Capt Fisher did not charge any thing for the time the negroes remained with him, and further this affiant saith not.
Wash:H:Purkins
Subscribed and Sworn to before me
Richard Rouzee MCEC
Note in margin on reverse: 20 min after 10 Clock
Jacket marked: Purkins Washington H Affidavit, Fishers vs Morley, filed with Comr Rowzees report 20th Augt 1838. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 51, item 51-Q-27.]

On 21 January 1839, Washington H. Purkins and Mourning Johnson were bound in the penalty of $300 for Washington H. Purkins’s administration of the estate of Benjamin F. Howerton, deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, pages 352–353.]

On July 1839, Jas. Semple, Muscoe G Wood, John H Smither, John Bird, William Wright, William S Croxton, Thomas Harper, George Rose, Lewis D Brookes Was H Purkins, George M Trible & William F Burnett served on the jury of an inquisition at the home of Frances Boughan into the death of an infant child by Mary, the property of Lucy Boughan and upon the land of Washington H Purkins. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, page 399.]

On 21 August 1839, Washington H. Purkins, William A. Wright, and James Roy Micou Jr. were bound in the penalty of $8,000 for Washington H. Purkins being appointed to collect and preserve the goods, chattels and credits of Caty B. Allen, deceased, during the contest about her Will & Testament. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, pages 406–407.]

On 16 December 1839, Washington H. Purkins, William A. Wright and George Wright were bound $500 for Washington H. Purkins’s administration of the goods, chattles and credits of Addison Allen. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, page 432.]

On 16 December 1839, Washington H. Purkins, William A. Wright and George Wright were bound $500 for Washington H. Purkins’s administration of the goods, chattles and credits of Melissa Allen. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, page 432.]

On 7 July 1840, an inventory and appraisal of the estate of Richard T. Hundley, deceased, was made by Was H Purkins, W: Lewis and Ro: G Haile. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, page 490.]

On 4 August 1840, an inventory and appraisal of the estate of John Minter, deceased, was made by Was: H: Purkins, James Semple, and M: G: Wood. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, pages 502–504.]

On 21 September 1840, Washington H. Purkins, Muscoe Garnett and Richard L. Covington were bound in the penalty of $3,000 for Washington H. Purkins’s administration with the will annexed of Caty B Allen, deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, pages 511–512.]

On 21 September 1840, William R Purkins and Washington H Purkins were bound in the penalty of $500 for William R Purkins’s administration of the estate of Thomas F Armstrong, deceased. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 24, page 512.]

In the early 1840s, orators and oratrices Washington H. Purkins administrator with the will annexed of Caty B. Allen deceased, Peter J. Derieux Sheriff of Essex County and Committee Administrator of Barbara Bohannon deceased and also as administrator de bonis non of Thomas Allen decd, Austin Brockenbrough late Sheriff of Essex County and Committee administrator of Addison Allen decd, James Allen admor of Elizabeth B. Allen decd, Mary Owen, Cordelia A. Owen, and Willy Ann Owen ifants under 21 who sue by James Owen their father and next friend, James Durham and Elizabeth A. his wife who was Elizabeth A. Banks, Lucy C. Banks, Achilles Lumpkins, James Wright, Jonathan Hart and Mary his wife who was Mary Allen, Thomas J. G. B. Allen, Elizabeth Allen, Pleasant T. Southall and Catharine his wife who was Catharine Allen, George W., John B., Susan A., and Augustus J. F. Allen, the last three infants under the age of 21 by James Allen their father and next friend complained to the Chancery Court. That Banks Allen died in 1813 intestate. His estate was divided to his mother Elizabeth B. Allen, Barbara a sister who married John Bohannon, a sister Lucy who married William Banks, a sister Polly who married James Owen, a sister Caty B. Allen and three brother Thomas, Addison and James. Elizabeth B. Allen his mother died in ____. Barbara Bohannon died in 1815 and her estate was administered by Peter J. Derieux. Lucy Banks died in 1815 leaving a husband who has since died and four children: Elizabeth A. Durham, Lucy C. Banks, Thomas A. Banks and James W. Banks. Thomas A. Banks has been arrested as an insolvent debtor. James W. Banks has sold his interest to Achilles Lumpkin. Polly Owen died in 1835 leaving Mary C. Owen, Cordelia A. Owen and Willy Ann Owen her only children. James and Polly have conveyed their rights to William A. Wright. Caty B. Allen died in ____ testate and her estate is administered by Washington H. Purkins. Thomas Allen died leaving a last will and testament now administered by Peter J. Derieux. Addison died in ____ intestate and his estate is administered by Austin Brockenbrough. James Allen is living but by various deeds has conveyed his interest. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 40, item 40-F-24.]

In an undated petition, orator Washington H Purkins administrator with the will annexed of Caty B. Allen complained that on 25 October 1837 Caty B. Allen executed a bond to William T. Foster for $900. When the bond became due after twelve months Caty B. Allen refused payment on grounds that it had been given for illegal consideration. A suit was instituted, and then Caty B. Allen died. At that time a certain James W. Banks, a favorite nephew of Caty B. Allen, was in custody under prosecution for having stolen a negro, the property of Banks Allen. Foster had purchased the said negro and was attending court as a witness for the prosecution. Anxious to indemnify himself against all loss, and Caty B. Allen anxious to screen her nephew, Caty gave bond for the sale price of the negro with the understanding that Foster was not again to appear as a witness. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 49, item 49-B-31.]

On 23 October 1839, Washington H. Purkins provided a deposition in the case of Saunders vs. Crow:
The deposition of Was: H. Purkins of lawfull age, taken at the same time & place to be read as evidence in the same cause—This deponent having been first duly sworn on behalf of the defts, deposes as follows—
Question by defts’ Counsel.
Please state all and every fact in your knowledge in relation to the taking and carrying away of any negroes from the possession of Moses Crow and Armstead Jones—the agency you had in the matter, the part performed by you, and every thing else you may know in relation to the matter—
Ansr In the month of January 1831, I was informed by some Gentlemen at Millers Tavern (perhaps A. Finly[?]) that Armistead Jones had taken and carried off from Mr John Jones’s a parcel of negroes belonging to the Estate or to the Children of Massey Jones decd—upon receiving the information I think I told Mr George Durham one of the pltfs in this suit who lived with me and also Mr James Croxton as soon as I saw him about the first of February I was informed by a gentleman who is now dead—that a few days before he had seen three of the negroes in the City of Richmond immediately I again informed Mr James Croxton & also Mr Geo. Durham & proffered to lend my aid in the recovery of the negroes—Mr Croxton came to my house & I went with him to see Mr Moses Crow (who was then confined to his bed & informed me that he had been confined for some weeks past and unable to attend to any business whatever) and I also informed him of the information that I had just recd respecting the negroes—Mr Crow requested Mr Croxton to proceed forthwith to pursue & if possible recover the negroes again—he also requested Mr to [sic] aid Mr Croxton & promised to pay me for so doing—the weather was extremely cold and disagreeable for it was during the large snow that fell in Jany 1839—On Saturday morning Mr Croxton & myself set out for Richmond in pursuit of the negroes as aforesaid and at a late hour of the same night arrive [sic] in Town—On Sunday morning Col Geo Wright & myself commenced walking about the Town and about 11 O’clock AM I discovered a group of negroes and walked amongst them, soon discovered one of the negroes of Jones’s, met with her and was informed that a Mr Jesse Bean of Alabama had purchased them and was then in the act of starting for home—information was immediately given to Mr Croxton, who proceeded to get a Bill of injunction or some legal process to stop the negroes & in the mean time I was requested to Mr Croxton to pursue Bean & the negroes so as to ascertain the Route they had taken
[Here a page of the deposition seems to be missing, as the numbering skips from 9 to 11.]
Jones carried them away, but I do know certainly that Mr Beane had a bill or bills of salve for the three above named woman witnessed by the gentleman aforesaid—There were two other negroes belonging to the Estate of Massey Jones decd named Jack & Suckey which were also carried off by A Jones and sold and I was informed that he sold them to a Trader who sent them off to New Orleans by way of Norfolk only a few days before Mr Croxton & myself reached Richmond in pursuit of them—I have forgotten the name of the Gentleman Trader, I think it was Hawkins, or Walker—Mr Thomas Crow by the last will and Testament of Jno Crow was left the Trustee for the Children of Massey Jones decd & in the year 1825 in the month of Decemr he Thos Crow died & in the succeeding Jany, Mr Moses Crow as the surviving Exor of his Father Jno Crow demanded in my presence of James Croxton & George Crow Exors of Thos Crow decd the negroes belonging to the Children of Massey Jones & they were delivered up to him, and hired out by him from that time untill carried off by Armistead Jones—It was in the latter part of January 1831 that I was told that A Jones had sold the negroes & early in February Mr Croxton & myself pursued them—
Question by same
Please state as well as you recollect whether there has not been several days and places fixed for a reference of the matter involved in this suit, and whether or not the pltf Croxton on those occasions & times, was not in attendance, and answer for the reference—
Answer, I have been several times called on by Mr Croxton to attend as a witness & when in attendance have always found Mr Croxton in attendance and seemingly anxious to have the business brought to a close—he has always manifested to me a great wish to have the suit ended—
Question by same
Please state whether Moses Crow in his lifetime, and Mrs Massy Crow since his death, have been anxious for a reference and settlement of the matter—
Ansr Mr Moses Crow in his lifetime always said he was anxious to have the matter brought to a close & since his death Mrs Crow has manifested a very great wish to get the matter closed either by reference or otherwise
Question by Plaintiff’s counsel, was there not one or more times fixed for a refference [sic] of the matters in dispute between Saunders & & [sic]Croxton the deft at Milers if so what prevented, which of the parties were ready either neither or both—
Ansr I only remember to have heard of one time for a reference at Millers & once at Tappa but why the cause was refered I cannot say—I think Mr Geo. Saunders one of the pltfs was in attendance at both places—
Question by the same How long after you heard that A. Jones had taken off the negroes was it before you informed Mr Moses Crow of it and how long was it after you informed Mr M. Crow before you went in pursuit of the negroes—
Ansr It was several days (I cannot say how many) before I saw Mr Crow and give [sic] him the information after I heard the negroes were carried off by A Jones—but after I did inform him, it was not more than two or three days before he authorized Mr Croxton & myself to pursue them & we did so—I now under [sic] the impression it was the next day but am not certain—
Question by the same was the information which you gave Moses Crow the first time he heard that the negroes were carried off by A. Jones—
Ansr I think Mr Crow told me that he had heard a rumour that Jones had carried them away but said his confinement had prevented him from ascertaining any thing certain & also from doing any thing about the negroes—
Question by the same, Did Mr Crow express any asstonishment [sic] or surprise at hearing that A. Jones had taken of [sic] the negroes—
Ansr he did express astonishment that the negroes were sold by Jones & also that they were carried off & further stated that A Jones requested him to let him take them up to his uncle John Jones’s & keep them at work to avoid expense till the decree’s of Cmr[?] could by finally settled—
Question by the same, How long had A Jones been gone with the negroes before you heard it
Ansr Several days, I cannot say how many—
Question by the same—What became of the negroes after they were brought from Richmond (as herein before stated) and where are they now please state all the particulars so far as you are acquainted with them—
Ansr the negroes are now in Essex and Mr James Croxton states that as the agent of Moses Crow decd he annually hires them out—
Question by defts Counsel—at the time you gave information to Moses Crow that A. Jones had carried away the negroes—please state distinctly the state of the health of Moses Crow, also the state of the weather: and whether under the circumstances Moses Crow used that promptness and diligence in recovering possession of the negroes, as ought reasonably to have been expected of him—
Ansr The evening I give [sic] to Mr Crow the information alluded to he was as well as I remember confined to his bed or chair, I know he could not leave his room & I do not think he could walk at all—he had recd an injury by some means & had been confined some several weeks—& unable to do anything—the weather had been extremely bad for several weeks, a Heavy fall of snow had been on the ground several weeks, and under all the circumstances I think Mr Crow attended to the business as early as he could, for without the aid of some person he never could have done anything untill he got well—
Question by Plaintiffs counsel How long did the negroes remain at Mr John Jones before they were taken off by A. Jones or can you say about what time they were carried to Mr Jno. Jones—
Ansr I heard that they were carried to Mr Jones’s in the month of Jany 1831, but how long before they were carried off I cannot say—
Question by the same. Did Mr Moses Crow make any inquiries or take any steps asscertain [sic] either the rumor of which you say he had heard, was true or not
Ansr I cannot say whether he did or not
Question by the same, did he Moses Crow apply to you or to any other person to act for him, that is to go in pursuit of Jones and the negroes or to take any steps towards their recovery until you offered your services—
Answer—No never to me, I cannot say as to others
And further this deponent saith not.
Was:H:Purkins
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 23d day of October 1839—
James Wright J.P.
[Essex County, Virginia, Box 49, item 49-D-10.]

On 24 June 1840, Washington H. Purkins provided a deposition in the suit of Saunders vs. Crow:
The deposition of Wash. H Purkins of lawfull age retaken by leave of the Court, first obtained at the Tavern of Thomas Matthews in the County of Essex, this 24th day of June 1840, in pursuance of notice herewith, to be read as evidence in a cause pending in the Cir. Sup. Court of Law & Chanc. for Essex in which George Saunders & others are pltfs & James Croxton exor of Thomas Crow decd and others are defts—
This deponent being first duly sworn on behalf of the defts—says—
Question by defts Counsel—Have you read the deposition of Mrs Virginia F. Minor filed in this cause—
Ansr I have
Question by same—Have you any reason to think she is mistaken when she says, that she saw Moses Crow at her Father’s early in Jany 1831 and that A. Jones went off with the negroes in two or three days afterwards—If yes, please state them
Ansr I distinctly remember that some where about the second or third week in January, that George Durham one of the plts in this cause, informed me that one or more of the negroes refered to by Mrs Minor was that morning at his house and informed him that they were going to Mr John Jones’s to avoid incuring any expense that might accrue I cannot state the day of the month, but feel confident it must have been later than the first or second week in January before A. Jones carried the negroes away—
Question by same—
Have you any reason to think that Mrs Minor may also be mistaken in saying that she saw Moses Crow at the House of her Father early in the month of Jany 1831—If so, please state them.
Ansr I have no doubt but that Mrs Minor did see Mr Crow at her Fathers & in the month of Jany 1831—but from the situation I saw Mr Crow in when I informed him that Jones had sold the negroes (which was about 1st Feby) I think several weeks had elapsed since he was in a situation to attend to any business for I think he informed me that he had been confined to his room & bed about three weeks—he was evidently at the time I saw him in very low health, and I think he was confined some considerable time afterwards
Ques. by same—Do I understand from you then distinctly that Mr Crow could not have been at Mr John Jones at all, in any short time before A. Jones carried off the negroes—
Ansr I do not think he could—
And further this deponant saith not
Was:H:Purkins
[Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 49, item 49-D-16.]

An undated loose paper filed in chancery papers stated that Winifred Howerton “died intestate her heirs are” James Howerton of the whole blood; Wm R. Howerton, ditto; Washington H. Purkins & Ann his wife, ditto; Philip Howerton, ditto; Eldred Howerton, ditto; Wm Howerton & Catharine E. his wife, ditto; Thomas Cole & Charlotte his wife, ditto; Thomas Howerton, ditto; Emily H. Howerton of the half blood; Mary Agnes Howerton of the half blood; Judson S.[?] Howerton, ditto; Ben F. Howerton [nothing indicated]. “Judson S.[?] Howerton died an infant leaving the following parties entitled to descent in the lands derived from his father” includes Ann Howerton, Eleanor H. Howerton, Mary Agnes, Benj, Wm R, James, Ann, James, Eldred, Thomas, Charlotte, Catherine, Walter G., Sophronia. [These legatees include two Covington children of William Howerton’s second life, Ann, from a previous marriage.] A note states that Wm R Howerton, Eldred Howerton, and Thomas Howerton are non-residents. [Essex County, Virgina, Loose Chancery Papers, 38-J-17.]

On 22 April 1842, Walter Bowie of legal age taken gave a deposition at his residence in Westmoreland County on 22 April 1842 in the case of Washington H Purkins administrator with the will annexed of Caty B Allen decd plaintiff and William T Foster defendant. That he was present at the execution of a bond. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 49, item 49-B-24.]

In 1842, W. H. Purkins was mentioned on a map of the lands of Josiah Minter deceased as a neighboring landowner. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 40, item 40-A-21.]

On 20 April 1843, Washington H. Purkins was mentioned as a neighboring landowner in a deed from George W. Purkins of the County of Essex to Frances Boughan of the same. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 48, pages 35–36.]

On 20 April 1843, Washington H. Purkins was mentioned as a neighboring landowner in a deed from Frances Boughan of the County of Essex to Charles Lewis Boughan, Frances Ann Boughan, Lucy M. Shearwood, Cary Caston Boughan, John Thomas Boughan and Catharine Boughan, children of the said Frances Boughan. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 48, pages 37–38.]

On 16 March 1846, Washington H. Purkins was mentioned as a neighboring landowner in a deed of trust executed between Charles L. Boughan of the first part, Ethelbert G. Cauthorn of the second part, and Zebulon M. P. Carter and Richard J. Muse of the third part. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 49, pages 70–71.]

On 18 September 1846, Washington H. Purkins was mentioned as a neighboring landowner to Charles L. Boughan in a deed of trust executed between Charles L. Boughan of the first part, James M. Mathews of the second part, and Richard J. Muse and Zebulon M. P. Carter of the third part, all of the County of Essex. [Essex County, Virginia, Deed Book 49, pages 160–162.]

The will of Washington H Purkins of the County of Essex was dated 10 July 1833. Beloved wife Ann. Money has been advanced to son James and also to sons William and George. $600 to William to “pay his expenses at Philadelphia two medical sessions” as an advancement. “I think he could teach a school & furnish himself if he would be industrious & prudent”. “My daughter Ann has acquired as much Education as I am able to give her she must therefore endeavour to get own living—” Daughter Mary to be sent to boarding school. Also to daughter Martha the same after she arrives at 14 years of age. Re wife Ann, “I hope she will be prudent & not go in debt as many thoughtless widows do”. Friends James Semple and James Croxton to be Executors. Signed Was. H. Purkins. Proved 15 February 1847. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 26, pages 77–79.]