Sarah Atkinson was mentioned in the 1829 will of her brother, Leonard G. Andrews, presented in court 15 November 1830 and proved 15 December 1830. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 22, pages 190–191.]

On 4 January 1842, orator James Andrews of Essex County complained that Leonard Andrews his brother died about ________ 1830 having written a last will and testament, leaving Ann Andrews, his mother and widow of Mark Andrews his father, your orator James Andrews and Edwin Andrews his only brothers, Elizabeth Clark wife of James Clark, Sarah Atkinson wife of Robert Atkinson his only two sisters, all of Essex County, and William Atkinson and Elizabeth Atkinson then residents of the state of Alabama the only children of Nancy Atkinson, a deceased sister of the testator (the said Elizabeth Atkinson now being the wife of Gabriel Edmonds). Your orator has learned that the said Edwin intends to contest the will when Ann Andrews dies. Filed as Andrews vs. Andrews. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 49, item 49-F-29.]

1850 U.S. Census, Essex County, Virginia
Page 84B, Dwelling 323, Family 323
Atkinson, Robert, 50, male, farmer, $3,500 real estate, born in Virginia
Atkinson, Sarah, 47, female, born in Virginia
Atkinson, Leonard, 16, male, born in Virginia
Atkinson, Mary, 12, female, born in Virginia