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.]

Elizabeth was mentioned in the 22 August 1816 will of her husband, James Emerson, proved on 18 February 1817. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 18, page 363.]