Sarah (Dorman) Purnell (abt. 1644 - bef. 1694)

Born about 1644 in Northampton, Virginia

Wife of Thomas Purnell I — married 1665 in Somerset County, Maryland [uncertain]

Descendants

Died before Mar 1694 before about age 50 in Somerset, Maryland

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Biography

Sarah was born about 1644, in Northampton, Virginia, to John and Sarah Dorman. She is listed in the settlement of her father's estate in 1655:

John died before 21 February 1655 at Northamton Co, VA. It was on this date that Sara Derman, widow of the dec'd was named to settle the estate of John Derman. (Notes: The widow Sara gave by deed of gift to her eldest son John Derman, to daughters Mary and Sara Derman, and to her youngest son Mathew Derman. John Derman's deed of gift to his four children John, Mary, Sara and Mathew Derman. His deed of gift to his youngest daugher Ellyen.

Sarah's mother, Sarah Hickman Dorman Bonwell, wrote her will on September, 1659 , and it was proved November 2, 1659. She sent Sarah as an indentured servant to Mrs. Alce (Alice?) Johnson until Sarah turned 15. Sarah also received a steer, 2/3 yard of "fine Holland" cloth, and a gold ring. Witnesses William Smith and Thomas Leatherbury.

The Miles files have Thomas Purnell married to Sarah Dorman about 1665.^[1] Their children were:

1. John c1665
2. Thomas c1670
3. Elizabeth c 1675, married Christopher Nutter
4. Sarah C 1680^[2]

Sarah is not mentioned in her husband's will, written 5 mar 1693/4. It is assumed that she had died before this.

Unproven Existence

According to the settlement of John Dorman's estate he had five children, none of which were named Elizabeth.^[3] I suspect that this name came about due to the second record of emigration of Thomas Purnell in 1673 to Maryland with wife Elizabeth. I also suspect that there were two persons named Thomas Purnell. The other Thomas emigrated in 1663 and married Sarah Dorman/Derman. For these reasons, this profile is being disconnected from husband Thomas Purnell and from parents John Dorman and Sarah Hickman. This can be reconsidered should better sources emerge.

I believe that a second Thomas Purnell should be created and that Elizabeth's LNAB needs to be found.

Sources

1. ↑ Miles Files,
2. ↑ Maryland Probate Records 1674-1774, CD #5206, Calendar of Wills, Vol 2, 1685-1702, p. 75 & 76 (will of Thomas Purnell).
3. ↑ James Handley Marshall, Northampton Co, VA, Abstracts of Wills & Administrations, 1632-1802, p. 44 (adm. of John Derman).

Ancestry Family Trees: Publication: Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com.

James Handley Marshall, Northampton Co, VA, Abstracts of Wills & Administrations, 1632-1802, p. 44 (adm. of John Derman)

Miles files, Virginia Eastern Shore Public Library, abstract of the settlement of John Derman's estate, 1655.