John Purchas left a will dated on 27 March 1585.
1 27 March 1585. I John Purchas of Much Waltham, co. Essex, tanner, being grown in age and trobled with disease, do ordain this to be my testament and last will:--First I commend my body to be buried in the churchyard of Much Waltham with such costs as shalbe thought mete by myne executor and my wief. I give to ten of the poorest householders 3s on the day of my burial. I give to Margaret my wief one-half of my moveable goods within the houses and L13-6-8. To John Purchas my eldest son L6 8 4, and to his three children John, William and Alice 6s8d each as 21 or marriage. To George Purcas my youngest son L40, and if it happen to him to depart the world ere he receive it, than John my younger son shall have L20 of his portion, Thomas my son L10, and the other L10 I give to Mary my daughter, wife of John Warnard. I give to either of the two children of the said Mary my daughter, namely, to Thomas Warnar and Mary Warnare, L5. To my sister's daughter Joan Downham, 10s at 23 or marriage. To my sister Sandford's daughter Mary 3s. All the rest of my goods I give unto John Purchas my youngest son, to do his will and best withal: which said John my youngest son I ordain and make my full and whole executor, and Thomas my son overseer. Witnesses: Thomas Edwards, Richard Pond the writer of the same. Proved 11 October 1585 by John Purcas the younger son and executor." (Arch: Essex, Draper 85).