A little over a year ago, I learned that I had Hawkins ancestors on my mother’s side. If DNA is any indication, I appear to have Hawkins on my father’s side, too. Most trees on Ancestry.com indicate that Valentine Choate’s middle name was “Hawkins” for two reasons: 1.) a deed floating out there somewhere attributing a middle initial of “H” to him (I haven’t found it yet); and 2.) a son conveniently named John Hawkins Choate. Assuming either is correct, “Hawkins” was likely a family name, possible his mother’s maiden name. (Many trees on Ancestry.com show Valentine’s mother as one Elizabeth Hawkins — but have no documentation. Sad face emoji.)

That brings me back to DNA. My father has no shortage of DNA matches who descend from the early Hawkins who lived in Maryland and Virginia. More than coincidental I suspect. Some of these Hawkins matches are descendants of my mother’s Hawkins ancestors. Bottom line? It appears my mother and father were distant cousins. Not a surprise considering the proliferation of ancestors who came through Virginia.

Back to work…