Question about DNA testing - which service to use; and, help with Hawkins & Riggs.

Question

My name is Marie elaine Hawkins.  I have a grandmother Riggs (by birth).  Will my DNA testing show her parents?  That is where I have a block.  Her name is Elvira Riggs and her father is Mahlon or Malin Riggs.  I thought they were the same person; but, may not be.  New research on my part shows two very different families but living in the same area.  Also, without a male DNA is it possible to trace the Hawkins line?  There are so many who claim my grandfather in their lines (other sites) but have no proof and lead to very different Hawkins origins.  I like both the National Geographic test and the Family Serch test.  Both tests are completed at the Family Search labs but Family Serch does not recognize the National Geographic test.  Don't understand that.  OOPS  should read Family Tree not Family Search

Answer 1

You need to understand how DNA works.  Women pass mtDNA down from mother to daughter.  Is your mother the daughter of Elvira Riggs?  If so, then your mother's mtDNA is the same and your mtDNA is the same as Elvira's.

Is your maiden name Hawkins and you are wanting to trace it?  If so, since that is your father's name then you need a male to test for the Y-DNA.

The newer autosomal DNA tests can help you trace your family back approximately five generations on BOTH sides of your family.  If your parents are alive, or better yet, grandparents, then it would be better to test them.

Deciding which service to use for DNA testing is a personal choice.  You should read what they each say and make your decision.  I personally like FTDNA, but that's just me.  Lots of people use them, but lots use ancestry also.

Answer 2

This blog has excellent advice:

http://www.legalgenealogist.com/blog/2012/08/12/gedmatch-a-dna-geeks-dream-site/