Our line of Cronkhites came from Harck Syboutsen who imigrated in 1600's from Holland into New Amsterdam, presentday NYC. He had a large family and along the way the surname adopted was Kranckheyt, Crankheyt and variations on the spelling. In early records they appear as Hercks, Herx, Herox, Hercksen, Herksen , take your pick.....all meaning to convey "son of Harck". Kranckheyt evolved into Cronkhite and Cronk. Another branch of Harck Syboutsen's family arrived at a later date from Holland and appears to be his nephews. The first name Harck was given to many of the grandchildren for several generations in honor of their common grandfather and that evolved into Hercules, Hendrick and Henry. >From everything I have sen the CRANKS are a separate group.