There is a Crocker/Croker surname Y chromosome DNA study in progress via DNA Heritage. I am writing to enlist any CROOKER descendants who believe they may be descendants of the CROKER family of Lyneham or elsewhere in Devon, England, to participate.

For those who aren't familiar with a Y chromosome study, let me briefly describe it. Males inherit their Y chromosome from their fathers, who inherit it from their fathers, and so on. Because the Y chromosome is so well preserved over a large number of generations, even distant male cousins of the same surname with a common male ancestor should have nearly identical Y chromosomes. Comparing markers on the Y chromosome of male members of a particular surname, or variant spellings of that surname (ie, CROCKER/CROKER/CROOKER), can prove/confirm likely genetic ties between various family branches, and even help solve genealogical "brick walls."

As some may know, the Crockers and Crookers of New England arrived around the same time ~1630's/1640's. Two brothers, William and John CROCKER settled in Scituate, MA and later in Barnstable, MA by 1639. They are said to have descended from the Lyneham Croker family of Yealmpton, Devon, but this has never been proven. Another pair of brothers, Francis and William CROOKER settled in Marshfield, MA and Oyster Bay, Long Island, NY. Published works and personal researchers have claimed that these brothers were sons of Hugh Croker of Lyneham in Yealmpton, Devon (though I have not seen convincing proof of this).

What is known as fact is that some CROKERs (including those of Lyneham, Yealmpton, Devon) spelled their name variably CROKER, CROOKER, and CROCKER.

There were two other major Crocker family branches established in early America, namely one from Thomas Crocker of New London, CT in 1660's, and Anthony Crocker of Isle of Wight, VA in the 1630's/1640's.

To date, no one knows whether any or all of these branches are related, ie, have a common male ancestor. A Y chromosome DNA study could help corroborate or disprove this possibility, and may even help larger branches of these families link together.

I would like to invite any CROOKER males who believe they may descend from the CROKER/CROCKER family to participate in this genetic study. Those who are interesed may visit the DNA Heritage website, or refer to "UK Crocker DNA" messages in the GenForum CROCKER forum.