The Heckendorns come from Switzerland. My records begin with Christian Ruchty, his daughters, one being Veronica, and Christian Deppen arriving in America on the Princess Augusta in 1736. There were some "Hegendorns" on this ship's list, including a Daniel Heckendorn, aged 16, who was the father of Christian Gottfried Heckendorn (below). Also on this ship's list were Daniel's father, Hans and brother Hans, Jr. They were from Berne, Switzerland. The Heckendorns were an active part of the Moravian Church when they settled in America.

Veronica Ruchty and Christian Deppen married. Their daughter Veronica Deppen married Christian Gottfried Heckendorn in America. The homestead of some of these family members is still standing in Berks County, PA not far from the Conrad Weiser estate.

I will try to find some time to check other records to see if I can go back even farther in Switzerland. I will let you know if I can locate more information.