Keno Ith tom Brok originated from an outstanding family, which ranked among that potent of the Norderlandes. A Keno Kenesna, probably the grandfather, is there already in 1309 one of three consuls. Consul Kenos grandchild became in 1347 the chieftain Keno Hilmerisna, gentleman over Broke, Marienhafe and Aurich.
In a Papal grace letter from 1371 becomes Keno (I.) tom Brok for the first time as capitaneus Brocmanie, chieftan of the Brokmerlandes mentioned. Sometime between 1347, where it - documentary for the first time mentioned - when nobilis vir with patronymischer name form Keno Hilmerisna in Brocmania a legal case in the Emsigerland helps to smooth and the court rule in the there Kirchspielen Uttum and Visquard has, and 1371, probably already 1361 or before, is he into the central position of a national chieftain ascended.
Its oldest son, that by the queen from Neapel to the Condotiere (knight) struck Ocko, was the husband of the chieftain daughter of Strackholt and Hinte, itself by its cruelty the name Quade Foelke (quade = down-German: badly) acquired. It began 1376 the paternal inheritance, and expanded its sphere of influence over nearly completely East Frisia . After its death again his Mrs. Foelke led Regierung.bis to the majority of its sons Widzel and Keno IITH tom Brok.