Recent publication: Mendota Area German Pioneer Families, Volumes 1 & 2 by Arthur L. Ladenburger- based on history of a rural St. Paul's Lutheran church in Bureau/LaSalle Counties of Illinois. Extensive search of Kerchner family back to Joachim Kerchner ca. 1681 in Michelau, Upper Hessen, Germany. I will look up for specific searches (multiple John Kerchners); these books also may be viewed at Illinois Valley Community College, Oglesby, IL and several area libraries. Many other families that settled in northern Illinois area from Germany have been researched extensively by A. Ladenburger.
Kerchner is my mother's maiden name - a 400+ names family tree is being finalized & I hope to post it online soon.