Paddy
There is no connection with the names you are seeking information and the names of my ancestors. The greatest similarity is location. I am looking for Julius Wilhelm Burgdorf who said he was from Hildesheim in Hanover. Like your ancestors he came to the US thru New Orleans in 1859 but he settled there. I am from New Orleans and now live in Chesterfield Mo, a St. Louis suburb and I know the Illinois places you mention are just across the river. Do you reside there? Just thought we might compare notes as to our research sources.
Max