The only thing I know to do in the case where information is this recent is to go to anywho.com and look up the surnames in IL. There were 9 Mehrken in IL and 31 Helmers. Then get out your map and see what is closest to Chenoa or Fairbury. You can also use this site to find the county for the different towns listed. _http://resources.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/townco.cg_ (http://resources.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/townco.cg) One of those Mehrken's must be related and could possibly lead you to Helmer relatives. Joan in Illinois