The Kilcher family supposedly came to the United States from Alsace-Lorraine.  Although this area has belonged to both France and Germany at various times in history, research indicates that they are two distinct regions.  Alsace was more German, while Lorraine was more French.  The Kilcher family members were German-speaking, and some family documents indicate their birthplace as Elsass, which is German for Alsace. I now believe they actually came from Alsace.

William and Bertha Haus Kilcher and family