Johannes Zollikofer facts for kids
Johannes Zollikofer was an important Swiss Reformed pastor who lived in the 1600s. He was born on December 29, 1633, in St. Gallen, Switzerland. He passed away on April 23, 1692, in Herisau. Zollikofer was known for his religious work and for writing many books.
Life as a Pastor and Author
Johannes Zollikofer began his journey by studying in cities like Zürich and Basel. When he was just twenty years old, he was invited to work as a German pastor in Geneva. He continued his studies later in England, at famous universities like Oxford and Cambridge.
After his studies, he served as a deacon in places like St. Leonhard and St. Gallen. A deacon is a church helper who assists the main pastor. Later, he became a full pastor, also known as a vicar, in Herisau in Appenzell Ausserrhoden. He also held a special role called a chamberlain, which meant he managed certain church finances.
Zollikofer was a very busy person. He wrote and translated many books. One of his most famous works was a sermon he gave in 1689. It was titled The Unholy Fiends' Miserable Condition. This sermon talked about the dangers of superstition and magic. It was based on another book called Magiologia, which warned people about believing in witchcraft. In those times, some people used such sermons to justify witch-hunts, which were very sad events where people were wrongly accused of witchcraft.
His most important book was A Newly Opened Treasury of Heavenly Incense, or Christian's Companion. It was published in 1691. This book was a collection of prayers and religious exercises. It became incredibly popular and was reprinted many times for over 150 years! It helped many people in their religious life.
Even today, Johannes Zollikofer is remembered in Herisau. There is a bell in the church, cast in 1679, that has his name inscribed on it: "H. Johannes Zollikofer, Pfarrer" (Pastor Johannes Zollikofer).
His Family Life
Johannes Zollikofer came from a family with a long history. His parents were Georg Zollikofer and Judith Schobinger.
He was married three times during his life. His first wife was Catharina Gonzenbach. They married on November 3, 1657. They had two daughters: one who sadly passed away as a baby in 1663, and another named Judith, born in 1665. Catharina passed away in 1672.
Johannes then married Susanna Zollikofer on June 11, 1672. With Susanna, he had four children: Magdalena (born 1673), Georg Niklaus (born 1676), and two sons both named Johannes (born 1681 and 1683). Sadly, the first Johannes died as a baby. Susanna passed away in 1685.
His third marriage was to Elisabeth Zollikofer on June 15, 1686. They had three children together: David (born 1688), Elisabeth (born 1690), and Gottlieb (born 1691).
