John Corrill was an early member and leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and an elected representative in the Missouri State Legislature.
12 Facts About John Corrill
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John Corrill was prominently involved in the Mormon conflicts in Missouri before leaving the church in 1839 and publishing A Brief History of the Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints.
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John Corrill worked as a carriage builder, surveyor, and architect and married a woman named Margaret, with whom he had at least five children.
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John Corrill was later surprised to hear of the conversion of Sidney Rigdon, a preacher in nearby Kirtland who was planning a preaching tour with Corrill.
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In 1831 John Corrill served two short missions in nearby areas.
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In 1833, John Corrill was chosen as the third bishop in Zion where he would later preside over a branch of the church.
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When Missourians expelled Mormons from the area, John Corrill joined in petitioning the governor for militia assistance and settled in Clay County for the winter.
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In late 1836 John Corrill represented the Mormons in negotiating with state leaders for the formation of Caldwell County for primarily Mormon settlement.
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John Corrill was elected by the primarily Mormon residents of Caldwell County to be the county's first representative to the Missouri State Legislature in August 1838.
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John Corrill witnessed many key events and was involved in surrendering and turning over Joseph Smith to the state militia, which Smith saw as a betrayal.
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John Corrill died in Adams County, Illinois in 1842 at the age of 48.
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John Corrill is remembered for his 50-page booklet published in 1839, entitled A Brief History of the Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints including an account of their doctrine and discipline, with the reasons of the author for leaving the Church.