Born: Lawrenceville, Illinois, 1819.Died: Eureka, Illinois, 1882.
Born: Lawrenceville, Illinois, 1819.
Died: Eureka, Illinois, 1882.
His father, Richard B. McCorkle, with his family, moved to Tazewell County about 1830 and settled a few miles north of Washington. There he built a strong log residence that furnished a home and a safe place for women and children during the raids of Indi ans upon the early settlers. His eldest daughter married John Johnson, and became the mother of three noted preachers--B. W., R. H. and J. B. Johnson.
During his early manhood, J. B. McCorkle marketed farm products at Ft. Dearborn, now Chicago. He seized every opportunity for his mental discipline and the acquirement of knowledge, including night schools. In his Christian service he was much helped and encouraged by Sanford Gorin, an older elder of the Washington congregation. He moved to Eureka in 1869. He served the college as financial agent, preaching as he went among the churches.
He evangelized under the auspices of the missionary co-operation consisting of Woodford, Tazewell and McLean Counties. During his public ministry, which he continued as long as his bodily health permitted, he baptized over one thousand persons. Most of th is work was done at his own charges, supporting his family meanwhile by other means.
His hospitality was so generous that his home in Washington was nicknamed "The Campbellite Hotel." In this, many of the pioneers were entertained. Often in his evangelistic meetings he sang a solo just before his sermon. His faith in the word of God was abiding. Daily in his home his family assembled for worship.