Johann Kaspar Mörikofer (21 March 1794 – 22 May 1859) was a Swiss Protestant pastor, historian, and author. He was born in Zürich, Switzerland, and pursued theological studies at the University of Zürich, completing his doctorate in 1817. After his ordination, Mörikofer served as a pastor in several Swiss cantons, most notably in Glarus and later in Basel.
Mörikofer is primarily recognized for his contributions to Swiss historiography, particularly his works on the Reformation in Switzerland. His most influential publication, Geschichte der schweizerischen Reformation (History of the Swiss Reformation), was released in multiple volumes between 1847 and 1853. The work provides a detailed chronological account of the religious, political, and social developments of the Reformation era in the Swiss confederation, drawing on extensive archival research.
In addition to his Reformation studies, Mörikofer authored several essays and treatises on Swiss church history, the development of cantonal institutions, and the relationship between religion and national identity. He contributed articles to contemporary scholarly journals and was a member of the Zürich Historical Society, where he engaged in collaborative research projects.
Mörikofer’s scholarship was noted for its methodical use of primary sources and for striving to present a balanced narrative that considered both Protestant and Catholic perspectives. His historical writings were influential in 19th‑century Swiss academic circles and helped shape subsequent historiographical approaches to the nation’s early modern period.
He died in Basel in 1859. Posthumously, his works continued to be cited by historians studying the Swiss Reformation and the broader religious transformations of Central Europe.
