Manuel Herrick

Manuel Herrick, nicknamed the "Okie Jesus Congressman" (September 20, 1876 – c. January 11, 1952) was a United States representative from Oklahoma for one term, from March 4, 1921 to March 3, 1923.

Early life Born Immanuel Herrick in Perry Township, Tuscarawas County, Ohio on September 20, 1876, he moved with his parents, John Emanuel Herrick and Belinda Kale Herrick, to Greenwood County, Kansas in 1877. Herrick’s mother believed her son was Jesus Christ reincarnated, leading Herrick himself to believe so as well. Herrick was self-educated and engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1893, he settled in the Cherokee Strip in Oklahoma Territory.

On June 29, 1893, Herrick attempted to rob a train, but was arrested by the conductor. He was deemed insane and sent to Oak Lawn Retreat, a private asylum in Jacksonville, Illinois, founded by Andrew McFarland. Afterwards, Herrick moved to Perry and became interested in agriculture and stock raising.

In 1907 prior to statehood, he was a justice of the peace in Noble County. After statehood, he unsuccessfully ran for several county offices in Noble County.His mother died on December 9, 1911. In 1914, his father sold him the family farm near Perry, before dying on December 12, 1918. In 1918, he made his first run for the U.S. House of Representatives, receiving 56 votes.