Manuel Herrick

Manuel Herrick was a U.S. Representative from Oklahoma, serving one term in the House of Representatives from 1921 to 1923. A member of the Republican Party, Herrick is often remembered for his unconventional beliefs and colorful personality, which earned him the nickname "Okie Jesus Congressman." His life was marked by a series of personal and political challenges, as well as a unique perspective shaped by his early experiences and beliefs.

Early life and career

Manuel Herrick was born Immanuel Herrick on September 20, 1876, in Perry Township, Tuscarawas County, Ohio. His family relocated to Greenwood County, Kansas, in 1877, shortly after his birth. Herrick's upbringing was heavily influenced by his mother, Belinda Kale Herrick, who believed that her son was the reincarnation of Jesus Christ. This belief significantly shaped Herrick's worldview and personal identity throughout his life.

Self-educated and engaged in agricultural pursuits, Herrick moved to the Cherokee Strip in Oklahoma Territory in 1893. His early life was marked by a significant incident when he attempted to rob a train on June 29, 1893. The attempt was unsuccessful, leading to his arrest by the train conductor. Following this event, he was deemed insane and subsequently committed to Oak Lawn Retreat, a private asylum in Jacksonville, Illinois. After his release, he returned to Perry, Oklahoma, where he focused on agriculture and stock raising.

In 1907, prior to Oklahoma's statehood, Herrick served as a justice of the peace in Noble County. Following statehood, he made several unsuccessful attempts to secure various county offices in Noble County. The death of his mother in 1911 and his father's passing in 1918 marked significant personal losses for Herrick. In 1914, his father sold him the family farm, which became a point of contention in Herrick's later years. Herrick's initial foray into politics came in 1918 when he ran for the U.S. House of Representatives, receiving a mere 56 votes.

House tenure

At the age of 42, Herrick was elected as a Republican to the Sixty-seventh Congress, serving from March 4, 1921, to March 3, 1923. His election came after the unexpected death of the popular incumbent, Dick T. Morgan, which left Herrick unopposed for the Republican nomination. Herrick's election in November 1920 was bolstered by the national popularity of Republican presidential candidate Warren G. Harding within his district.

During his time in Congress, Herrick was known for his unconventional approach to politics. He attempted to introduce legislation aimed at banning beauty pageants, which he viewed as immoral. To illustrate his point, he invited several former beauty pageant contestants to participate in a staged event, leading to controversy and threats of legal action from those he had invited. His tenure was also marked by personal scandals, including an affair with his secretary, Ethelyn Chrane. In 1923, he faced legal issues stemming from a public altercation with Chrane, which culminated in a breach of promise lawsuit that he won, albeit with a nominal award.

Despite his colorful personality and unique legislative initiatives, Herrick was unable to secure re-election in 1922, losing in the Republican primary. His political career was further complicated by a failed attempt to use aviation as a campaign tool, which ended in a plane crash that resulted in minor injuries. Herrick's political aspirations continued to falter, and he lost a subsequent election in 1924 to fellow Republican Milton C. Garber.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his congressional career, Herrick's legislative focus was characterized by his unconventional beliefs and personal experiences. His notable attempt to legislate against beauty pageants reflected his moral convictions, though it also highlighted the controversies that surrounded him. His approach to politics was often seen as eccentric, which contributed to his reputation as a colorful figure in Congress.

In addition to his legislative efforts, Herrick's personal life often overshadowed his political career. His legal battles, including the breach of promise suit against his secretary, drew public attention and detracted from his political image. The fallout from these events, combined with his inability to secure re-election, marked the end of his congressional tenure.

After leaving Congress, Herrick's life continued to be tumultuous. He faced legal issues related to alcohol production, leading to arrests and convictions for moonshining and unlawful possession of alcohol. In 1933, he relocated to California, where he worked as a gold miner and occasionally recounted his experiences in Congress. Herrick's later years were marked by further attempts to re-enter politics, including a run for Congress in 1948, which resulted in only a handful of votes.

Manuel Herrick's life came to a tragic end when he mysteriously disappeared during a blizzard in January 1952. His body was discovered a month later, and he was cremated, with his ashes interred in an unmarked grave in Quincy Cemetery, California. Herrick's life story reflects the complexities of a man whose beliefs and actions left a lasting impression on those who encountered him, both in and out of the political arena.