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Life, Missouri History Today

Cult Leader Adam God is Sentenced to 20 Years: May 29, 1909

by Missouri Life
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Born in Lebanon, Adam Sharp presented himself as a “traveling evangelist.” He was never very successful though, and in 1908 was living in Kansas City on a houseboat with less than 30 followers.  The group, which included several children, was out proselytizing in Kansas City when a police officer asked why the children were not in school. Sharp, incensed, bellowed, “I am Adam God, father of Jesus Christ.” He demanded the officer leave, then struck him on the head with the butt of a revolver.  The outnumbered officer smelled trouble and went to a nearby police station. A confrontation ensued and three police officers and an officer’s daughter were killed. Sharp was wounded and later caught and convicted.   This post was based upon content from Historicjoplin.org, as well as Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store. Photo credit: Marek Piwnicki, Unsplash

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