Harold Knutson
Harold Knutson (October 20, 1880 – August 21, 1953) was a Norwegian-American politician and journalist, who represented Minnesota in the United States House of Representatives from 1917 to 1949 as a member of the Republican Party. From 1919 to 1923 he was the Republican majority whip.
Early life
Knutson was born in Skien, in Telemark county, Norway. At the age of 6 he and his family moved to the United States. They initially settled in Chicago, Illinois, but later moved to Sherburne County, Minnesota.
Journalist career
Knutson became the editor for the St. Cloud Daily Journal-Press. Later, he was president of the Northern Minnesota Editorial Association.
U.S. House of Representatives
From 1917 to 1949 he served as a Republican Party Congressman in the 65th, 66th, 67th, 68th, 69th, 70th, 71st, 72nd, 73rd, 74th, 75th, 76th, 77th, 78th, 79th, and 80th congresses. On April 5, 1917, he voted against declaring war on Germany. He served as the majority whip from 1919 to 1923. In 1947 he headed the House Ways and Means Committee.
Later life
Knutson was defeated for re-election in 1948 and returned to editing, which he continued to do until his death in 1953.
Personal life
Knutson was a Lutheran. He set up a camp for "neglected, unfortunate, deprived and handicapped children." He was also a member of the Freemasons, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
United States House of Representatives | ||
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Preceded by Charles Lindbergh |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Minnesota's 6th congressional district 1917–1933 |
Succeeded by N/A |
Preceded by N/A |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Minnesota's at-large congressional district 1933–1935 |
Succeeded by N/A |
Preceded by N/A |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Minnesota's 6th congressional district 1935–1949 |
Succeeded by Fred Marshall |
Party political offices | ||
Preceded by Thomas Montgomery Bell (D-GA) (No majority (Democratic) whip 1915–1919; Bell was whip 1913–1915) |
House Majority Whip 1919–1923 |
Succeeded by Albert Henry Vestal (R-IN) |
Preceded by Charles Mann Hamilton (NY) |
House Republican Whip 1919–1923 |
Succeeded by Albert Henry Vestal (IN) |
External links
Additional Resources
- The Papers of Harold Knutson are available for research use at the Minnesota Historical Society.
- United States Congress. "Harold Knutson (id: K000301)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.