Harold Knutson

Knutson in 1917
Portrait of 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
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


This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 5/5/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.