Harold Knutson

Knutson in 1917
Portrait of Harold Knutson

Harold Knutson (October 20, 1880 – August 21, 1953) was an 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. Camp Knutson (Cross Lake, Minnesota) is an accepting and nurturing camp environment for children with special needs. The camp was donated in 1953 by Minnesota Congressman Harold Knutson to be used as a summer retreat for "neglected, unfortunate, deprived and handicapped children." For over 50 years, thousands of children have taken part in the summer programs offered at Camp Knutson. Over the years, others who have been touched by Harold Knutson’s vision continue to support, sustain and improve Camp Knutson for the future.

Knutson was a member of the Freemasons, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

U.S. 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)

Additional Resources

  • United States Congress. "Harold Knutson (id: K000301)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.


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