Harold Knutson

Harold Knutson (October 20, 1880 – August 21, 1953) was born in Skien, in Telemark county, Norway. At the age of 6 he and his family moved to the United States initially settling in Chicago, Illinois, but later moving to Sherburne County, Minnesota. He became the editor for the St. Cloud Daily Journal-Press and later president of the Northern Minnesota Editorial Association. 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,and was majority whip 1919–1923. In 1947 he headed the House Ways and Means Committee. President Truman vetoed some of the acts of the 80th Congress and deemed it a "Do Nothing Congress." Knutson was then defeated in 1948 and returned to editing, which he continued to do until his death in 1953.

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.