Knutson, Oscar R. (Oscar Rudolph), 1899-

Oscar R. Knutson was born in Superior, Wisconsin, on October 9, 1899 to Bottolf and Rachel (Satren) Knutson, who were immigrants from Norway. The family moved from Superior, where they operated a dairy farm, to a farm near Warren, Minnesota, in 1916. Oscar graduated in 1919 from the Northwest School of Agriculture, Crookston, Minnesota, and from Warren High School in 1920. He attended St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota (1920-1921), followed by a year (1921-1922) at the University of Minnesota. He took a year off to work and then entered the University of Minnesota law school [ca.1923], earning his law degree in 1927.

Knutson was admitted to the Minnesota bar in 1927, and returned to Warren where he practiced law with Julius J. Olson until Olson was appointed to the 14th district court bench in 1930. After Olson's departure Knutson engaged in private practice (1930-1941). He ran for Marshall County attorney in 1930. Knutson was himself appointed to the 14th district court bench on January 2, 1941, won election to the post in 1942, and served until he was appointed an associate justice of the Minnesota supreme court on May 7, 1948. He was elected to this post in 1948, and was re-elected in 1954 and 1960. Knutson was appointed chief justice on January 25, 1962, was elected to the post in 1964, and was re-elected in 1970. He retired in 1973.

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