Knutson, Cornelia Gjesdal, 1912-
Variant namesBiographical notes:
Cornelia Genevive Knutson, or "Coya" as she was commonly known, was born in Edmore, North Dakota, August 23, 1912, the daughter of Christian and Christine (Anderson) Gjesdal. She received a B.S. degree in English and music at Concordia College (Moorhead, Minnesota) and did post-graduate work at Moorhead State Teachers College and at the Julliard School of Music. She began her career as a high school teacher in Oklee, Minnesota, and married Andrew Knutson on March 21, 1940. She served in the state Agricultural Adjustment Administration (1941-1942), as a member of the Red Lake County Board (1948-1950), and as a representative from the 65th district in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1951 to 1954. As a Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidate in Minnesota's ninth congressional district, Knutson defeated Harold Hagen, a twelve year incumbent, to become the first Minnesota woman to be elected to the United States House of Representatives. She held that position from 1955 to 1958. Knutson was defeated in 1958, and campaigned unsuccessfully for the seat in 1960 and 1976. She died in Minneapolis October 10, 1996.
From the guide to the Coya Knutson papers., 1930-1999 (bulk 1954-1958)., (Minnesota Historical Society)
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Subjects:
- Agricultural laws and legislation
- Agricultural laws and legislation
- Agricultural subsidies
- Agricultural subsidies
- Agriculture
- Agriculture
- Business enterprises
- Business enterprises
- Political candidates
- Political candidates
- Cooperative societies
- Cooperative societies
- Elections
- Elections
- Electric power plants
- Electric power-plants
- Nuclear power plants
- Nuclear power plants
- Rural electrification
- Rural electrification
- Women
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- Agricultural laws and legislation
- Agricultural subsidies
- Agriculture
- Business enterprises
- Political candidates
- Cooperative societies
- Elections
- Nuclear power plants
- Rural electrification
- Women
Occupations:
- Politicians
- Women legislators
Places:
- Minnesota--Elk River (as recorded)
- Red River Valley (Minnesota and N.D.-Man.) (as recorded)
- United States (as recorded)
- Red Lake County (Minn.) (as recorded)
- Minnesota--Red River Valley (Minnesota and N.D.-Man.) (as recorded)
- Red River Valley (Minn. and N.D.-Man.) (as recorded)
- Oklee (Minn.) (as recorded)
- Minnesota (as recorded)
- Oklee (Minn.) (as recorded)
- Red Lake County (Minn.) (as recorded)
