Norman Knudson
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Norman Knudson | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Wisconsin Senate from the 15th district | |
| In office January 2, 1899 – January 5, 1903 | |
| Preceded by | John McMullen |
| Succeeded by | Samuel W. Randolph |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 30, 1874 Manitowoc, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Died | April 9, 1934 (aged 59) Manitowoc, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Resting place | Evergreen Cemetery, Manitowoc, Wisconsin |
| Party | Republican |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | Wisconsin National Guard United States Volunteers |
| Years of service |
|
| Rank |
|
| Unit | 2nd Reg. Wis. Vol. Infantry |
| Battles/wars | Spanish–American War |
Norman Alfred Knudson (April 30, 1874 – April 9, 1934) was an American businessman and Republican politician. He was a member of the Wisconsin State Senate from 1899 through 1902, representing Manitowoc and Calumet counties.
Knudson was born on April 30, 1874, in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.[1] He later joined the Wisconsin National Guard in 1890. At the outbreak of the Spanish–American War, he volunteered for service and was mustered as first lieutenant of Company H in the 2nd Wisconsin Infantry Regiment.[2][3] With the 2nd Wisconsin Infantry, he participated in the Puerto Rico campaign and commanded Company H throughout the war, due to the sickness of his captain, William Abel.[4] After the war, he remained in the national guard until 1903 and was promoted to the rank of captain.[5]
Political career
Immediately after returning from the war, he became the Republican candidate for Wisconsin State Senate in the 15th State Senate district.[4] Although the state of Wisconsin was heavily Republican in this era, the 15th Senate district was one of the most Democratic areas of the state. Knudson prevailed in a close general election, defeating Democratic candidate John P. Watt by just 37 votes.[2] He was the youngest member of the Senate in 1899—only 24 years old at the start of the session.