Joseph R. Knowland

Joseph Russell Knowland (August 5, 1873 – February 1, 1966) was an American politician and newspaper publisher. He served six terms as a member of the United States House of Representatives from California from 1904 to 1915. He was the owner, editor and publisher of the Oakland Tribune. He was the father of United States Senator William F. Knowland.

Early life Knowland was born in Alameda, California on August 5, 1873, the son of Joseph Knowland (1833–1912) and Hannah Bailey Russell (1832–1921). His siblings included two sisters, Sadie (1864–1905) and Lucille (1870–1926), and a brother, Hollis, who died in infancy. Knowland attended Alameda Park Street Primary School and Hopkins Academy, and graduated from the University of the Pacific in 1895.

Start of career After college, Knowland joined his father's wholesale lumber and shipping business. His business career proved successful, and ventures in which Knowland participated included: Gardiner Mill Company (president); Kennedy Mine & Milling Company (director); Alameda National Bank (director); and Union Savings Bank of Oakland (director).

He was also active in several fraternal and civic organizations, to include the Freemasons, Shriners, Elks, Modern Woodmen of America, Native Sons of the Golden West, and California Historic Landmarks League. Knowland's memberships also included the California Centennials Council, California Historical Society, California Chamber of Commerce, California State Automobile Association, Oakland Chamber of Commerce, Oakland Community Chest, Mills College Board of Trustees, Oakland National Horse Show, and Athens Athletic Club. As a congressman, he worked to obtain approval for construction of Navy capital ships in California and for a two-ocean fleet.

Fraternal organizations

Native Sons of the Golden West Masons Shriners Knights Templar Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine Bohemian Club Pacific Union Club Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks—Oakland # 171 Athens Athletic Club Athenian Nile Club California Historical Society Oakland and Alameda County Pioneers Claremont Country Club Associated Press California Press Association's Newspaper Hall of Fame

Board memberships

American Trust Company Marchant Calculating Machine Company Oakland Title Insurance and Guaranty Company California State Automobile Association American Automobile Association Associated Press California State Park Commission California State Chamber of Commerce

Electoral history