Wisconsin History Day By Day

Related Web Sites:
Warren Knowles is Dead

Knowles Went Out 'Doing What He Loved the Most'

Paul Hassett

Photo of Knowles reading the newspaper


Read More About It

"Gov. Knowles: A 'Nice Guy' With Political Savvy" by James Selk, Wisconsin State Journal, Sept. 29, 1968

"Warren P. Knowles Deserves to Be Reelected Governor" and "The Knowles Record," Wisconsin State Journal, Oct. 21, 1968

"Knowles and Mates Score State Sweep," by John Patrick Hunter, The Capital Times, Nov. 6, 1968


Vocabulary:

state senate
terms
gubernatorial


Interesting Fact:

The colorful and controversial wife of Warren Knowles was granted a Mexican divorce in 1968.


Study Questions:

  • What were the main accomplishments of Knowles while he was governor?
  • What did Knowles do between being lieutenant governor and governor?
  • Who were Knowles' opponents in his three gubernatorial races and what were the vote totals?


    U.S. historical events that occurred on August 19:

    1812: The USS Constitution defeats the British frigate Guerriere off the coast of Nova Scotia during the War of 1812.
    1960: A Moscow court convicts American U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers of being a spy.



    • August 19

    Wisconsin's Governors

    Warren Knowles, Wisconsin's 37th governor, was born on August 19, 1908 in River Falls. He received his law degree in 1933 and joined a firm in New Richmond. Knowles served for five years on the New Richmond County Board and was elected to the state senate in 1940. He served in the Navy during World War II and returned to the Senate, remaining there until 1953. Knowles was elected lieutenant governor in 1954 and served two terms. He was elected governor in 1964 and re-elected in 1966 and 1968. Died: May 1, 1993.

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