From History of Walworth County Wisconsin by Albert Clayton Beckwith, Vol. II, 
Publ. 1912 - Page 1007-1008
 
KNUTE G. KNUTSON.  Among the representative farmers and stock raisers of 
Whitewater township, Walworth county, is Knute G. KNUTSON, who is successfully 
operating a fine farm, carrying on his line of business with that enterprise 
and discretion which are sure to find their sequel in the attainment of a 
definite end.  He has spent his life here and has wisely refrained from 
wandering about the land seeking "a better country."
 
Mr. KNUTSON was born in Lagrange township, this county, December 12, 1856, the 
son of Gullick and Ambor (OLSON) KNUTSON, both natives of Norway, where they 
spent their childhood, emigrating to America while yet single in the forties, 
and they were married at Palmyra, Jefferson county, Wisconsin, and there began 
life on a farm, starting in a small way in the wilderness, taking up a 
homestead from the government.  When the Civil war came on he went to the 
front, proving an excellent soldier.  He was severely wounded by two minie 
balls in the head, from which he died while on a furlough, on February 4, 
1864.  His widow survived nearly thirty years, dying on November 7, 1903.  
After the death of the father the family came back to Lagrange township, 
Walworth county, after an absence of several years, the subject being at that 
time eight years of age.

Knute G. KNUTSON was educated in district school No. 9, this township, and he 
worked out on the farms of Lagrange township for a period of thirteen years, 
though part of that time he was at Palmyra and in Dane county.  Then he rented 
for some time and in 1885 bought forty acres where his present buildings are.  
About 1890 he purchased one hundred and twenty acres more.  He built a good 
barn in 1897 and a house of ample proportions in 1905, also other substantial 
buildings have been put up by him and he has gradually improved his land until 
he has one of the choice farms of the township, where he carries on general 
farming and stock raising  He has made his property unaided, the large success 
he has achieved being due to good management and hard work.  He also carries 
on a good dairy business and raises a fine grade of Guernsey cattle, which, 
owing to their superior quality, always find a ready market.
 
Mr. KNUTSON was married on March 14, 1885, to Maggie NELSON, who was born in 
Norway and who was two years of age, 1861, when she was brought to America.  
She was the daughter of Nels Gunderson and Olive NELSON.  They came to 
Whitewater, Wisconsin, locating with Mr. HALVORSEN for a while, then moved 
where Tom NELSON now lives.  The father of Mrs. KNUTSON has devoted his life 
to farming.
 
The subject and wife are the parents to three children, namely: Helen Jenette, 
born June 2, 1886; Gilbert, born May 13, 1890; Minerva, born August 29, 1894.  
Mr. KNUTSON is a Republican, and he has been a member of the local school 
board.  He belongs to the Lutheran church.
 
Submitted by Carol