Joseph R. Knowland (Napoleon's World)

Joseph Russell Knowland (August 5, 1873 – February 1, 1966) was an American politician from California representing the National Party. He served as Senator for California from 1915 to 1939 and as a Congressman from 1904-1915. He was an influential statesman figure within the California National Party and in the East Bay region, contributing greatly to the development in particular of Alameda County and was a staunch advocate for the state in Congress. Knowland attempted three contests for President - 1924, in a bid to be named Calvin Coolidge's running mate and deny fellow Senator and rival Hiram Johnson the critical California delegation; 1928, his most serious bid, when he eventually conceded and supported Walter Edge; and 1936, where he was bandied out as a more conservative alternative to Alf Landon. He was the first Senator in California elected by direct election.

Knowland's son, William, served as Senator for California in the Class 1 seat from 1945-1965 and was Senate Majority Leader from 1959-1963, and ran for President in 1964, losing to Richard Van Dyke in the National Party primaries.