John A. Urness
John A. Urness | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from the Douglas County district | |
| In office January 6, 1919 – January 2, 1921 | |
| Preceded by | Hans Birkhofer |
| Succeeded by | L. E. Olson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 3, 1873 |
| Died | 1947 (aged 73–74) |
| Other political affiliations | Nonpartisan League |
| Spouse | Anna Larson |
| Occupation | Farmer, politician |
| Website | Official website |
John A. Urness was an American farmer and former politician who served as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for one term. He represented Douglas County from 1919 until 1921.
Biography
Urness was born in Urness Township, Minnesota on November 3, 1873, to Andrew Urness and Antonette Urness (née Jacobson).[1][2] John's father had been involved in founding the township, which was named after the family.[3]
Urness first ran for political office in 1918, in the Douglas County district in the Minnesota House of Representatives He was endorsed by the Nonpartisan League, which had begun making moves into Minnesota that year.[4] He was elected by a 39-point margin against fellow farmer Gilbert J. Thompson.[5]
In the opening session of the 1919–20 legislature, Urness was nominated as the Nonpartisan League candidate for Speaker of the House.[6]
Urness was defeated for re-election in 1920 by fellow farmer Lewis E. Olson by a 13-point margin.[7]
In 1933, Urness was elected president of the Douglas County Farm Holiday Association after a period of leadership struggle.[3]
References
- ^ "Urness, John A." Minnesota Legislature. Retrieved January 15, 2026.
- ^ Douglas County: Album of the Ages. Taylor Publishing Co. pp. 529–530.
- ^ a b Nielson, Kim E. (1989). "Who Were These Farmer Radicals? The Douglas County Farm Holiday Association" (PDF). Minnesota History Magazine (7): 272.
- ^ Barduson, Richard (May 2, 2018). "2008: Dirty Jobs host visits Kensington turkey farm". Alexandria Echo Press. Retrieved January 1, 2026.
- ^ "State House, District 47, 1918 Election". Minnesota Historical Election Archive. Retrieved January 1, 2026.
- ^ "St. Paul Pioneer Press, Volume 66, Number 8, 8 January 1919 - Legislature Gets Down to Work". Pioneer Press. Retrieved January 1, 2026.
- ^ "State House, District 47, 1920 Election". Minnesota Historical Election Archive. Retrieved January 1, 2026.