Background
Knous, William Lee was born on February 2, 1889 in Ouray, Colorado, United States. Son of John Franklin and Julia (Bain) Knous.
governor judge lawyer politician
Knous, William Lee was born on February 2, 1889 in Ouray, Colorado, United States. Son of John Franklin and Julia (Bain) Knous.
Bachelor of Laws, University Colorado, 1911. Doctor of Laws, Colorado College, 1952, U. Denver, 1954.
He moved to Montrose, Colorado, and subsequently became mayor, city attorney and deputy district attorney, and in 1929, was elected to the Colorado House of Representatives. He was elected to the Colorado Senate in 1931, where he served as president pro tempore in 1935 and 1936. In 1936, he was elected to the Colorado Supreme Court and moved to Denver, Colorado.
He was elevated to Chief Justice in 1946, and was elected governor of the state the same year.
Running for re-election in 1948, he carried every county in the state but one. In 1950, Knous was appointed to the United States District Court for the District of Colorado.
Knous was nominated by President Harry South Truman on March 1, 1950, to a seat vacated by John Foster Symes. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on April 4, 1950, and received commission on April 7, 1950.
He served as chief judge from 1954 until his death on December 11, 1959.
He was entombed in the Fairmount Mausoleum at Fairmount Cemetery in Denver. According to the Colorado state archives, "He became the only man in the state ever to have occupied the highest seat in the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government.".
Member of Executive Committee National Government"s Conference, 1947-1949. Member 9th Regional War Labor Board Chairman National Sugar Panel of National War Labor Board, agent for National War Labor Board in Montgomery Ward, Chicago, grievance cases. Member Western Colorado Bar Association (president 1932-1934), Montrose Chamber of Commerce (president 1924-1928).
Order of the Coif, Phi Delta Phi, Kappa Delta Museum Democratic.
Mason (32°, Eljebel Shine). Elk.; Clubs: Rotary, Democratic, Cherry Hills (Denver).
Married Elsie Marie Grabow, July 1, 1915. Children: William John, Robert Lee, Merle Ray.