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Knoll, H. B. (Horton B.), 1906-1985

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: May 26, 1906 - February 13, 1985

Biographical Information

Horton B. Knoll was born to Frank P. and Frances Budd Knoll on May 26, 1906 in State College, Pennsylvania. He received his bachelors of arts and master's degrees from Penn State. He was then employed by Penn State's Department of Engineering Education.

He became a member of the Purdue English Department in 1929. He was the author of two books; A record of a university in the war years, 1941-1945 (1947), and The story of Purdue engineering (1963, along with various articles). Knoll had done extensive research on John Purdue and the various Purdue presidents. He was often a resource for those seeking information on matters related to Purdue history, due to his extensive knowledge on the topic. Knoll also served on the Committee on Standard English at Purdue, and had published articles on the growth of State College.

Per the book jacket of one of his books, "In summer vacations of his school days, he acquired a background in manual training, farming, dairying, carpentry work, and jazz-band playing."

He married Beatrice Bellinger in Lafayette, Indiana in 1935. They had two sons, John P. and David B. Knoll.

Knoll retired from Purdue University in 1972. He died of a heart attack at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lafayette on February 13, 1985.

Citation:
Horton B. Knoll obituary. Centre Daily Times, p. D-6, February 26, 1985.
Citation:
Knoll, H. (1963). The story of Purdue engineering. West Lafayette, Ind.: Purdue University Studies.
Citation:
MSF 521, Horton B. Knoll papers, Purdue University Archives and Special Collections, Purdue University Libraries.

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Horton B. Knoll papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSF 521
Scope and Contents The Horton B. Knoll papers document Knoll's research, working papers, notes and typescripts for his books, A record of a university in the war years, 1941-1945, published in 1947, and The Story of Purdue Engineering, published in 1963. Also included among the papers is research material, working papers, notes and information related to Purdue presidents Owen, Smart, Stone, Elliott, and Hovde. There is also information Knoll compiled for his intended biography of John Purdue, and historical...
Dates: 1865 - 1981; Majority of material found within 1940 - 1963