Knowland was born in Alaeda, California (located in Alameda County) to Elinor Fife and Joseph Russell Knowland, a congressman. Following the death of his mother shortly after his birth, Knowland's father Joseph married the former Emelyn West. | Knowland was born in Alaeda, California (located in Alameda County) to Elinor Fife and Joseph Russell Knowland, a congressman. Following the death of his mother shortly after his birth, Knowland's father Joseph married the former Emelyn West. |