Knut Olai Thornæs

Having first worked a few years as a manual laborer, in 1893 he completed his typographer's education, and moved to Trondhjem.

[1] Thornæs published the temperance periodical Reform in 1901, but was soon hired as a journalist in Folketidende.

Thornæs was elected to serve in Trondhjem city council in 1914, and was re-elected several times.

In September 1923, Thornæs was excluded from the party for half a year for writing about Martin Tranmæl that he had either "lost his mind", or was a "provocateur" and "class traitor".

[1] Thornæs' daughter Signe Kristine married twice, the last time to social democratic politician and newspaper editor Ole Øisang.