Harry C. Knight, vice president and general manager of the Southern New England Telephone Company, has in his business career illustrated the principle that progress is a cumulative process and that where there is no advancement there has been no effort. With him, every day must mark off a full-faithed attempt to know more and to grow more, and the exercise of effort is keeping him alert. What he attempts, he accomplishes, and in the specific work in which he is engaged he recognizes the fact that continued development of efficiency of service means the continued success of the organization. Mr. Knight has been with the company since 1902 and in the intervening years has contributed in large measure to its development and success.

A lifelong resident of New England, he was born in Pittston, Maine, on the 2d of November, 1876, and his education was completed by a four years' course in Bowdoin College, from which he was graduated as a member of the class of 1898. He afterward took up the profession of teaching, which he followed until called to active connection with the Southern New England Telephone Company. He was proffered the position of general canvassing agent, which he accepted, starting as the sole member of his department. To his new position he brought the quality of indefatigable industry and the habit of hard thinking, which always results in easier ways. With his appointment he began to study the business with possibilities of extending the activities under his control. Under his direction, salts work as a definite feature of the business was developed to the extent indicated by the growth of the business since that day. He learned everything possible about the telephone business, its management and control, and he made good in his position. On the 2d of May, 1910, when the contract department was merged with the new commercial departent, he was advanced to the position of commercial superintendent, in charge of the general business and public relations of the company. He thoroughly organized the comercial department, converting it into a smooth running and effective organization, responsible for the development of the company's revenue and, to a considerable extent, for its good standing with the public. Talent and ability will eventually reap their just reward, as the record of Mr. Knight proves. On the 1st of January, 1914, he was made an officer of the company, being elected assistant secretary and assistant treasurer, the duties of which he assumed in addition to those of commercial superintendent. In January, 1916, he was elected a director of the company and in February, 1917, he was chosen vice president and general manager. 

On the 6th of August, 1902, Mr. Knight was married to Miss Mabel Bacon, of Bath, Maine, and they have become the parents of two children, Gordon and Carolyn, aged respectively five and two years. Mr. Knight is devoted to the welfare of his family and finds his greatest happiness at his own fireside, yet he is not unmindful of his public duties and that he has stood on the side of progress, advancement and right in public affairs, making for himself a creditable position as a citizen, is indicated in the fact that he was in 1916 appointed a member of the charter revision committee of New Haven. He is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce and cooperates in all of its activities for the benefit and upbuilding of the city and the extension of its business relations. He likewise has membership with the Graduates Club and other New Haven organizations and his personal qualities make for marked popularity.