John By
Born c.1780 in Lambeth(?), London
1805-6 Oversaw construction of the Cascades Canal south of Montreal
For 10 years he played a key role with the Royal Engineers at the Royal Gunpowder Mills at Waltham Abbey.
1811 Served as a battlefield engineer in the Peninsular Wars.
1826-1832 Lt. Col. By was responsible for construction of the 202 km long Rideau Canal. By was held to account for cost overruns, and was recalled to London and was retired with no accolades or recognition for this major accomplishment.[1] By had repeatedly warned that the pioneering work was underfunded.
By's work is commemorated in Ottawa in a variety of ways, including the 'Colonel By Day' civic holiday. Ottawa was originally named Bytown. A recent account of By's achievements may be found here[2].
1836 Died in February, aged 56. Buried at St. Alban's, Frant, East Sussex, near his estate, Shernfold Park.