Thomas Machin
Thomas Machin (March 20, 1744 – April 3, 1816) was a British-born soldier and construction engineer in America.
Machin was born in Staffordshire, and in his youth was apprenticed to English canal builder James Brindley.
For much more, see Wikipedia entry
For an interesting sideline on Machin's 'defensive chain' at West Point see 'The Great Chain Hoax'[1]