Lieutenant-Colonel John By, R.E., 1779-1836

and

Lieutenant-Colonel John By, R.E.

There are two plaques about this gentleman.
The first is in London, England.
The second is in the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville.
Both can be seen on this page.

Photo by contributor Pierre Charron - Posted April, 2012

Plaque Location

England
Borough of Lambeth, London
At Lambeth Town Hall at the head of the grand staircase

Coordinates: N 51 27.658 W 00 06.972

Plaque Text

Born in Lambeth, London, By graduated from the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, in 1799. With the Royal Engineers in Canada (1802-1811) he was engaged in the reconstruction of the fortifications at Quebec and later served in the Peninsular War. In 1826 By was again sent to Canada to superintend construction of an Ottawa River-Lake Ontario waterway. Its eastern terminus was "Bytown", later named Ottawa. The resulting Rideau Canal, an outstanding engineering feat designed primarily for military purposes, was completed in 1832. However, on his return to England, he was charged with spending funds not authorized by the British parliament. Although entirely refuted, this accusation essentially ended his military career and he retired to his Sussex estate, where he died.

Photo by contributor Ken Watson - Posted April, 2006

Photo Source - Wikipedia

Plaque Location

The United Counties of Leeds & Grenville
The Township of Rideau Lakes
In Jones Falls, at the lock's visitors' information building
on Road 11, 3.3 km west of Highway 15

Coordinates: N 44 32.801 W 76 14.017

Plaque Text

Born in London, England, about 1779, By graduated from the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, in 1799. He was attached to the Royal Engineers in Canada (1802-1811) and later served in the Peninsular War. By was sent to Canada in 1826 to superintend the construction of an Ottawa River-Lake Ontario waterway from Bytown (Ottawa) to Kingston. The 198 km long Rideau Canal, built as a military route and incorporating 47 locks, 16 lakes, two rivers, and a 107 m long, 18 m high dam here at Jones Falls, was completed in 1832. On By's return to England charges, including the misappropriation of funds, were laid. Although entirely refuted, they essentially ended his career and he retired to his Sussex estate where he died in 1836.

Related Ontario plaque
Rideau Canal 1826-1832

More
Information

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Posted December 13, 2011
how many kids did he have and what were their names and their bith

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