JONATHAN WILLIAMS - (1750-1815) - Army Engineer. "Father
of the Corps of Engineers" born Boston, grandnephew of
Benjamin Franklin. Studied military engineering while
serving as Franklin's secretary in Paris. Accompanied
Franklin to Philadelphia (1785) and became judge of
court of common please (1796-1801). Joining artillery
and engineer corps of Army, became superintendent of
U.S. Military Academy (1802-03 and 1805-12) and also
Chief Engineer (1805-12). Designed and constructed inner
forts in New York Harbor, Castle Williams being named
for him. Elected to Congress (1814), died before taking
seat.