in 1820, the commonwealth of virginia took control of the project and with state funds provided through the virginia board of public works resumed construction. work stalled yet again, then resumed in 1835 under the new james river and kanawha company, with judge benjamin wright as chief engineer. he was assisted by his son simon wright, charles ellet jr., and daniel livermore. by 1840, the canal was completed to lynchburg. service was inaugurated by william henry harrison who was elected president that same year. in 1847, walter w. gwynn was hired as chief engineer, with edward lorraine as his assistant.