John Edson Sweet

John Edson Sweet (Pompey, New York, October 21, 1832 – Syracuse, New York, May 8, 1916) was an American mechanical engineer, inventor, professor, businessman and president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers from 1884–1885.

He is known for building the first micrometer caliper in 1873, for making tools, and for inventing the "straight line" engine.

He started working young as a farm hand, became a carpenter's apprentice, and settled as architect and builder in the South.

[2] From 1862 to 1864 Sweet worked as mechanical draftsman in England, and upon his return to the States was engaged in bridge building and invented several things.

[4] In 1880 Sweet was a key founder of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and its third president in the year 1884–1885.