Last Updated on February 24, 2012 by
Swasey, Ambrose; manufacturer; born, Exeter, N. H., Dec. 19, 1846; son of Nathaniel and Abigail Chesley (Peavey) Swasey; early education in schools of Exeter; degree of engineering Case School of Applied Science, 1905; Sc. D. Denison University, Granville, O., 1910; married, Hampton, N. IL, Oct. 24, 1871, Lavinia D. Marston, daughter of David and Sarah Ann (Dearborn) Marston; entered into partnership with W. R. Warner (Warner & Swasey), 1880, mfrs. machine tools and astronomical instruments; the 36-inch Lick telescope, the 26-inch of Naval observatory, Washington, the 40-inch Yerkes telescope, as well as a new and exceptionally accurate dividing engine, are some of the firm’s achievements; invented Swasey Range and Position Finder, adopted by the United States Government; pres. The Warner & Swasey Co., pres. the Caxton Building Co.; director the Cleveland Trust Co.; Chevalier Legion of Honor, France, 1900; trustee of Denison University, Granville, O.; vice pres. Y. M. C. A.; past pres. American Society of Mechanical Engineers, N. Y.; past pres. the Cleveland Engineering Society; past pres. Chamber of Commerce; member Institution of Mechanical Engineers of Great Britain and British Astronomical Assn; fellow Royal Astronomical Society; member Country Club, Cleveland; Engineers Club, N. Y., University Club, Washington.