Ambrose Swasey Throughout his life Dr. Ambrose Swasey had a passion for mechanics and astrology.

With these passions he was able to build many observatories for multiple colleges and companies. He was also eminent son of Exeter. He made a large impact in our community with his generosity and education. Dr. Ambrose Swasey was born on December 19, 1846 in Exeter, New Hampshire on Fort Rock Farm. He was the youngest child of Nathaniel and Abigail Swasey. Ever since he was a young boy he was fascinated with mechanics much like his parents. When he was nineteen he became an apprentice at the Exeter Machine Works. A year later he met Mr. Worchester R. Warner who eventually became his partner. In 1869, together they went to work for the famous Pratt & Whitney Company in Hartford, Connecticut. They worked there until 1880, when they decided they would open their own firm. Before they opened their own firm Swasey got a job offer in the mechanical engineering department at Cornell University which he declined. Their first factory was in Chicago but in 1881 they moved it to Cleveland, Ohio. They had great success with their business in designing and manufacturing machine tools. Even though they were very successful they have always interested in the designing and construction of astronomical instruments. In 1885, Swasey completed his work on the McCormick Observatory. He created a 45 foot dome which was the largest in the world. It had a unique three shutter design. He also created a 36 inch refractor which was the largest of its time. As well as his other accomplishments Swasey was also very involved in his hometown too. Not only in 1916 had he arranged for Henry Bacon to design and build the bandstand in Exeter. When he died on June 15, 1937, he gave his property to Warren and Leona Henderson, who began raising and breeding Aberdeen Angus cattle until the late 1970s. In 1971 most of the land was donated to the town and one portion was made into a park that is now known as Swasey Park, named after him, but most of it remains the same as it was in colonial times. The home and land of Dr. Ambrose Swasey was also used for a wonderful private school called the Montessori School of Exeter until recently when they were told to move since the property was going up for sale. Overall, Dr. Swasey has had a major impact on our society with his knowledge and he has helped not only the education community but ours as well. He was a kind and generous man has helped make our town more beautiful with our wonderful park, bandstand and gorgeous wide open Fort Rock Farm.