Title	Mr.
Last Name	Crosby
First Name	J.
Middle Name	Willis
Maiden Name
Nick Name
Place of Birth	Dexter, ME
Date of Birth	1863?
Place of Death	Dexter, ME
Date of Death	1940-02-29
Publication	The Eastern Gazette 2-29-1940, p.1
Obituary	PROMINENT DEXTER LAWYER PASSES AWAY The Death of J. Willis Crosby Occur red This Morning at His Home Following a Long Illness J. Willis Crosby, 77, of the well-known firm of Crosby and Crosby, attorneys-at-law, died Thursday morning at his home on Zion's Hill after a long period of ill health. He was born in Dexter, the son of Josiah and Mary B. Crosby and received his early education in the local schools. He studied law at Bowdoin college, graduating in the class of 1882 and at once became associated with his father in the law office known thereafter as Crosby and Crosby. In 1885 he was admitted to the Penobscot county bar and was admitted to the Bar of the United States Court in 1898. He continued the practice of law until his retirement, because of declining health, ten years ago, when he left the active business of the firm to his son and law partner, Clarence H. Crosby. Mr. Crosby was always interested in the welfare of town affairs and served Dexter ten years as tax collector. For many years he was attorney and director of the Dexter Loan and Building Association. He was a charter member of Bedivere Lodge, Knights of Pythias. He was a faithful attendant at the Congregational church and for a long time was leader and member of the church choir. In 1884 he was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Dearth of Sangerville and to them two sons were born, the late Harold Crosby, who was widely known in musical circles and Clarence H. Crosby. Besides his wife and son, he is survived by four grandchildren, Isabella, a student at the University of Maine, Charles, at Bowdoin college, Priscilla and David Crosby at home; three sisters, Mrs. A. B. Stickney, Miss Annie C. Crosby, and Mrs. Clara Altenberg all of Anacortes, Washington. Funeral services will be held from the home Saturday afternoon at two o'clock, with the Rev. Kenneth R. Hutchinson, officiating.