James E. Crosby, Jr. (1899-1990), Columbia, MO

James E. Crosby, Jr. better known as “Eddie,” played a prominent role for nearly half a century in forwarding the state’s dairy industry. He is best known, in this respect, for his early career as a county agent and later as a Dairy Extension Specialist, University of Missouri. Also, for many years, in the later 40’s, he served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Missouri Holstein-Friesian Association.

Eddie was born September 25, 1899 at Sweet Springs, MO  to  James  E.  Crosby and  Alice Boswell Crosby. In 1925 he married Lenore Cassellman of Rolla. She preceded him in death in 1975. Two children, James E. Crosby III, Columbia, MO and daughter Marcia (now Marcia Martin) St. Petersburg, FL were born to this union. When Eddie died September 11, 1990 in addition to his son and daughter he had eleven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Mr. Crosby graduated from the University of Missouri in 1921 with a major in Dairy Husbandry. He was a member of the 1919 Dairy Cattle Judging Team. Upon graduation from the University in 1921 he became County Agent in Ripley County, MO and later moved to St. Francois County. He encouraged junior dairy activities and strong dairy programs, particularly in St. Francois County. He moved to Columbia as a member of the University Agricultural Extension Service in 1929, where he served as a dairy specialist for over 20 years. He obtained his Master’s Degree in Dairy Science in 1933. Later, while on assignment with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. he studied business management at Harvard University.

He loved Holstein cattle and was an astute student of the breed history and pedigrees. In 1940 he established his own registered Holstein herd on a 217-acre farm west of Columbia. Some 30 to 40 cows were milked. The herd was on DHIA test and a progressive breeding program including the use of A.I. was carried out. It was during these years that Mr. Crosby served a stint as Secretary-Treasurer of the State Holstein Association and aided in its growth and organization. He was active in conduct of the Holstein National Convention and Sale in Kansas City in 1948 and aided in numerous state sales and programs.

Following World War II he joined the Federal Extension Service and his herd was dispersed. He served as the leader for Rural Defense and as Director of the Division of Agriculture Programs, USDA, Washington, D.C. He served several years with the Agency for International Development in India, Thailand and Iran.

Mr. Crosby was an active member of the United Methodist Church, Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, Epsilon Sigma Phi, Gamma Sigma Delta – Honor Society of Agriculture. He was also a member of the Holstein-Friesian Association and the Missouri Holstein Association.