A prominent Toledo Realtor, Crosby first worked for E.H. Close. He later opened a reality company with his brother, Howard, as partner.

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In his will, George Crosby left 20 acres of land in Adams Township to be developed as a park. After annexation, the city added land and created Crosby Gardens (1964).  Later, city officials renamed it, Toledo Botanical Gardens. The annual Crosby Art Show retains the benefactor's name.