Thomas Frederick Crane

Thomas Frederick Crane (July 12, 1844, in New York – December 10, 1927) was an American folklorist, academic and lawyer.

[1] He studied law at Princeton, earned his undergraduate degree in 1864, and in 1867 graduated with an A.M.

He was admitted to the bar and worked as a lawyer in the community and as a librarian for newly founded Cornell University.

He went on to become a student of languages, and was offered a faculty position by President A.D. White and taught French, Italian, Spanish, and medieval literature.

He also served as the first Dean of the Arts College and later as acting president of the university.