Cross, Samuel Hazzard

Cross, Samuel Hazzard (1891–1946) Slavic language specialist, diplomat; born in Westerly, R.I. Known for greatly expanding the Slavic studies curriculum, he served from the end of World War I through 1926 in a variety of diplomatic posts. These included commercial attaché to the American embassy in Belgium (1921–25) and then chief of the European Division of the Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Trade. He resigned in 1926 and after a time in the securities business, he began in 1928 to lecture in history and German language at Harvard and Tufts. In 1930 he became professor of Slavic languages at Harvard, a post he held until his death. Irascible and energetic, he was known for his brilliant linguistic skills. He was an avid fan of Russian architecture and ballet.