Stapleton Crutchfield
| Stapleton Crutchfield | |
|---|---|
Stapleton Crutchfield
|
|
| Born |
June 21, 1835 Spotsylvania County, Virginia |
| Died | April 6, 1865 (aged 29) Amelia County, Virginia |
| Allegiance |
 Confederate States of America
|
| Service/branch |
 Confederate States Army
|
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |
 Colonel (CSA) |
| Unit |
9th Virginia Infantry 58th Virginia Infantry |
| Commands held | Artillery / Jackson's Division Artillery / II Corps, ANV Artillery Bde. / Department of Richmond |
| Battles/wars | |
Stapleton Crutchfield served as a Confederate artillerist in the American Civil War. He was closely associated with Stonewall Jackson until the latter's death. Crutchfield lost a leg in battle, removing him from service in the field. He returned to field service in the last campaign in Virginia, losing his life.
Stapleton Crutchfield junior was born in Spotsylvania County, Virginia on June 21, 1835. He attended the Virginia Military Institute, where Thomas J. Jackson was one of his teachers, graduating in 1855. Crutchfield stayed on as an instructor of mathematics and tactics and served as interim superintendent of the VMI in early 1861.
After the outbreak of war, Crutchfield served as major in the 9th and 58th Virginia Infantry Regiments, eventually being promoted to lieutenant colonel. He was elected to become colonel of the 16th Virginia Infantry in early 1862, but declined the position due to health reasons.
Instead, Crutchfield served as Stonewall Jackson’s chief of artillery in the Valley Campaign, beginning on April 21, 1862. On May 23, he hurried guns to the front in the Battle of Front Royal, but they were able to do little with the available ordnance. Crutchfield saw service at the First Battle of Winchester on May 25, 1862, including carrying orders to Maj. Gen. Richard S. Ewell. He was captured briefly at the Battle of Cross Keys together with Lt. Edward Willis, his assistant, on June 8. Lt. Col. Crutchfield was back on duty the next day at the Battle of Port Republic, directing the guns, having escaped during a melee between his captors and troops from the 37th Virginia Infantry.
...
Wikipedia