Stapleton Crutchfield

Crutchfield was born on June 21, 1835 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. He graduated from VMI in 1855 with first honors and became an instructor of mathematics and tactics there. Initially serving at Craney Island and then later with the 58th Virginia, he was dropped at the May 1862 reorganization. Subsquently, he was elected colonel of the 16th Virginia but declined the post. On May 5, 1862, Crutchfield became Stonewall Jackson's Chief of Artillery. He served with Jackson until Chancellorsville where Jackson was mortally wounded; in the battle Crutchfield lost a leg.

He returned to Confederate service in March 1864 and was in charge of inspecting seacoast batteries. He was ordered to return to the Army of Northern Virginia on January 18, 1865.

Crutchfield was decapitated by a cannon ball leading a small artillery brigade command at the battle of Sailor's Creek on April 6, 1865.