He presided over the House during the special session that on 19 January 1861 approved the calling of a state convention to consider Virginia's response to the secession crisis.

[1][2] The first child born to the former Elizabeth Lewis Minor (c. 1773-c. 1839) on the Crutchfield family "Spring forest" plantation near Snell, he would have at least two younger brothers and four sisters (of whom three married).

His mother's family came from nearby Louisa County and her father (this boy's maternal grandfather) Col. Garrett Lewis Minor was likewise a veteran officer.

His education is unclear, other that during 1824 and 1825 he accompanied civil engineer Moncure Robinson (of a prominent neighboring family) on a tour of European dykes and windmills He also practiced law occasionally.

[3] When Crutchfield sought to retire from political office in 1860, he cited failing health as well as financial obligations to certain estates for which he was serving as trustee, indicating that he maintained a legal practice for years.

[3] After adoption of the Virginia Constitution of 1851 (which increased representation of Piedmont and western Virginians), Crutchfield successfully ran to become Spotsylvania county's sole delegate, and won re-election every following year until his death.

[10] Fellow legislators elected Crutchfield as their speaker, and likewise re-elected him until his death, usually either unanimously or by overwhelming margins, as he had a reputation for courtesy, evenhandedness and impartiality.