Leroy L. Crutchfield was born in Collin County, Texas, October 25, 1844, second son of John Crutchfield, from Alabama, who married Miss Mary E. Ladd, of Tennessee. Leroy attended private schools till 1861, when he entered the Confederate service joining the Fifteenth Texas Calvary, under Col. G. H. Sweet, and was in continual service till the close of the war. IN 1870 he went into the cattle business with his father, and was then elected sheriff of “Jack” County, in which capacity he served five years. Afterward he engaged in merchandise in Jacksborough, and continued it till November 1887, when he moved to Vinita, Indian Territory, purchasing the grocery and furniture business of W. C. Patton & Co. Mr. Crutchfield conducted this business till 1889, and then, by appointment of Chief Mayes, entered the service of the revenue department of the Cherokee Nation, as collector for Coosescoowee district, and in June 20, 1891, his duties were enlarged by having the Cherokee strip added to his territory. Mr. Crutchfield was married to Miss Lizzie Horton, daughter of Major H. Horton, of Lee County, Virginia, on August 12, 1868, at Decatur, Texas. By this marriage they have three living children, viz: Anna, Josie and John, ranging in age from ten to twenty-two. Mrs. Crutchfield is a lady of accomplishments and good education, thoroughly practical, and whose chief care is to look after her husband and interesting family. Mr. Crutchfield is 5 feet 11 inches, a man of gentlemanly and intellectual appearance, whose experience and education fit him for any business. He owns 150 acres of farm enclosed, and a nice residence in Vinita. Mr. Crutchfield was elected mayor of Vinita and served two terms. He is a Cherokee by blood.
