Crisfield enlisted into the army on October 21, 1858 in Boston MA. His listed civilian occupation was farmer. He was described as 5'5", black hair, gray eyes with a ruddy complexion.

On June 10, 1859, he was assigned to the 1st US Cavalry at Ft Riley KS. During the Civil War he was a sergeant with the 41st Missouri Infantry Regiment. After the Civil War, Crisfield reenlisted into the regular army. He was assigned to Company C, 7th US Cavalry.

On December 10, 1873, Crisfield ("being a married man & there being no laundresses in Company L") was transferred to Company L. Company L was commanded by Lt James Calhoun, LTC George Armstrong Custer's & Capt Tom Custer's brother-in-law. Crisfield's daliy duties with Company L were corral quartermaster & packing grain.

At the Battle of the Little Bighorn, Company L was attached to Custer's Battalion. Crisfield was killed during the battle.

After the battle burial details found most of Company L, on or near Calhoun Ridge & Calhoun Hill.

It is likely Crisfield's unidentifed remains were first buried where they had been found. In 1881 all known battlefield burials were reburied in a mass grave on top of Last Stand Hill.

Crisfield was survivied by his wife & three children. His widow was awarded a pension survivior's pension on May 25, 1878

William B Crisfield