Andrew J. Critcher was born in Orange Co., NC and resided in Watauga Co. NC.  At the time of his commission, he was a 27 year-old farmer. He enlisted on 14 Sep 1861 at Watauga County, NC as a 3rd Lieut. On 20 Nov 1861 he was commissioned into "B" Co. 37th NC Infantry. The date and method of discharge was not given.

He was wounded 1 Sep 1862 at Ox Hill, VA.  He r eturned to duty on 1 Nov 1862.   He was wounded 1 May 1863 at Chancellorsville, VA.  He returned to duty 15 Oct 1863.  He was captured by the enemy on 24 May 1864 at North Anna River, VA and confined at Old Capitol Prison, Washington, DC.  He was transferred 15 Jun 1864 to Fort Delaware, DE.  He was again transferred on 20 Aug 1864 to Hilton Head, SC. Critcher was exchanged on 15 Dec 1864 at Charleston, SC and paroled 15 Dec 1864 at Charleston, SC.  He returned to service and was captured at Boone, NC on 28 Mar 1865.  He was confined at Camp Chase, OH on 30 Apr 1865.  He gave the Oath of Allegiance on 14 Jun 1865 at Camp Chase, OH.

Promotions: He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant on 25 Dec 1861, 1st Lieutenant on 18 Jul 1862, and Captain on 2 Dec 1862.