Nathan Spicer, Jr. was born about 1756, probably in western Connecticut. His family moved to New York at some point. He and his father, as well as some of his brothers, were blacksmiths. He served under several commanders during the Revolutionary War. He was a private in the 4th Regiment, Albany, New York which was commanded by Colonel Willett in Captain Newell’s Company. He also served as a private in the New York levies under Lieutenant Abraham Ten Eyck and it is this service which is recorded in NSDAR records.

Nathan’s name appears in an assignment of land rights as a private under Colonel William B. Whiting, as documented by the Office of State in Albany, New York, and also served under Colonel Frederick Wesenfels and Major Elias Van Bershreten (recorded by New York Men of Revolution). Family records say that Nathan’s younger brother, Michael, requested a change of assignment to the units of Colonel Willett and Captain Newell so that the brothers might serve together. Michael’s request for transfer was apparently granted.

Nathan married Catherine Filkins (also spelled Philkins at times) and they had seven children. Catherine outlived Nathan and married again to someone named Johnson. In her late 80s she applied for, and received, a widow’s pension based on Nathan’s service in the Revolution. She is believed to have lived to be 103 years of age, dying after the beginning of the Civil War.