He was born circa 1758. His father was Francisco Guerra, and his mother was Ana Josefa de la Garza. His father owned Mier 66 grant.
In 1782, he lived in Mier in household number 38. The church census recorded that he was married, español, and 24 years old. His household included 7 people:
Jose Antonio Guerra Cañamar, married, español, age 24.
Maria Luisa Chapa, married, española, age 21.
Francisco Cruz Guerra Cañamar, a young child, español, age 6.
Juan Jose Guerra Cañamar, a young child, español, age 4.
Jose Santos Guerra Cañamar, a young child, español, age 1.
Maria Gertrudis Carmona, single, casta, age 19.
Jose Nemecio Guerra, a child, casta, age 8.