He was born circa 1765. His father was Christobal Cadena, and his mother was Maria del Pilar Lerma.
In 1782, he lived in Miguel Perez in household number 147. The church census recorded that he was a youth, español, and 17 years old. His household included 7 people:
Christobal Cadena, married, español, age 38.
Maria del Pilar Lerma, married, española, age 26.
Jose Damacio Cadena, a youth, español, age 17.
Maria Rufina Cadena, an unmarried girl, española, age 14.
Jose de Jesus Cadena, a young child, español, age 5.
Jose Maria Cadena, a young child, español, age 2.
Maria de los Santos Cadena, a young child, española, age 1.