He was born circa 1777. 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 young child, español, and 5 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.