He was born circa 1763. His father was Ynocencio Castañeda, and his mother was Maria Gregoria de Mata.
In 1782, he lived in Mier in household number 3. The church census recorded that he was single, casta, and 19 years old. His household included 3 people:
Ynocensio Castañeda, married, casta, age 57.
Maria Gregoria de Mata, married, casta, age 49.
Jose Maria Castañeda, single, casta, age 19.