He was born as the second son of Senzo Takekichi KAWARA, a samurai in low class of Nishimaru of bakufu (Japanese feudal government headed by a shogun), in Shitayachoja-machi of Edo.
幕府西丸の御徒・河原専蔵武吉の次男として、江戸は下谷長者町で生まれた。