He was born circa 1765. His father was Juan de la Garza, and his mother was Maria Gertrudis Chapa. His father owned land in Porción 23, Mier. In 1782, he lived in San Nicolas/ Santa Rosalia de la Bonita in household number 139. The church census recorded that he was a youth, español, and 17 years old. His household included 8 people.