He was born circa 1761 in Cerralvo. His father was Francisco Gonzalez, and his mother was Marcelina Salinas.
In 1782, he lived in Santa Isabel de Peña Blanca in household number 126. The church census recorded that he was single, español, and 21 years old. His household included 8 people:
Jose Vela, married, español, age 58.
Maria Felipa Cervera (Selvera), married, española, age 51.
Jose Antonio Vela, single, español, age 25.
Marcelina Vela, an unmarried girl, española, age 14.
Maria Gertrudis Vela, an unmarried girl, española, age 13.
Jose Maria Vela, a child, indio, age 23.
Jose Maria Gonzalez, single, español, age 23.
Jose Cayetano Gonzalez, single, español, age 21.