She was born circa 1767. Her father was Jose Gregorio Barrera, and her mother was Maria Juliana Benavides. Her father owned Mier 38 grant.
In 1782, she lived in San Igancio de las Auras in household number 115. The church census recorded that she was an unmarried girl, española, and 15 years old. Her household included 5 people:
Jose Gregorio Barrera, married, español, age 33.
Maria Juliana Benavides, married, española, age 29.
Maria Josefa Barrera, an unmarried girl, española, age 15.
Jose Manuel Barrera, a child, español, age 8.
Jose Maximo Barrera, a young child, español, age 4.