He was born circa 1778. His father was Jose Gregorio Barrera, and his mother was Maria Juliana Benavides. His father owned Mier 38 grant.
In 1782, he lived in San Igancio de las Auras in household number 115. The church census recorded that he was a young child, español, and 4 years old. His 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.