Taming the Wild Horse Desert - Database
Jose Vela
He was born circa 1724. In 1750, he lived in Camargo. The census recorded that he was the head of a household, and español. His household had 5 people, and they did not receive government aid to move to the colony. In 1782, he lived in Santa Isabel de Peña Blanca in household number 126. The church census recorded that he was married, español, and 58 years old. His household included 8 people. death record of his wife Felipa Selvera says that although she died at Rancho Arcabuz, she was buried in the chapel of Purisima Concepcion in Mier because her husband Jose Vela had founded the chapel. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939D-HNZK-4?view=index&personArk=%2Fark%3A%2F61903%2F1%3A1%3A6D15-WKYY&action=view&cc=1790934
Marriage
He married Maria Felipa Cervera (Selvera). It was her second marriage. His wife died on 31 Jan 1802 in Rancho el Arcabuz. She was 79 years old.
Children
Maria Teresa Vela. She married Francisco Ignacio Villarreal, son of Francisco Villarreal and Maria Petra Rodriguez on 4 Aug 1777 in Mier.
Francisco Vela, born 1733.
Marcela Vela, born 1735.
Maria Rita Vela Selvera, born 1748. She married Bartolome Flores. He owned land in Porción 13, Mier.
Jose Antonio Vela, born 1757.
Marcelina Vela, born 1768.
Maria Gertrudis Vela, born 1769.
Land Ownership
In 1767, as a resident of Camargo transferred to Mier, he was granted Mier 12 by the King of Spain. There was an improved estancia at the site.
In 1781, he was granted Mier 9 by the King of Spain. porcion 9 was adjudicated to Jose Vela in Sept 10, 1781.
