He was born circa 1769, and was baptized 16 Jul 1769. His father was Bernardo Vela, and his mother was Maria Josefa Peña. His father owned Porción 47, Mier. In 1782, he lived in Mier in household number 51. The church census recorded that he was a youth, español, and 17 years old. His household included 7 people. In 1791, he lived in Mier in household number 59. The church census recorded that he was single, español, and 27 years old. His household included 4 people.