He was born circa 1756. 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 single, , and 26 years old. His household included 7 people. In 1791, he lived in Mier in household number 61. The church census recorded that he was married, español, and 35 years old. His household included 4 people.
He married Guadalupe Hinojosa, daughter of Diego Hinojosa and Maria Zaragoza Lopez on 27 Sep 1784 in Mier. He was 28 years old, and the bride was 17 years old. Their padrino was Dn Jose Antonio Guerra, and their madrina was Da Maria Chapa. Her father owned Porción 68, Mier.