Maria Teresa Vela was born circa 1761, the daughter of Bernardo Vela and Maria Josefa Peña.
In 1782, she lived in Mier. The church census recorded that she was an unmarried girl, española, and 21 years old. Her household included 7 people:
Maria Josefa Peña , a widow, age 49.
Juan de Dios Vela , single, age 26.
Gertrudis Vela, española, an unmarried girl, age 19.
Maria Teresa Vela, española, an unmarried girl, age 21.
Felipe Vela, español, a youth, age 19.
Apolinaro Vela, español, a youth, age 17.
Maria Francisca Casilda Vela, española, a child, age 8.