He was born circa 1757. His father was Jose Vela, and his mother was Maria Felipa Selvera. His father owned Mier 9 grant, Mier 12 grant.
In 1782, he lived in Santa Isabel de Peña Blanca in household number 126. The church census recorded that he was single, español, and 25 years old. His household included 8 people:
Jose Vela, married, español, age 58.
Maria Felipa Cervera (Selvera), married, española, age 51.
Jose Antonio Vela, single, español, age 25.
Marcelina Vela, an unmarried girl, española, age 14.
Maria Gertrudis Vela, an unmarried girl, española, age 13.
Jose Maria Vela, a child, indio, age 23.
Jose Maria Gonzalez, single, español, age 23.
Jose Cayetano Gonzalez, single, español, age 21.