VELA Family History:

Founded on March 6, 1753 by Jose de Escandon, the town of Mier, Tamaulipas, Mexico has many families with the surname of Vela. Along with other families, the family of Isidro Vela and Antonia Rodriguez begins with their marriage on January 27, 1858 in Mier.

Shortly after the settlement a census of the other river settlements including Mier was conducted. The Nuevo Santander – report and census for Mier in July 15, 1757 records a population of 274 composed of 39 families. This report also lists the Indian tribes of the area as the Garzas, Malagüecos and Cantunes although the Comanches and Apaches were just north in the areas of Texas. In 1842 about 300 men including some Texas Rangers set out to raid Mexican villages to steal cattle, horses and some to retaliate for the recent fighting between the new Texas Republic and Mexico. One of the villages targeted was Mier where they actually entered the village and demanded supplies. When these supplies were never delivered they attacked killing 600 and wounding 200. The Mexican Army was still able to get the men to surrender. Some of these men escaped during their transport to Mexico City but most were recaptured and sentenced to death by General Santa Anna. The government overturned this sentence deciding that only every 10^th man was to be executed. Those who were executed were selected by the picking of beans, the 17 unfortunate picked the Black Bean.

The settlers of this river settlement and the others; Reynosa, Laredo, Guerrero, etc. faced many challenges from both hostile Indians and Texans. There were laws in place, but the gun was the main enforcer. Throughout the early to mid-1800’s, the settlers would have to fight to protect their lives and property. It was in January 1818 when Jose Joviel Vela was killed by Indians and many more would lose their lives years later. Jose Gregorio Vela in 1846, Jose Ramon Vela in 1857 and two members of the Rosa family, Jose Guillermo, 27 years old and Jose Perfecto, 19, both killed on January 21, 1855 which could indicate a raid on a ranch or village. Jose Guillermo left behind a young widow, Maria Rafaela Vela. There were also member of the Orozco family; Jose Antonio and Jose Victoriano Orozco killed 7 months apart by Indians in 1842.

/Those living in Mier during the mid-1800s could have been witnesses to the 'black bean' incident. This is where several Texans were executed for attacking the city during the Texas and Mexico conflicts. The next Vela generations find their way into the United States in South Texas.