Francisco de Paula Gelabert was born in Madrid, Spain sometime in the 18th century. He was the son of Antonio de Paula Gelabert and Rosa Estrani.[1] His father was descended from an ancient and noble lineage Catalan,[2] while his mother was of Italian origin. In 1796, he was appointed Royal Governor of West Florida. He was married to Maria Coleta Hore Piña. He, after being widowed, married on June 21, 1832 with María Ignacia Correa.[1]