Born a subject of the Spanish Crown in Santa Fe to Nuevomexicanos parents, he served in the militias during Mexican rule in New Mexico.

During his twenty-five years of service, he participated in many campaigns against the Native Americans, helped suppress the revolt of 1837 against Governor Albino Pérez, and in 1841 fought against the Texan Santa Fe Expedition, a group of soldiers and traders from the Republic of Texas pushing through New Mexico towards Santa Fe.

Vigil advanced through the ranks, becoming a captain and Company Commander of the San Miguel del Bado militia.

[3] In 1846 Vigil and his company mobilized to resist the United States army that invaded New Mexico under General Stephen W. Kearny, taking a position in Apache Canyon to prevent the U.S. troops from reaching the capital.

[1] Kearny wanted capable local leaders to assist in government, thereby smoothing the transition to United States rule.

Mexican loyalist emissaries were sent out to all nearest points demanding that the people take part in the uprising in Santa Fe upon the third bell for midnight mass (Misa del Gallo), when all of the American officers would be captured.

Vigil informed General Sterling Price, of the Second Missouri Mounted Volunteers, who had a number of conspirators arrested.

He said, "... whether this country has to belong to the government of the United States or return to its native Mexico, is it not a gross absurdity to foment rancorous feelings toward people with whom we are either to compose one family or to continue our commercial relations?

Neither my qualifications nor the ad interim character, according to the organic law in which I take the reins of government, encourage me to continue in so difficult and thorny a post, the duties of which are intended for individuals of greater enterprise and talents; but I protest to you, in the utmost fervor of my heart that I will devote myself exclusively to endeavouring to secure you all the prosperity so much desired by your fellow-citizen and friend.

[6]As Acting Governor, Vigil called for the establishment of a public school system open to the poor as well as the rich.

Their moods changed quickly when the people of San Miguel del Vado, alone, submitted 900 requests for repatriation assistance.

[14] Vigil continued to be active in public affairs, serving in the territorial legislature several times up to the end of the American Civil War.

A strong old man, at the age of 74 he was still capable of riding a horse from Pecos to Santa Fe, a distance of 25 miles (40 km).