José Ramon Argüello was the son of Santiago Argüello, a Commandant and later Alcalde (Mayor) of San Diego, and María del Pilar Ortega.
Argüello married María Ysabella Alviso.
Argüello was Suplente (Substitute Justice of the Peace) of San Diego during 1845 – April 1845 his term ending with arrival of the Americans.