He was born in El Seibo on May 5, 1856, to parents, Carlos Woss and María Linares.

At a young age he was sent Santiago de los Caballeros to live with his uncle Gen. Evangelista Gil, who adopted him and encouraged to enter military service.

Former president Ulises Heureaux remained the dominant figure in national politics.

In 1903, he led a coup against Juan Isidro Jimenes and served again as president from March 23 until he was removed by Carlos Felipe Morales on October 24, 1903.

[1] Together, the couple had three children: Ana María, Francisco, and Celeste Woss y Gil, who became a noted painter and artist.