Alejandro Woss y Gil

Who was Alejandro Woss y Gil?

Alejandro Woss y Gil was a Dominican politician and military figure. He was born in El Seibo on May 5, 1856. His parents were Carlos Woss and María Linares. At 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.

Woss y Gil served as Minister of Defense and as Vice President during the presidency of Francisco Gregorio Billini, to whom he replaced after his resignation from May 16, 1885 until January 6, 1887. 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. Together with María Ricart Pérez he had a daughter, the noted painter Celeste Woss y Gil. He died in Santo Domingo in January 1932.