Born in Vermilion County, Illinois. A resident of Middlefork, Vermilion County, Illinois when he enlisted in the 149th Illinois Infantry for one year at Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. Mustered in as a Private in Company E the same day he enlisted. Mustered out at Dalton, Whitfield County. Georgia, and discharged at Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois. A member of Custer Post No. 6 of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington. In 1914 he served as Post Commander. Died in Tacoma, Washington. He is buried in a G.A.R. section of the cemetery. In some military records his last name is spelled "Doss".