Charles D. Donoho was born around 1835 in North Carolina to William C. Donoho and Nancy R. Miles. His father died around 1842. Donoho grew up in Caswell County, North Carolina, and eventually began working as a farmer. He lived in his mother’s household until at least 1860, and by that year, they owned $1,000 of real estate and $6,600 of personal property. He married Caroline Boswell in Caswell County on May 8, 1861, and their daughter Ann Elizabeth was born on February 23, 1863. Donoho joined the Confederate army on November 15, 1863, possibly after being drafted. He mustered in as a private in Company H of the 56^th North Carolina Infantry later that day. He deserted on December 10 1863, but he rejoined the regiment around January 15, 1864. He was wounded in the Battle of Plymouth and died soon afterward, on April 20, 1864.

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