The Doane Family Association is an organization of the descendants of Deacon John Doane, who came to America in 1630 and lived in Plymouth, MA.
Doane University is named after Thomas Doane, chief civil engineer for the Burlington and Missouri Railroad. While exploring locations for a railroad across Nebraska, he viewed the Blue River from a hill overlooking the valley and stated "This would be a beautiful location for a college." Thomas Doane worked to have the railroad give the land to the Congregational Church to establish the institution. He is a decendant of Deacon John Doane.
Deacon John Doane was born about 1590, in England, and came to Plymouth, Massachusetts about 1630. Research continues to attempt to learn about his parentage and where in England he originated, the family name of his wife, as well as when he arrived and upon what vessel. Deacon John Doane was one of the few who bore the title of "Mr." In 1633, he was on the list of Freemen. By 1632/33, he began serving on the General Court. He preferred to be a Deacon in the church, rather than an Assistant to the Governor. In 1644, Deacon John Doane was among those leading the enterprise of new settlement in the Nauset (now Eastham) area of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
For more information visit the Doane Family Association of America Web site