William Howard Doane (February 3, 1832 – December 24, 1915) was a manufacturer, inventor, hymn writer, choral director, church leader and philanthropist.

[3] On November 2, 1857 Doane married Mary Frances Treat, the daughter of his father's partner in their cotton manufacturing business.

By 1879 his accumulated wealth allowed him to purchase the impressive "Sunny Side" mansion as his family's residence in the city's Mt.

[7] Although raised in a Presbyterian household, Doane converted to his mother's Baptist faith, while a young student at Woodstock Academy.

This conversion began a lifelong commitment to service in that church, through his musical compositions, choir direction, denominational leadership and philanthropy.

[9] As well as hymns, Doane composed secular instrumental, vocal, and choral works, including two cantatas on the legend of Santa Claus.

Auburn neighborhood, Doane served long tenures as superintendent of the Sunday school program and director of the choir.

[16] After retirement from his business interests, Doane remained productive with music composition, choral direction, church work and philanthropy.

In 1894 Doane purchased 'Echo Lodge' in Watch Hill, Rhode Island (3 Aquidneck Avenue) as a seasonal seaside residence.

Echo Lodge was located less than thirty miles from Preston, Connecticut, the childhood home of both Doane and his wife.

His musical gifts included performance abilities with several instruments, hymn and cantata composition and choral direction.

As a young man, he showed astute business and financial skills which propelled him to the presidency of an important manufacturing company by the age of thirty-four.

His devotion to his Christian faith, local Baptist church and its broader denominational interests was widely recognized.

Doane's philanthropy, across civic, educational and religious institutions, reflected a generous spirit committed to the common good.