The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001-07.
Doane, George Washington
1799–1859, Episcopal bishop of New Jersey (1832–59), b. Trenton, N.J. He acted as rector of St. Mary’s Church, Burlington, N.J., and there he established a school for girls, St. Mary’s Hall, and Burlington College for boys. A leading high churchman, Bishop Doane was also the author of a number of hymns, including “Softly Now the Light of Day” and “Fling Out the Banner, Let It Float.” The Life and Writings of George Washington Doane (4 vol., 1860–61) was prepared by his son, William Croswell Doane, 1832–1913. He was bishop (1869–1913) of the Episcopal diocese of Albany, and author of the well-known hymn “Ancient of Days.”
