The Doan Gang
Plumstead Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
In 1783 the Pa. State Government declared six Doan family members outlaws for robberies, burglaries, and felonies. During the Revolutionary War, the Doans of Plumstead Twp. spied for and sold stolen horses to the British Army. They robbed the county treasury in 1781. Leader Moses was killed in a shoot-out, Abraham and Levi were hanged, Joseph Jr. and Aaron fled to Canada, and Mahlon disappeared. Three are buried nearby.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
During the American Revolution, the Doan family of Plumstead Township turned outlaw, spying for the British and trafficking stolen horses to their army even as the war raged around them. In 1781 they robbed the Bucks County treasury, and in 1783 the Pennsylvania government formally declared six of them outlaws for a string of robberies and burglaries. The gang met a violent end: their leader Moses was killed in a shootout, two brothers were hanged, and the rest fled or vanished, with several buried nearby.
Why it matters
The Doan Gang is a striking reminder that the Revolution was also a bitter civil conflict, dividing communities into patriots, loyalists, and opportunists on the home front.
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Related people
- · Moses Doan
- · Abraham Doan
- · Levi Doan
- · Joseph Doan Jr.
- · Aaron Doan
- · Mahlon Doan
Related events
- · Robbery of the Bucks County treasury, 1781
Themes & tags
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