John J. Doran was born in Hallville, Ontario, Canada July 27, 1873 and moved to North Dakota in 1896. In 1898 he came to Bemidji where he was employed by Ludington and McCuaig. Later, he and his brother Herbert Doran started the plumbing shop which continued for many years at 402 Minnesota Avenue.
Johnnie Doran Plays Detective (1902)
The storage room to the back of the Shamrock saloon was broken into Monday and four fur overcoats, one cloth overcoat and several sacks of other clothing were taken to the value of over $100. Johnnie Doran played detective and in company with Chief of Police Bailey rounded up one Pat Murphy, a newcomer with a putrid reputation. He was induced to squeal on himself, and the party went to the White Front saloon, where it was found that Murphy had sold two fur overcoats and other goods for $4.45. The other goods were left for safe keeping at other saloons, and Mr. Doran has recovered nearly all, so $25 will probably square him with the guests who have left the sacks in his charge. Murphy was given ninety days of shelter without overcoats by Judge Martin, The White Front is out $4.45 by the deal, which is hardly penalty enough for receiving stolen goods. Bemidji is indeed getting tough when it protects joints that make even Depravity Hill blush. (Bemidji Pioneer, Feb 13, 1902)
Mr. and Mrs.John Doran lived at 702 Minnesota Ave in 1904.
Biggest Dog in State. J. Doran, of this city claims the distinction of owning the largest dog in the State of Minnesota. It is a St. Bernard raised by August Peterson. He weighs 190 pounds, measures six feet one and one eighth inches from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail and stands three and one half feet high. Mr. Doran believes the dog one of the largest in the country. (Feb 1904)
Mr. Doran married Beatrix Hazen in Bemidji and to this union two children were born of whom still live in Bemidji. Mrs. Doran preceded him in death and in 1922 he married Mrs. Mable Young.
Surviving are his wife and one daughter, Ms. K. E. Kenfield, and one son, Allen Doran, all of Bemidji,