Preparation and characterization of several new polymers (1-7) that are considered one-dimensional prototypes for the polaronic ferromagnet are reported. Synthesis involved either Wittig or Suzuki coupling to produce polymers with extended pi systems. Oxidative doping (I-2 or AsF5) produces radical cations (polarons) that are stable at room temperature. Magnetic characterization of the doped polymers, using SQUID-based magnetometry, indicates that in several instances ferromagnetic coupling of polarons occurs along the polymer chain. Comparison of the various polymers reveals useful design principles and suggests new directions for the development of magnetic organic materials.