Alexander Dowie (4 September 1827 – 18 July 1909) was a footwear manufacturer and retailer in the early days of South Australia.
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He was born the third son of John Dowie (26 November 1800 – ca.1832) and his wife Margaret (born 1 August 1802). His father and sister died when he was around four years old; he was later to move to Portobello, Scotland, where he learned the trade of bootmaker. In April 1851 he married Jane Cockburn (ca.1831 – 28 October 1910) and they emigrated to South Australia on the "Blundell" in May that year, partly sponsored by Caroline Chisholm, arriving in August. He joined the gold rush to Mount Alexander, but soon returned to Adelaide, opening a bootmaker's shop and factory ("South Australian Boot Factory") in Rundle Street, initially at the far end, later moving up to number 69, then number 63, and meanwhile opening a tannery in Bowden.[1]
The business was handed over to sons Norman and (Charles) Stuart in 1904;[2] they sold it to A. W. Barlow and Co. in 1908[3]
His brother John Murray Dowie, father of Rev. John Alexander Dowie, emigrated to South Australia in 1860. John Alexander was later to marry his daughter Jane, build a huge following for his faith healing ministry, and found Zion City in Illinois, U.S.A.
Alexander was a friend of John Darling, and influenced him to emigrate to South Australia. They continued to associate; Darling gave employment to at least one of the Dowie boys, they worshipped at the same church, and two Darling boys married Dowie girls.
He was appointed President of the Board of Conciliation from 1885 to 1896.[1]
He joined the Congregational Church before he left Scotland, and was active in the Adelaide church as Sunday-school teacher, lay preacher, and deacon.[1]
Alexander died 18 July 1909. His wife, Jane, died 28 October 1910