He was born the third son of John Dowie (26 November 1800 – ca1832) 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.
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. The business was handed over to sons Norman and (Charles) Stuart in 1904. They sold it to A. West. Barlow and Company in 1908
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. Alexander died 18 July 1909.
John Alexander (died 9 April 1888) married Jessie Blair Crawford (sister of R H Crawford) on 12 April 1883
Jessie (1852 – 23 November 1915) married John Darling, jun. (1852–1914) on 14 October 1875.
As "Overseer Jane Dowie" she held high office in his church.
Margaret "Maggie" married Arthur Faulkner Gardiner (died 20 April 1936) (son of Robert Gardiner) on 28 May 1875
Mary (21 September 1860 – ) married South Stevenson in Chicago, Illinois. on 25 July 1900
Bessie (24 September 1862 – ca1890) married James Darling on 26 October 1882. Moved to "Glenarona", Kilmore, Victoria
Adelaide (4 December 1864 – 12 July 1892)
George Cockburn (18 October 1867 – 16 November 1886)
Norman (27 July 1870 – 14 September 1947) worked in father"s business
(Charles) Stuart (10 April 1874 – 17 November 1937) worked in his father"s business. A son was the famous sculptor John Dowie.
