Fred Dow

Frederick Neal Dow (February 23, 1840 – November 25, 1934) was an American political activist and newspaper publisher from Portland, Maine. The son of Prohibitionist mayor and presidential candidate Neal Dow, Fred Dow served in a number of political positions during his lifetime, including in the Maine House of Representatives and as Collector of the Port of Portland. During his time in the House, he served as Speaker from 1889-1890. He helped found the Portland Club, an influential Republican all-male social club in Portland's West End. He also owned and served as editor of one of Portland's largest newspapers, the Evening Express, from 1887-1925.

Early life Frederick Dow was born to father Neal Dow and Maria Cornelia Durant (Maynard) Dow in Portland, Maine on December 23, 1840. His ancestors on his father side dated back to the early British colonists. His mother was of Huguenot descent. His siblings included Emma Maynard Dow, Louisa Dow Benton, and Cornelia Maria Dow.

He attended Portland Academy, Portland High School, and the Friends' School in Providence, Rhode Island. He left school at the age of 16 and entered the tanning business with his father. Dow volunteered to serve in the Maine militia at the outbreak of the Civil War, but was blocked by his politically powerful father from fighting. In October, 1864, he married Julia Dana.