Born in 1795 in Halkirk, Northern Scotland, Keith began his apprenticeship in his uncle’s brewing business, establishing a reputation as a brewing perfectionist at the age of 17. He came to Halifax in 1817 with his father’s family. Upon his arrival, he became the sole brewer and business manager for Charles Boggs. Boggs operated his business on Argyle Street, opposite what is known today as Halifax City Hall. Later that year, Keith purchased the growing business from Boggs and advertised in the Acadian Recorder his “long experience” and intention to brew “Strong Ales, Porter, Ginger Wine, Table and Spruce Beer”. Keith’s brewery was described as an “instant success”, and he maintained a pattern of growth that earned him a reputation for being the father of great beer in Nova Scotia.

In 1822, Keith moved his brewery to Lower Water Street, where a large stone building occupying several acres was erected. With the brewery continuing to be a stable enterprise, Keith decided to expand the operation in 1834. He demolished most of the original building and replaced it with the massive ironstone and locally quarried granite structure now known as The Brewery Market. Today, the Brewery is a registered heritage building and one of Halifax’s most outstanding examples of 19th century industrial architecture.

Three-time mayor of the city of Halifax, Keith filled several important public offices and had a proud record of public service. While serving his second term as mayor, Keith was named and served as President of the Legislative Council from 1867 to 1873. At the time of Confederation, he was offered a seat in the Senate but declined the appointment.

In business circles, Keith was equally active. He was appointed a director of the Bank of Nova Scotia in 1837 and in the same year began a long association with the Halifax Fire Association. In 1838, he helped found the Halifax Marine Insurance Company. During the 1840s, he was on the board of management of the Colonial Life Assurance Company, a director for the Halifax Gas, Light and Water Company, and helped incorporate the Halifax Water Company in 1844, becoming a director in 1856.

Throughout his life, Keith maintained a strong sense of responsibility for his community. His association with charitable and community organizations began as early as 1831, when he became President of the North British Society. He was later associated with the Halifax Mechanics Library and the Nova Scotia Auxiliary Colonial Society.

With his close ties to business and community throughout his 51 years in Nova Scotia, Keith’s death on December 14, 1873 prompted the largest state funeral ever to occur in Halifax. More than 600 distinguished citizens accompanied his casket to the Camp Hill Cemetery. A local newspaper of the day reported, “Mr. Keith was a self-made man, attentive to business, public spirit, of kindly manner, warm-hearted and hospitable to the highest degree… the business prospered from the first, the result of upright and honorable business habits.”

In recognition of Keith’s extraordinary contributions to the city, and the historic significance of his Brewery, in October 2002 an area in downtown Halifax was officially named the Alexander Keith’s Brewery District. Bordered by Hollis, Salter, Lower Water and Bishop Streets, the district will be marked with a monument and special street signs, forever commemorating his legacy to the area.

Keith was survived by his wife Eliza, who died in 1895 at the age of 81.

Alexander Keith, along with Hugh Erskine and Irving Schwartz,was inducted into the Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame on June 11, 2003.