Von Doussa was born in Adelaide the son of Alfred von Doussa, an officer of the Prussian army, who emigrated to South Australia in 1846, aboard Heloise, arriving in March 1847 after a five-month voyage. His wife-to-be, Anna Dorothea Schach was a fellow passenger; they married that same year. Alfred was educated at T. W. Boehm's German School in Hahndorf and St. Peter's College. He and his father travelled to Otago, New Zealand at the time of the gold rush. On returning to South Australia he studied chemistry, and in 1868 was partner in the Rundle Street pharmacy of Gunther and von Doussa. The partnership was dissolved in October 1869.
Politics
He was elected to represent the Southern district in the SouthAustralian Legislative Council in 1901, and was re-elected on several occasions. In August 1920, the Liberal Union refused to accept von Doussa's nomination for preselection for the 1921 state election when he refused to sign a pledge stating that he would not contest the election if he were unsuccessful in obtaining Liberal preselection. He subsequently contested the election as an independent, but was unsuccessful.
Other interests
He was a founder, and for nearly 50 years secretary of the Onkaparinga Racing Club, which runs the Oakbank races every Easter. He was founder and for around 55 years Secretary or District Clerk of the Echunga District Council,, and secretary of the Mount Barker Agricultural Society for 20 years. He was an ardent Freemason, a member of the Prince of Wales Lodge at Mount Barker. He was a crack shot with a rifle, and member of the Hahndorf Rifle Club, and its "King" in 1879 and 1880. He was a keen cricketer, and for many years captained the Mount Barker Cricket Club. He held shares in several Western Australian gold-mines and was chairman of directors of Mount Benson Goldmining Co. He died at his home "Detmold", Hahndorf.
Recognition
The Von Doussa Steeplechase, conducted every Easter Monday at Oakbank, was named in his honour.
Family
Alfred von Doussa married Helena Theresa Doudy of Gawler on 5 October 1885. Their children included:
