Rowbotham, Charles

Charles Rowbotham, Mayor in 1901 and 1902, operated one of the largest footwear stores in Toowoomba at the turn of the century.

At its peak, his business was receiving orders for footwear from throughout Queensland and southern states.

Charles Rowbotham was born in England in December 1858 and arrived in Toowoomba in 1884. In 1889 he started business as a manufacturer and importer of all types of footwear.

He was elected as an alderman of the then South Ward in 1897, but retired from civic life in 1903.

He again contested election for the South Ward in 1911 and served on council for a further three years.

His business was established in Ruthven Street near to where Robert’s Menswear is now located