The Prophet's $50 Debt
A modest Snohomish farmer's estate attempts to collect an unpaid loan from the self-proclaimed 'Elijah III.'
Though reputed to be a millionaire, John Alexander Dowie, 'Elijah III,' founder of Zion City and leader of a religious sect, borrowed $50 from Ove Moe, a poor Snohomish county settler, a year ago and has not repaid it. A note for the amount was found among Moe's effects by Attorney James T. Lawler. Moe was killed about four months ago in an accident at a Tenino quarry. Moe was a member of the Dowie sect, but contrary to many followers, he did not relocate to Zion City. He had met Dowie in Chicago and provided the loan, which represented a significant sacrifice of his limited ready cash. The note is payable at the Zion City bank, making collection a complex legal hurdle. Attorney Lawler intends to press the claim, though Dowie is notorious for ignoring or obfuscating his financial obligations.
“It is anticipated that the leader of the Zionites will protest that the paper represents some church obligation.”
This story highlights the perennial tension between charismatic religious leaders who amass personal fortunes and the working-class followers who bankroll them. The legal fight over a small estate's claim against a powerful figure remains a familiar narrative in contemporary litigation regarding predatory organizations.
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