State Senator Alfred James “A.J.” Doherty (1856–1929) was a prominent Michigan businessman, politician, and community builder. He founded the landmark Doherty Hotel in Clare, Michigan, which opened in April 1924 to replace a community hotel destroyed by fire.

Arrived in Michigan and settled in Clare around 1878, working various local jobs before opening mercantile, hardware, and insurance ventures.Served as the mayor of Clare and later represented the region as a Michigan State Senator.Managed local utilities, served on the State Board of Agriculture, and acted as a trustee for Michigan State University.

Stepped forward to build a grand replacement after the town's Calkins House burned down in 1920.Invested upwards of $60,000 on donated downtown land to construct a modern 60-room hotel featuring an Otis elevator and hot running water.