Definition
Isaac Carow (1768 – 1850) was an American merchant and businessman based in New York City, noted for his involvement in the shipping and trade sectors of the early United States and for his familial connections to the Roosevelt family.
Overview
Born in 1768, Carow entered the mercantile world during a period of rapid commercial expansion in post‑Revolutionary America. He operated as a partner in the firm Carow & Co., which engaged in import‑export activities, particularly the trade of commodities such as coffee, tea, and manufactured goods between the United States and European ports. Carow’s business interests extended to investments in shipping vessels and participation in New York’s emerging financial institutions.
Beyond his commercial pursuits, Carow was a member of several civic and charitable organizations, reflecting the philanthropic expectations of affluent New York families of his era. He married twice and fathered several children, among them Charles Carow (1825–1883). Through Charles, Isaac Carow was the grandfather of Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt (1861–1948), who later became the second wife of President Theodore Roosevelt.
Etymology/Origin
The surname “Carow” is of Germanic origin, likely derived from a variant of the name “Kärner” or “Kärow,” which historically denoted a occupational or locational background. The Carow family emigrated to the American colonies in the 18th century, establishing roots in New York.
Characteristics
- Commercial Activity: Operated a diversified import‑export business; owned or co‑owned merchant vessels; invested in early New York banking enterprises.
- Social Standing: Recognized as a member of New York’s merchant elite; participated in societies such as the New-York Historical Society.
- Family Influence: His descendants integrated into prominent political circles, most notably through marriage into the Roosevelt family.
Related Topics
- Carow family (American mercantile lineage)
- Roosevelt family (political dynasty)
- 19th‑century New York commerce
- Early American shipping industry
- Philanthropy in antebellum New York