Notes for Isaac Freeman Rasin

Notes for Isaac Freeman Rasin

(Isaac) Freeman Rasin (1833-1907) was a democratic boss of Baltimore for many years, and was considered a powerful political boss in the United States during his life, counting among his friends President Grover Cleveland. Born in Kent County and educated at private schools and at Washington College, he came to Baltimore in 1847, working first as a dry goods clerk, then as a dry goods merchant with his own business. In 1867, he was elected to Clerk of Court of Common Pleas in Baltimore, for which post he was re-elected in 1873 and 1885, serving altogether 18 years. In 1886, he was appointed Naval Officer for Baltimore by President Cleveland, and served until 1890. He was a Baltimore Insurance Commissioner from 1892-1895, and at one point President Cleveland offered Rasin the position of U.S. Consul to Berlin, which he declined. Married to Julia Ann Claypoole Rasin (d. 1899), their home was at 1039 N. Calvert St. in Baltimore.