Abiel Abbot Low (February 7, 1811 – January 7, 1893) was an American entrepreneur, businessman, trader and philanthropist who gained most of his fortune from the China trade, importing teas, porcelains, and silk, and building and operating a fleet of reputable clipper ships.

Having made his fortune in China working with Russell & Co, and shortly after the launch of his business, Low returned to New York.

Two other of Low's clippers, the Contest and the Jacob Bell, were subsequently destroyed by Confederate privateers during the Civil War.

During his tenure, he spoke out on behalf of New York businessmen against British support to Confederate commerce destroyers.

He also contributed to the development of the Brooklyn Library, the City hospital and many other cultural, educational, social and religious enterprises.

His sister, Harriet Low, was one of the first young American women to live in China[3] and is remembered for her journal of life in Macau from 1829 to 1833.

Another brother, Charles Porter Low, served as captain on the Houqua, Jacob Bell, Samuel Russell, and N.B.

[5] In 1894, Low's sons Abbot Augustus and Seth, built a hospital in Wu-Chang, China in memory of their father.