Isidor Straus (February 6, 1845 – April 15, 1912) was a German-born American businessman, politician, and co-owner of Macy's department store. A resident of Georgia, USA He was preparing to go to West Point Military Academy when the outbreak of the US Civil War 1861-1865 prevented him from doing so; he was elected a officer In a Georgia Military unit but was not allowed to serve because of his youth He also served for just over a year as a member of the United States House of Representatives.