Born in Wappingers Falls, New York, Rowe attended the common schools. He was graduated from De Garmo Institute in 1882 and from Colgate University, Hamilton, New York, in 1887.
Rowe, who was born in Wappingers Falls, New York, pursued his education at local schools. Later, he earned degrees from the De Garmo Institute in 1882 and Colgate University in 1887.