Mercer-Franklin-Shelby County KyArchives Biographies.....Harlan, James June 22, 1800 - February 17, 1863 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ky/kyfiles.html ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Sandi Gorin http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00002.html#0000404 March 22, 2005, 7:19 pm Author: The Biographical Encyclopaedia of Kentucky, J. M. Armstrong & Co. Hon. James Harlan, Lawyer, was born June 22, 1800, in Mercer County, Kentucky. After receiving a good English education, he engaged in mercantile pursuits until reaching manhood, where he studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1803. In 1829, he was appointed Commonwealth's Attorney, and held the office four years. In 1835, he was elected a Representative to Congress. Was re- elected in 1837, and during the last session was Chairman of the Committee for Investigating Defalcations. From 1840 until 1844, was Secretary of State under Governor Letcher. In 1845, was elected to the Lower House of the Kentucky Legislature, and, in 1850, was appointed Attorney-General of Kentucky, and held the position until his death, which occurred February 17, 1863, at Frankfort. He was a lawyer of great ability, and was one of the most worthy and successful members of his profession in the State. His son, General John M. Harlan, who served with distinction in the Federal army during the rebellion, and who is now a lawyer of Louisville, is one of the most distinguished and able men of Kentucky. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ky/mercer/bios/harlan22nbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/kyfiles/