James Harlan (June 22, 1800 - February 18, 1863) was a U.S. Representative from Kentucky. Born in Mercer County, Kentucky, Harlan attended the public schools. He engaged in mercantile pursuits from 1817 to 1821. He studied law. He was admitted to the bar in 1823 and commenced practice in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. He served as prosecuting attorney 1829-1844. Harlan was elected as an Anti-Jacksonian to the Twenty-fourth Congress and reelected as a Whig to the Twenty-fifth Congress (March 4, 1835-March 3, 1839). Secretary of state of Kentucky 1840-1844. He served as member of the State house of representatives in 1845. Attorney general of Kentucky from 1850 until his death in Frankfort, Kentucky, February 18, 1863.
