Jordan L. Harlow is the son of William H. and Parmelia J. Tilberry Harlow, natives of Shelby county, Kentucky. His father’s occupation was that of a fanner. Jordan L. was born near the city of Frankfort, Shelby county, Kentucky, January 19, 1850. His parents migrated to Livingston county, Missouri, when he was nearly four years of age, and there they resided for thirteen years. During this time he was engaged partly in farming and partly in working in a saw-mill. After this he returned to Kentucky, and farmed for a year, and then in 1867 came back to Daviess county, and since that time has been a resident of the county, spending his time in farming.
Mr. Harlow was married, March 21, 1872, to Miss Martha J. Wilson, a daughter of McClain Wilson, of Tennessee. They have had three children: Eva J., born January 8, 1873; William T., born March 6, 1878, died June 18, 1880; and Amanda B., born April 20, 1881.