Thomas Barlow and his wife left Georgetown Kentucky in the spring of 1849 and traveled to Ballard county to look for a home site. Mr. Barlow purchased 400 acres of land at $4 per acre on part of which Barlow is now located. He built a log house near the depot location and move there that fall. On November 18, 1849, the late C. J. Barlow, Father of Vivian Barlow, was born. C. J. Barlow played and important part in the history of the town. The home C. J. Barlow built in 1903 has recently been restored and is used as a community meeting place and museum.