John F. Harden Collection (Coll. 111)

An Inventory of The Collection at the G. W. Blunt White Library, Mystic Seaport

Biography of John F. Harden

John F. Harden was a shipmaster involved primarily in the coasting trade. He made voyages between Boston, New York, Washington, New Orleans, and Calais, aboard several vessels, including the schooners Adelaide and Vendori.

In 1860, as master of the bark IDDO KIMBALL, Harden was involved in trade with Britain. Later, in the period 1869 - 1871, he became captain of the brig LONG REACH and entered the lumber trade. The enterprise was a fairly large scale one, and consisted of shipping lumber between New York and Pensacola, Florida. There also was some lumber trade with Jamaica.

Harden's father and brothers were involved in the business as well. Initially residing in East Thomaston, Maine, the family resettled in Rockland, Maine. The older of Harden's two sons attended a business oriented school, most likely in preparation to enter the family business.

1876 marked Harden's last command. He took charge of the ship GALATEA, which was chartered to transport a load of locomotives and railroad equipment from Philadelphia to Rio. After the owner sold the ship, Harden embarked on a search for new arrangement. But although earlier evidence showed that he was much valued as a captain, this time he appeared to have been unsuccessful in his search for a new position.

Scope and Content

The John F. Harden Papers Collection consists of one ten folder box. The papers contain primarily correspondence. There are both personal and business letters. Much of the business correspondence is with shipowners who had engaged Harden as a captain. There is also correspondence with fellow shipmasters and business owners. There is a folder of business documents, including receipts, accounts, consular certificates and general clearances. The papers provide a glimpse into the life of upper rank seamen engaged in the maritime trade in the late 19th century.

Detailed Description of the Collection

The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.