Harden, Capt. Jabez House
171 Walnut St
1780
Architectural Style
Colonial
Significance
Agriculture, Architecture
Use Type
Agricultural, Single Family Dwelling House
Neighborhood
Paper Mill Village, Prattown
Massachusetts Historical Commission Report
Architectural Significance
Together with its rural setting #171 Walnut Street provides an unspoiled glimpse of a late 18th c.-early 19th c. Bridgewater homestead. It is part of the town's well-crafted collection of early 18th-mid 19th c. Cape Cod cottages. This dwelling possesses a center hall plan, 5 bay main facade, broad gable roof and a stucco covered center chimney. Its front door is flanked by fluted Doric pilasters. This house rests on a heavy, granite block foundation.
Historical Significance
This house has significant local historical associations with Bridgewater's Harden family. It may have been built c. 1780 for Samuel Harden, Revolutionary war soldier and farmer. It was, however, occupied by Capt. Jabez Harden. He is listed as this house's owner in 1830. Captain Jabez Harden commanded a company of militia in the War of 1812. A lifelong citizen of Bridgewater, Capt. Harden was active in Democratic politics. He died Sept. 11, 1879. His son Benjamen Harden was born here on March 23, 1833. He pursued agriculture and engaged in lumbering during the winter months and was a leading member of the Grange. In April, 1861, he enlisted in Co. A. 3d Mass. Regiment. He married Susan L. Andrews, daughter of Perez Andrews, in 1863 and settled in Pratt town, further to the north of his father's house. By the early 1900s, Frank Harden, blacksmith, lived here.