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.