Bradford Family Houses in Duxbury

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Gershom Bradford House in Duxbury
Photo courtesy of Duxbury Rural and Historical Society
The Captain Gamaliel Bradford House, the Captain Gershom Bradford House, the Captain Daniel Bradford House and the King Caesar House in Duxbury, Massachusetts exemplify two-story, wood-frame, Federal style residences. Few other communities have retained as extensive or as well-contained an area of finely-detailed shipbuilders' or ship captains' houses as is found in Duxbury. Brothers Gamaliel, Gershom and Daniel Bradford each built houses following their father's death in 1807. Gamaliel constructed his home on Tremont Street (which was the main road from Plymouth to Boston) and Gershom constructed his home directly across the street. Daniel's home was built approximately one-third of a mile away at 251 Harrison Street. The King Caesar House located at 120 King Caesar Road was built for Jerusha Bradford Weston, sister of the Bradford brothers, and her husband Ezra Weston II. Weston, like his father, was known as "King Caesar" for his worldwide preeminence in shipbuilding and shipping during the early 19th century. Weston was recognized by Lloyd's of London as the largest ship owner in America, with a fleet of about 100 merchant ships, a 100-acre shipyard and a large workforce of sailors, carpenters and laborers.

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King Caesar House in Duxbury
Photo courtesy of Duxbury Rural and Historical Society

At a young age, Gamaliel Bradford served as a lieutenant in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. As a result of his military service, President Adams offered Gamaliel command of the frigate Boston in 1797, but he declined. In 1800, Gamaliel lost his leg while defending the vessel Industry from French privateers. He retired two years later from the sea. In 1807, brother Daniel Bradford became master of the vessel Brutus. Retiring from a life at sea in 1811, Daniel bought a house and farmland in New Hampshire and sold his Duxbury home to Jacob Smith and his son Moxon, both of whom were engaged in maritime work. Captain Gershom Bradford went to sail under the direction of his older brothers at the age of 17. He became a shipmaster in 1796 and commanded at least 10 vessels before retiring in 1826 after 35 years at sea. The Gershom Bradford House remained in the Bradford family until 1968, when it was given to the Duxbury Rural and Historical Society, Inc. The Daniel Bradford House returned to the Bradford family in 1865, following the death of Moxon Smith. The King Caesar House was occupied by Weston descendants until 1886, at which time it became part of the campus of the Powder Point School for Boys. In the 20th century it was owned by a succession of Duxbury families until 1965, when the Duxbury Rural and Historical Society, Inc. purchased it.

The Captain Gamaliel Bradford House is located at 942 Tremont St.; the Captain Gershom Bradford House is located at 931 Tremont St.; the Captain Daniel Bradford House is located at 251 Harrison St.; and the King Caesar House is located at 120 King Caesar Rd. in Duxbury. The Duxbury Rural and Historical Society owns the Captain Gershom Bradford House and the King Caesar House. The Gershom Bradford House is open to the public June-August, Saturdays-Sundays from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. The King Caesar House is open to the public from June-August, Wednesday-Sunday and on Saturdays and Sundays through September from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Please contact the society at 781-934-6106 for further information. The Gamaliel and Daniel Bradford houses are privately owned and not open to the public.

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