HARLEY W. FREDERICK

Sacramento County

Biographies

HARLEY W. FREDERICK

HARLEY W. FREDERICK.--An expert photographer who has done much to develop his chosen industry, and to raise it to the dignity of high art, is Harley W. Frederick, the wide-awake and progressive proprietor of the popular Frederick Foto Service at 718 1/2 J Street, in Sacramento. A native of California, he was born at Oakland on July 26, 1892, the son of Harley W. and Belle (Henderson) Frederick, the former a native of New York, of fine old Knickerbocker Dutch stock. On the parental side, Mr. Frederick is a lineal descendant of Anneke Jans, who came from Holland to New York City, being of the fifth generation removed. He has a copy of her original will, dated January 29, 1663, a very interesting document, describing in detail her property, which is now in the heart of New York City, with Trinity Church located on a part of it. This property is still in litigation, and is now worth approximately $860,000,000. His mother was a native daughter, who first saw the light at Sacramento, where she entered the family of that honored old pioneer James Henderson, a native of Scotland and a soldier of fortune who came around Cape Horn in a sailer in the days of gold and followed mining here. Later he was a pioneer gold miner in Alaska, after which he attached himself to the United States Army, serving in the Philippines, where he died. Harley Frederick, Sr., was an actor, and for many years traveled in vaudeville, until his eyes failed. Thereafter he engaged in business in Sacramento until he retired. Both parents are still living, the center of a circle of devoted admirers and friends. Harley Fredericks, Jr., is the oldest of three children. His brother, Raymond D., served in the United States Navy for five years. During the World War he was sent overseas and was in the convoy service. He was on the U. S. S. Schurz when she was rammed and sunk, but fortunately escaped in a boat. After his five years of service he located in his home town of Sacramento, where he now resides. A sister, Thelma, is Mrs. Edson Gapen, also of the capital city. She has for many years been in the employ of the State Board of Health, and is in charge of the Bureau of Vital Statistics, having acquired a wide range of knowledge, and is one of the best-posted employees in the department.

Harley W. Frederick, Jr., attended the schools at Broderick, across the river from Sacramento City, and grew up in the capital city. When fifteen years of age he entered the employ of the McCurry Foto Company under William H. McCurry's preceptorship, and there learned the business in all of its details, continuing with him for ten years. When the United States entered the World War, although a married man, he resigned and on February 20, 1918, enlisted in the Photo Section of the Signal Corps in the United States Army; and after training at Columbia University, New York City, he was appointed first-class sergeant, and in the same letter in which he received notice of his appointment was ordered overseas, leaving New York in June, 1918. Arriving in France, he served there for a year, much of his time being spent in securing photographic records and publicity pictures used by the Committee of Public Information for American Propaganda. He had the satisfaction of seeing scores and scores of his photos reproduced in leading papers, journals and magazines in the United States and England, as well as in France. While taking pictures in the vicinity of Metz, just before the taking of that city by allied forces, he was gassed and severely burned and was out of service for about two months. Returning to his native land, he landed in New York City, May 30, 1919, and was honorably discharged at Washington, on June 6 of the same year, immediately returning to his home in Sacramento to rejoin his wife and circle of friends, all greatly rejoiced that his life had been spared. He was delighted to get back to his native state and to civil life, although now that it is all over he has no regrets at having had the experience in the war and at the front.

On his return, Mr. Frederick established his own enterprise as a commercial photographer; and he is today an aggressive leader in his field. He finds his study at Columbia University and his experience overseas very valuable, and a great assistance to him, enabling him to work up a big business and a most satisfactory clientele. His business is not confined to California alone, but extends into the different states and even to England.

When Mr. Frederick married he chose for his wife Miss Irene Gapen, a native daughter of California, born at Rio Vista, Solano County, whose parents crossed the plains in pioneer days. Mr. and Mrs. Frederick had one child, a bright little boy named Donald L., who passed away at the age of eight months. Mrs. Frederick is a member of the Eastern Star. Mr. Frederick belongs to the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce, and to the National Exchange Club, and is a live wire in each. He is also active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and in Sacramento Post No. 61, American Legion. Fraternally, he was made a Mason in Washington Lodge No. 20, F. & A. M., and is also a Scottish Rite Mason and a Sciot. He belongs to the ranks of the Republican party, but endeavors to be non-partisan in local affairs. Mr. Frederick has always been greatly interested in athletics, particularly baseball and basketball. He is a member of the Young Men's Christian Association and takes a prominent part in their athletics. He also enjoys outdoor sports, particularly hunting and fishing. He is a good shot, and excels in revolver practice. He and his wife are thoroughly public-spirited, and have become the center of an enviable social circle.

Transcribed by: Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.

Source: Reed, G. Walter, History of Sacramento County, California With Biographical Sketches, Pages 757-758. Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, CA. 1923.