Friese, Julius F.

Julius F. Friese

Early Life

Julius Frank Friese was born on August 18, 1894, in New York City, New York, the son of Emil Georg Friese and Mary Junker. He spent his early years in the city before relocating to Rye, New York, where he became part of the local community and resided at 13 School Street. By the time of World War I, he was employed as a clerk, reflecting entry into the clerical and administrative workforce that supported the growing suburban economy of Westchester County.

World War I Service

Friese registered for the draft on June 5, 1917, in Rye, New York, and was inducted into the United States Army on June 24, 1918, in Westchester County. He was initially assigned to the 152nd Depot Brigade before being transferred to Company H of the Central Records Battalion, Adjutant General’s Section, a unit within the American Expeditionary Forces responsible for managing personnel records and administrative operations essential to maintaining the vast wartime army.

He served overseas in France from November 10, 1918, to August 23, 1919, during the final days of the war and the subsequent occupation period. Administrative units such as the Central Records Battalion played a critical role in organizing troop movements, maintaining service records, and ensuring the orderly demobilization of American forces following the Armistice of November 11, 1918.

In addition to his official duties, Friese continued to develop and apply his musical talents while serving overseas. Prior to the war, he had been the leader of the orchestra at the Strand Theatre in Port Chester, and while in France he remained actively engaged in music as part of camp life within the American Expeditionary Forces. Contemporary accounts describe his role in composing and directing original musical works for performance by post orchestras, including a production staged for both American and French audiences.

One such production, an operatic work entitled The Mud Flower Pot, featured music composed by Friese and performed with the cooperation of a French orchestra, which praised the composition. The performance, held before enthusiastic audiences that included both soldiers and civilians, reflects the important role of music and theatrical productions in maintaining morale and fostering cultural exchange among Allied forces during the war.

Friese’s experience demonstrates how soldiers contributed not only through their assigned military roles but also through cultural and artistic efforts that supported troop morale during extended overseas service. His leadership as a musician continued even in uniform, paralleling his prewar career and reinforcing his identity as both a soldier and an artist.

Friese’s record indicates that he sustained no wounds in action, and he was honorably discharged on August 28, 1919, upon completion of his service.

Life After Service

Following the war, Friese built a stable professional and personal life, eventually settling in Stamford, Connecticut. He worked for fifteen years in the finance department of the City of Stamford, contributing to municipal administration during a period of growth and modernization.

In addition to his professional career, he was widely known as a musician and bandleader, organizing and leading the Julius Friese Orchestra, which performed throughout the region and became a recognized presence in local social life.

Julius F. Friese died on August 9, 1972, at St. Joseph Hospital in Stamford, Connecticut, at the age of 77.

At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, Margaret Ryan Friese; his sons, Julius F. Friese Jr. of Los Angeles, John Friese, Robert Friese of Monroe, and Charles Friese of Stratford; and several grandchildren.