[1] Bedford was an active member of the community in Westport, Connecticut, having donated buildings to the city for its middle school, firehouse, and a YMCA for the youth to use.

[2][3] After resigning from his position at the Standard Oil Company of New Jersey in 1909, he worked full-time for the Corn Products Refining Co., up until his death on May 21, 1931.

Frederick was a deacon in the church and a noted wood carver; the hand carved frame for the portrait of The Prince of Wales, who was King Edward VII at the time, was his most famous piece.

[4] Bedford helped the chemist Robert Chesebrough establish sales for his new product, Vaseline.

[4] By 1880, Bedford was the managing partner of the firm Thompson and Bedford Company, Limited, consisting of R.J. Thompson, himself, Charles Pratt, and Henry H. Rogers, most of whom became prominent leaders in petroleum through the Standard Oil Co. His firm was the eastern selling agents for Standard Oil, which owned the majority stake in his company's stock.

[4] Aside from his many business ventures, Bedford was an expert breeder and horseman, holding a world record in the team to road wagon over a half-mile track of 2:12.25, also the race record to wagon of 2:08.25, which is the fastest mile driven in which more than two horses competed.

The first YMCA building in Westport, CT was donated by him in 1923 so the youth of the day would have a place to congregate in a safe and recreational fashion.

The recollection of this and the experience taught me as to the need of some place for boys and young men to congregate lead to this building, which I hope may not only fill this want, but also be the headquarters for many good things that can be done for the benefit of our town.