Joseph L. Friedman Passes Away
Suddenly in Hotel at Chicago Leav-
ing Void in His Own Home City
Joseph L. Friedman probably was interested in more enterprises in Paducah than any other man. There have been but few projects of consequence launched in Paducah in the last 20 years that he has not been one of the moving spirits in his untiring energy, combined with his keen foresight and his faith in the bright future of the city, is attested by the great success of all the institutions in which he was most interested.
Naturally, his chief interest was in the unusually successful firm of Friedman-Keiler and company, one of the best-known distillers and wholesale dealers in liquor, in the United States. Next to the firm which bore his name, Mr. Friedman's interest was in the success of the Paducah Traction company, of which he was the president. He also served as president of the Palmer Hotel company, owners of the Palmer House, and devoted considerable of his time to its success. He was vice-president and director of the City National bank, and also a director of the Paducah Water company, and in both of these institutions he took great interest. Mr. Friedman also was interested in Smith & Scott Tobacco company, and the Lax-Fos company, as well as the holder of considerable Paducah real estate.
Self-Made Man.
Mr. Friedman was a self-made man, and from experience knew all of the hardships of poor people. His wonderful foresight in business was exhibited even when a young man, and he rose steadily to affluence. At all times he was tactful, courteous and generous.
Mr. Friedman was born in Louisville April 14, 1857, and was the son of Leopold and Louise (Meyers) Friedman, both pioneers of Kentucky. He received only an average education in the public schools, and when a young man removed to Paducah with his parents. Early as a young man he proved a splendid salesman, while clerking in local stores, and gave indications of the qualities that made for his success.
Later he became a traveling salesman for Bernheim Brothers, of Louisville, former citizens of Paducah, and became an unqualified success. He was the star salesman and retired against the wishes of that firm. However, Mr. Friedman desired to begin business for himself and he and his firm became associated with his father in the Friedman Vinegar company, which is the origin of the present firm, the Wallace Vinegar company.
Friedman-Keiler and Company
His brother-in-law and and partner in business, John W. Keiler
John W. Keiler, had established the whiskey firm of John W. Keiler company, and in 1891 the firm of Friedman-Keiler and company was launched as a successor. From the first it was a success, and the business has grown rapidly and steadily. Now the company occupies a handsome building at First and Jefferson streets and it is considered the most prosperous in the state.
It is assured that the business of the firm will be continued and probably will be made a corporation, a step that Mr. Friedman had considered for himself. The firm is probably more widely advertised than any other in the city, and it has business covering a wide area.
Mr. Friedman was the most wealthy citizen of the city. His wealth is conservatively estimated at $850,000 to $1,000,000. the greater part of which is invested in Paducah. Mr. Friedman always was optimistic, of the future of the city.
Was Heavily Insured.
Mr. Friedman also was heavily insured, and the aggregation of life insurance policies is estimated at about $200,000.
Although his will probably will not be seen until next week, it is certain that he has made liberal provisions for charity. Intimate friends have known that he intended to give his beautiful country home, The Pines," as a home for the aged and infirm, and to perpetuate the name.
Mr. Friedman was held in the highest esteem by all of his employees. The organization of the firm practically had remained intact since it was established although with the growth of business naturally it was increased. Practically all of his associates have remained with the firm, and their sorrow over his death is keen.
Although the great part of Mr. Friedman's business connections were in Paducah, he owned stocks in a number of foreign corporations, and the intimate friendships of many large financiers.
The extent of Mr. Friedman's charity work will never be known. He delighted in making other people happy, and whenever a petition was circulated, the name of Mr. Friedman always headed the list with a liberal donation and all of the charity institutions in Paducah were aided liberally by him. His charity was wider than endearing assistance only to the poor. He helped many business men in need of assistance. Whenever he learned of a business manor firm, friends of his, being in financial trouble, he rendered aid in his own quiet way. He was especially quick and eager to assist young men, and in encouraging them. He found the greatest delight in rendering aid to anyone in need, financially or with advice and counsel.
Helped At Flood Time
His business interests forced him to be absent from Paducah frequently. During the high water Mr. Friedman was away, but he rushed back to Paducah, and reached the city on the last train that arrived. Without a moment's hesitation he waded into the rescue work. Not only did he contribute financial aid to the relief fund which was dispensed through the committee, but he made many purchases of supplies for suffering families. Mr. Friedman also insisted that he wanted to do the actual relief work. Donning a pair of hip boots he did personal relief work, wading into the water like other flood workers for the relief of stricken families.
… He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Louisa Friedman, who was with Mr. Friedman in Chicago. Three sisters: Mrs. A. W. Williams, of Chicago; Mrs. John W. Keiler, of Paducah; and Mrs. Max H. Nahm, of Bowling Green. Mr. and Mrs. Keiler were touring the state of New York in their automobile, and they were located between Danville and Rochester. They will leave immediately for Paducah. Mrs. Nahm was located in French Lick Springs, Ind. His nephew, Leo F. Keiler, was with him at death, as he left for the North about two weeks ago.
Mr. Friedman was a member of Temple Israel, and an active worker, and also a member of B'nai B'rith, a Jewish organization. Mr. Friedman also had an interest in secret orders and was a member of the Kosair temple of Shriners, Plain City lodge of Masons; Paducah lodge of Elks; the Knights of Pythias; and the Knights of Honor.
The funeral and burial arrangements have not been made but they are not likely to be held before Tuesday owing to the time required for the friends and relatives to reach Paducah. Mr. Lawrence Dallam, manager of Friedman-Keiler & company, will leave this evening for Chicago, and will arrange for the body to be brought to Paducah, in all probability many people of prominence will arrive in Paducah for the funeral and burial, as Mr. Friedman was well known, particularly in Louisville, Cincinnati, Chicago and the east.
Great Social Leader
In the social life of Paducah, Mr. Friedman has been a leader for long years. The fame of his hospitality extends the length and breadth of the state and far beyond its borders. Never was he so happy as when surrounded by friends partaking of his bounty. Young and old among them, knew the beautiful country home "The Pines" as a haven of unalloyed pleasure when its owner dispensed hospitality.
Extensive improvements were under way at "The Pines" at the time of Mr. Friedman's untimely death. The interior had been completely redecorated, and he had expected to shortly open its portals to a house warming such as he alone was capable of giving.
Prominent At Club
There will be no spot in Paducah where "Joe" Friedman will be more genuinely missed than at the Golf and Country club. One of its most substantial patrons from its inception, he might be seen day in and day out while at home rounding the links in a foursome, with his particual cronies.
In the annals of the club there is not record of a man who was more magnanimous in victory and more cheerful in defeat that Joseph L. Friedman. To play the game with him added zest for all contestants, and he was idolized by every member of the club.
It was due principally to Mr. Friedman's efforts that the new home of the country club on Gregory Heights was secured and the work was prosecuted vigorously under his able efforts. His helping hand has been lent to every enterprise of the institution during all its years. Nowhere in Paducah will his absence occasion keener heart-felt regret.
The Paducah Evening Sun -
Paducah, Ky
Saturday, July 5, 1913, pp. 1 and 4
.
Joseph L. Friedman Passes Away
Suddenly in Hotel at Chicago Leav-
ing Void in His Own Home City
Joseph L. Friedman probably was interested in more enterprises in Paducah than any other man. There have been but few projects of consequence launched in Paducah in the last 20 years that he has not been one of the moving spirits in his untiring energy, combined with his keen foresight and his faith in the bright future of the city, is attested by the great success of all the institutions in which he was most interested.
Naturally, his chief interest was in the unusually successful firm of Friedman-Keiler and company, one of the best-known distillers and wholesale dealers in liquor, in the United States. Next to the firm which bore his name, Mr. Friedman's interest was in the success of the Paducah Traction company, of which he was the president. He also served as president of the Palmer Hotel company, owners of the Palmer House, and devoted considerable of his time to its success. He was vice-president and director of the City National bank, and also a director of the Paducah Water company, and in both of these institutions he took great interest. Mr. Friedman also was interested in Smith & Scott Tobacco company, and the Lax-Fos company, as well as the holder of considerable Paducah real estate.
Self-Made Man.
Mr. Friedman was a self-made man, and from experience knew all of the hardships of poor people. His wonderful foresight in business was exhibited even when a young man, and he rose steadily to affluence. At all times he was tactful, courteous and generous.
Mr. Friedman was born in Louisville April 14, 1857, and was the son of Leopold and Louise (Meyers) Friedman, both pioneers of Kentucky. He received only an average education in the public schools, and when a young man removed to Paducah with his parents. Early as a young man he proved a splendid salesman, while clerking in local stores, and gave indications of the qualities that made for his success.
Later he became a traveling salesman for Bernheim Brothers, of Louisville, former citizens of Paducah, and became an unqualified success. He was the star salesman and retired against the wishes of that firm. However, Mr. Friedman desired to begin business for himself and he and his firm became associated with his father in the Friedman Vinegar company, which is the origin of the present firm, the Wallace Vinegar company.
Friedman-Keiler and Company
His brother-in-law and and partner in business, John W. Keiler
John W. Keiler, had established the whiskey firm of John W. Keiler company, and in 1891 the firm of Friedman-Keiler and company was launched as a successor. From the first it was a success, and the business has grown rapidly and steadily. Now the company occupies a handsome building at First and Jefferson streets and it is considered the most prosperous in the state.
It is assured that the business of the firm will be continued and probably will be made a corporation, a step that Mr. Friedman had considered for himself. The firm is probably more widely advertised than any other in the city, and it has business covering a wide area.
Mr. Friedman was the most wealthy citizen of the city. His wealth is conservatively estimated at $850,000 to $1,000,000. the greater part of which is invested in Paducah. Mr. Friedman always was optimistic, of the future of the city.
Was Heavily Insured.
Mr. Friedman also was heavily insured, and the aggregation of life insurance policies is estimated at about $200,000.
Although his will probably will not be seen until next week, it is certain that he has made liberal provisions for charity. Intimate friends have known that he intended to give his beautiful country home, The Pines," as a home for the aged and infirm, and to perpetuate the name.
Mr. Friedman was held in the highest esteem by all of his employees. The organization of the firm practically had remained intact since it was established although with the growth of business naturally it was increased. Practically all of his associates have remained with the firm, and their sorrow over his death is keen.
Although the great part of Mr. Friedman's business connections were in Paducah, he owned stocks in a number of foreign corporations, and the intimate friendships of many large financiers.
The extent of Mr. Friedman's charity work will never be known. He delighted in making other people happy, and whenever a petition was circulated, the name of Mr. Friedman always headed the list with a liberal donation and all of the charity institutions in Paducah were aided liberally by him. His charity was wider than endearing assistance only to the poor. He helped many business men in need of assistance. Whenever he learned of a business manor firm, friends of his, being in financial trouble, he rendered aid in his own quiet way. He was especially quick and eager to assist young men, and in encouraging them. He found the greatest delight in rendering aid to anyone in need, financially or with advice and counsel.
Helped At Flood Time
His business interests forced him to be absent from Paducah frequently. During the high water Mr. Friedman was away, but he rushed back to Paducah, and reached the city on the last train that arrived. Without a moment's hesitation he waded into the rescue work. Not only did he contribute financial aid to the relief fund which was dispensed through the committee, but he made many purchases of supplies for suffering families. Mr. Friedman also insisted that he wanted to do the actual relief work. Donning a pair of hip boots he did personal relief work, wading into the water like other flood workers for the relief of stricken families.
… He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Louisa Friedman, who was with Mr. Friedman in Chicago. Three sisters: Mrs. A. W. Williams, of Chicago; Mrs. John W. Keiler, of Paducah; and Mrs. Max H. Nahm, of Bowling Green. Mr. and Mrs. Keiler were touring the state of New York in their automobile, and they were located between Danville and Rochester. They will leave immediately for Paducah. Mrs. Nahm was located in French Lick Springs, Ind. His nephew, Leo F. Keiler, was with him at death, as he left for the North about two weeks ago.
Mr. Friedman was a member of Temple Israel, and an active worker, and also a member of B'nai B'rith, a Jewish organization. Mr. Friedman also had an interest in secret orders and was a member of the Kosair temple of Shriners, Plain City lodge of Masons; Paducah lodge of Elks; the Knights of Pythias; and the Knights of Honor.
The funeral and burial arrangements have not been made but they are not likely to be held before Tuesday owing to the time required for the friends and relatives to reach Paducah. Mr. Lawrence Dallam, manager of Friedman-Keiler & company, will leave this evening for Chicago, and will arrange for the body to be brought to Paducah, in all probability many people of prominence will arrive in Paducah for the funeral and burial, as Mr. Friedman was well known, particularly in Louisville, Cincinnati, Chicago and the east.
Great Social Leader
In the social life of Paducah, Mr. Friedman has been a leader for long years. The fame of his hospitality extends the length and breadth of the state and far beyond its borders. Never was he so happy as when surrounded by friends partaking of his bounty. Young and old among them, knew the beautiful country home "The Pines" as a haven of unalloyed pleasure when its owner dispensed hospitality.
Extensive improvements were under way at "The Pines" at the time of Mr. Friedman's untimely death. The interior had been completely redecorated, and he had expected to shortly open its portals to a house warming such as he alone was capable of giving.
Prominent At Club
There will be no spot in Paducah where "Joe" Friedman will be more genuinely missed than at the Golf and Country club. One of its most substantial patrons from its inception, he might be seen day in and day out while at home rounding the links in a foursome, with his particual cronies.
In the annals of the club there is not record of a man who was more magnanimous in victory and more cheerful in defeat that Joseph L. Friedman. To play the game with him added zest for all contestants, and he was idolized by every member of the club.
It was due principally to Mr. Friedman's efforts that the new home of the country club on Gregory Heights was secured and the work was prosecuted vigorously under his able efforts. His helping hand has been lent to every enterprise of the institution during all its years. Nowhere in Paducah will his absence occasion keener heart-felt regret.
The Paducah Evening Sun -
Paducah, Ky
Saturday, July 5, 1913, pp. 1 and 4
.
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