Friedman was born to a Jewish family in Germany and immigrated to the United States in 1869 along with his cousin S.J.

Friedman's store sold hardware, mining supplies, and general merchandise, but, according to a 1977 oral history with his daughter Lucile, his heart remained with his livestock—which he kept even while he pursued mercantile interests.

[3] Through different forms of government, Friedman was Hailey's chief executive for seven years from 1907 to 1913, a role in which he established the first city water supply.

[5] They lived at 215 E Silver Street in Hailey[6] and raised three children there: Leon (1888-1966), Lucile (1894-1987), and Marian (1903-1947).

Leon left to attend military academy in California and then returned to Hailey, assuming ownership over his father's store in 1926.

Lucile also left, attending the University of California for four years, but she returned to Hailey and became the manager of the Hiawatha Hotel.