Hyman Friedman House

Hyman Friedman was born on December 30, 1879, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He later migrated to Natchez, Louisiana, where he became a successful merchant. On July 30, 1907, he married Blossom Mae Joseph, born May 19, 1889, in Gonzales, Texas. Blossom was the daughter of Solomon and Sarah Joseph, the previous homeowners on this tour.
Initially, Hyman and Blossom planned a honeymoon that would take them through several Texas cities, eventually ending in Natchez, where Hyman had his business. However, their plans changed when they decided to settle in Gonzales, where Hyman became a respected merchant and a well-regarded member of the local community.
In a move that showed his deep ties to the region, Hyman returned to Natchez specifically to obtain four native catalpa trees, which he brought back and planted at their new home.
Before the end of 1907, the couple had completed the construction of their home on a vacant lot owned by the Joseph family, located just north of the Joseph residence. Unfortunately, tragedy struck on February 16, 1923, when Hyman died of ptomaine poisoning, a type of food poisoning. His funeral was one of the largest ever held in Gonzales, and he was buried in the Gonzales Jewish Cemetery with full Masonic honors.
Blossom lived for many more years, passing away on November 12, 1978, and was buried beside her husband. Upon her death, she left the house to a close friend, who lived there until her passing in 1999. Of the four catalpa trees that Hyman had so carefully planted, two survived until 1999, further cementing the couple’s lasting legacy in the area.