Joseph P Goebel, “a prominent early resident,” was born in Germany, 1849, emigrating to the United States in 1870. He marred Susanna Klein of Williamsburg PA (also of German descent) in 1874, presumably in Peoria.
According to the 1920 census, they lived on Ann St, had no formal schooling but were both able to read and write and spoke English as well as their native German. The 1930 census noted that they had moved to Barker Ave and also owned a radio (yes, that was one of the questions). Susanna died in 1932 at the age of 77 and Joseph at age 87 in 1936.
They had four children together, Anna, Joseph, Elizabeth and Phillip. Joseph was the owner of J.P. Goebel & Co Signs of All Kinds outdoor advertising agency, and according to his obituary, was “a prominent business owner and philanthropist.” He and his wife Elizabeth lived in their fine home at 3604 N Knoxville until his untimely death in 1948 while wintering in Miami.
