Herman Philip Goebel was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on April 5, 1853. His parents were Christian and Elizabeth Goebel who had come to Cincinnati in 1848. He attended the local public schools and worked for a law firm as a messenger boy. In 1872, he graduated from Cincinnati Law College and began practicing in Cincinnati. Goebel was a successful lawyer. He opened a partnership with Albert Bettinger in 1880, afterward known as the firm of Goebel & Bettinger.

He began his political career in the Ohio State House during 1875 and 1876 and then continued to practice law. From 1884-1890, Goebel served as judge of the Hamilton County probate court. He retired from that position in order to practice law at his firm again. He re-entered politics in 1902, by winning election as a Republican to the 58th Congress, replacing Jacob Bromwell as the Representative from Ohio's 2nd District. Goebel won the next three Congressional elections as well, serving from March 4, 1903 until March 3, 1911. Nicholas Longworth from Ohio was a contemporary of Goebel's and served in Congress at the same time as he did.

Goebel lost re-election in 1910 to the Democratic candidate Alfred Allen. His loss marked the first time in over three decades that Ohio's second district was not represented by a Republican. After his loss, Goebel returned to practicing law again in Cincinnati. Goebel married Louise Brown from Dunkirk, NY. They had three daughters who survived him. Goebel died on May 4, 1930, and was buried in Spring Grove Cemetery.

Sources:
Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
History of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Ohio--597

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