Born in Newcastle, Delaware, December 22, 1826, his parents being Christian and Elizabeth Egbert. His father was a native of Amsterdam, Holland, and came alone to America at the age of 14, for years following the sea, and finally becoming the captain of ships. Until 15 years of age he attended school. Then, though a mere boy, he engaged in the grocery trade at Philadelphia, Pa., and continued at that avocation for six years. In 1847 he went to Hocking River and operated a saw-mill. It was there he married, May 12, 1850, Miss Elizabeth G. Sudlow, daughter of Richard and Hannah Sudlow, and a native of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Egbert lived near Logan until 1856 when they came to Scott County. Mr. Egbert bought a farm in Cleona Township, and lived upon it until August 14, 1861, when the call of his country caused him to lay down the plowshares for the time and take up the sword. When the war was over the man who had gone out as a sergeant and returned the commander of a regiment laid aside the sword and took up the quiet avocation of the farmer. In the fall of 1869, he was elected treasurer of Scott County and held that responsible office for four years. About that time he engaged in the printing, binding and blank book business, as the senior member of the firm of Egbert, Fidlar & Chambers. In the fall of 1879 he was elected on the Republican ticket as Scott county's representative to the Iowa legislature, He was a member of Davenport lodge, No. 37, A. F. & A. M. and of A.O.U.W. lodge No. 17. In politics he was a strong supporter of the Republican Party. He was a trustee, and strong supporter of the First Methodist Church.