The Eberhard family are of German descent. The grand father of the subject of this biographical sketch was Michael, whose son, Henry, married Miss Anna
Maria Dudds, who was the mother of three children Michael D., Jacob, and Catherine (Mrs. Charles F. Dickenshied).

Michael D. was born on the 20th of September 1796, in Upper Milford Township, Lehigh Co. (then Northampton County), and removed with his father in 1810 to Allentown. His earliest advantages of education were received at a school in the vicinity of his home, after which he pursued his studies in Philadelphia. He then engaged in teaching, and being also proficient in music, became a musical instructor and an organist. This profession he followed for many years, and later embarked in the lumber business, which was continued for several years.

Mr. Eberhard was married, in 1821, to Miss Elizabeth Knepply, daughter of Matthew Knepply, of Upper Saucon, Lehigh Co. Their only child is a daughter, Maria E., now residing with her father.

The death of Mrs. Eberhard occurred on the 1st of October 1879. Mr. Eberhard has been, since the organization of the party, an active Republican, and though not an aspirant for position, has held several minor offices in the city of Allentown. He was formerly a director of the Northampton Bank, and otherwise interested in public and business measures. Mr. Eherhard is in religion a member of Zion's German Reformed Church, in which he has officiated as elder and was for many years treasurer.