He was graduated from the Moritz College of Law, Ohio State University, in 1928.

He was admitted to the bar the same year and commenced practice in Columbus, Ohio.

Earhart was elected as a Democrat to the Seventy-fourth Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Charles V. Truax and served from November 3, 1936, to January 3, 1937.

Recalled to active Federal military service September 2, 1951, and served until September 7, 1953, as commanding officer, deputy commander, and operations officer of the One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Tactical Control Group, United States Air Force, building up NATO tactical air control facilities in western Europe.

After leaving the military, he returned to Columbus, Ohio, where resumed the practice of law.