Settled in 1805 and incorporated in 1849 from part of Upper Mahantongo Township, it is named for Judge Nathaniel Eldred.

[2] According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 22.2 square miles (57 km2), all land.

Part of the Weiser State Forest is located in the township.

The racial makeup of the township was 99.30% White, 0.14% African American and 0.56% Asian.

21.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.