Born in Philadelphia, Egbert joined the Union Army during the American Civil War, being commissioned a first lieutenant in the 12th U.S. Infantry Regiment on September 23, 1861.

With the Army of the Potomac, Egbert participated in the battles of Gaines Mills and Malvern Hills.

He commanded the 6th Infantry Regiment in the Santiago campaign until he was wounded in the Battle of El Caney on July 1, 1898.

That same year he became a Veteran Companion of the Military Order of Foreign Wars.

During the Battle of Malinta, he was mortally wounded while leading a charge against Filipino forces in Malinta, Polo, Bulacan (present day city of Valenzuela, now part of Metro Manila) on March 26, and died the same day.