Richard Jeptha Van Valkenburg was born in the town of Schoharie, N.Y., where he lived for only two years before his family moved to Owego, New York, where Van Valkenburg eventually grew up. Despite being able only to attend school in the winter season, Van Valkenburg was very studious and had read the entire Bible by his fourteenth year. In addition to this, Van Valkenburg was also known to have an interest in newspapers, which he regularly saved up for. In 1841 Van Valkenburg became licensed to preach with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Two years later in March 1843, Van Valkenburg became married to Cordelia Briggs. Together the two would have four children; three girls and one boy. In 1850, Van Valkenburg became a member of the Wyoming conference. During this period of time, Van Valkenburg was known to have a talented voice, and was given the nickname “sweet singer of Wyoming." online version at MARDOS memorial library of on-line books & maps, p.225
