Van Arman was born to Richard R. and Elizabeth (Roberts) Van Arman on February 17, 1839, in Euclid, Ohio. His family moved to Galena, Illinois, in 1846 where the younger Van Arman received his education. At the beginning of the American Civil War, Van Arman became a lieutenant in the 58th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He participated in the Battle of Fort Donelson and was severely wounded during the Battle of Shiloh. As a result of his wounds, he was medically discharged from the military on June 20, 1862. For the remainder of the war he served as a military recruiting superintendent for Illinois's 2nd congressional district.
