Born: Grayson County, Kentucky, 1824.
Died: Charleston, Illinois, 1902.
At fifteen, he was apprenticed to a tanner, but bought his time. In 1844 he took up the study of medicine with Dr. T. B. Trower. In 1849 he went to California, practicing his profession on the way. Returning, he settled in Charleston. In 1857, with Dr. H. R. Aller, he established an infirmary there which was very successful. For a period of forty years he was as well known as any man in that part of the State.
He was a devout Christian and an efficient elder of the Charleston Church. During the pastorate of F. W. Burnham, Dr. Van Meter frequently voiced the opening prayer at the Sunday morning worship. These were always childlike in faith and simplicity, but beautiful and impressive.