He was educated at Farmer's College, studied law, passed his bar exam and established his practice in Middletown.

However, when the Mexican–American War erupted, he left his law office and enlisted in the military as a private in the 1st Ohio Volunteers.

He commanded an assaulting column at the Battle of Monterrey and by the end of the war he had risen to the rank of captain.

When the Civil War began, Van Derveer organized the 35th Ohio Infantry and became its first colonel.

After the conclusion of the war, Van Derveer returned to Butler County and served as a judge.