Alfred L. VanValkenburg, proprietor of one of the largest musical establishments in western New York, now located at Dansville; N.Y. was born April 25, 1861 in the town of Wayland. Attending the district school in Groveland and later the Geneseo Normal School, Mr. Van Valkenburg laid the foundation for a successful business career by acquiring a thorough and liberal education.

Inheriting from his father, William H, Van Valkenburg, a desire for commercial pursuits and from his mother Rodina (Rau) Van Valkenburg, a taste for the cultivation of mind, Alfred L. has happily combined these two heritages so that the most benefit might ultimately accrue therefrom. His first commercial venture was made at Cuylerville, N. Y., where he conducted a general mercantile business until 1889, when he became the representative of the Singer Sewing Machine Co. In the later capacity he was located at Cleveland, Ohio. Since 1895, he has been identified with his present business in Dansville, N. Y., which has steadily increased under his wise and judicious management.

Mr. Van Valkenburg was married in 1883 to Miss Cora S. Johnston of Geneseo N. Y., daughter of the late Lawrence Johnston of Webster, N. Y. One boy and one girl, Earl W. and Mazie R. complete the immediate family.

Mr. Van Valkenburg served as postmaster at Cuylerville, N. Y., under the last Harrison administration.

Aside from business, he has been identified with an unusual number of interests both social and artistic; he is the present prophet of the local order of Red Men and prominently identified with the Maccabees, the Sons of Veterans, the Odd Fellows, and the Haymakers, and the Protective Fire Company No. 1 of this village.

In the prime of life, Mr. Van Valkenburg can look forward to many years of continued prosperity, sweetened by the respect of his associates in business and social circles.