Milton Valentine was born January 1, 1825, in Uniontown, Carroll County, Maryland, the son of Jacob and Rebecca Picking Valentine. On December 18, 1855, in Taneytown, Carroll County, to Mary Margaret Grayson Galt, daughter of Sterling M. and Margaret Grayson Galt. They were the parents of 4 children: Sterling Galt, Milton Henry, Esther Amelia and Margaret Grayson Valentine. Milton passed away February 7, 1906 and was buried on the
From the Adams Sentinel (Gettysburg) of Monday, February 7, 1859:
"Rev. MILTON VALENTINE, formerly of this place, has been chosen pastor of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church at Reading."
From "The Valentines in America, The Maryland Valentines," autobiographical information from Milton Valentine, written March 18, 1874:
"As to my own history since entering the ministry of the Gospel, in the Lutheran Church, in 1852, I need say little. This ministry, begun in Winchester, Virginia, was continued in Alleghany City, Pennsylvania, Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and subsequently, Reading, Pennsylvania. From this place, in 1866, I was called to the Chair of Ecclesiastical History, etc., in the Theological Seminary of the Lutheran Church, at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. On the death of Dr. H. L. Baugher (1868), President of Pennsylvania College, I accepted the call to the presidency of this institution."
Biography for Milton Valentine from the History of Cumberland and Adams Counties, Pennsylvania:
"REV. MILTON VALENTINE, D.D., LL. D., professor of didactic theology and homiletics (elected 1884) and chairman of the faculty in the Theological Seminary of the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, at Gettysburg, was born at Uniontown, Carroll County, Maryland, January 1, 1825. His parents were Jacob and Rebecca (Picking) Valentine ,the former a native of Maryland, and the latter a native of Pennsylvania. The family is descended from George Valentine, who emigrated from Germany in the early part of the eighteenth century and in 1740 located on the Monocacy River, in Frederick County, Maryland, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in 1783. The land on which he lived is still in possession of the Valentine family. This George Valentine, who was the great-grandfather of our subject, was an earnest Christian and a devout member of the Lutheran Church. Dr. Valentine was next to the youngest of a family of six sons and three daughters. His youth was passed on a farm, and he was prepared for college in the academy at Taneytown, Maryland. In 1846 he entered the freshman class in Pennsylvania College, and in 1850 was graduated from that institution. He then entered the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, from which he graduated in 1852, having served as tutor in the college while pursuing his studies. The same year he was licensed to preach, and temporarily supplied the pulpit of the Lutheran Church, in Winchester, Virginia, in 1852-52. During the winter of 1853-54, he was engaged in missionary work in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, and was pastor of the Lutheran Church at Greensburg, Pennsylvania, 1854-55. Owing to a throat trouble he retired from active ministerial work in 1855, and from that time until 1859 was principal of Emmaus Institute, Middletown, Pennsylvania. From 1859 to 1866 he served as the pastor of St. Matthews Church, in Reading, Penn., and from 1866 to 1868 he was professor of ecclesiastical history and church polity in the Theological Seminary, at Gettysburg. In 1868 he was called to the presidency of Pennsylvania College, and continued in this position for sixteen years, during a portion of the time (from 1868 to 1873) giving instruction also in the seminary. Dr. Valentine is a man of recognized ability and possesses untiring energy. Many of his sermons, together with essays and discussions, have been published in pamphlet form. He is the author of 'Natural Theology, or Rational Theism,' a work published in 1885, by S. C. Griggs & Co., of Chicago. This is being introduced in many colleges as a textbook, being endorsed by eminent educators of the country. Dr. Valentine was married December 18, 1855, to Miss Margaret G., daughter of Sterling Galt, of Carroll County, Maryland, of Scotch-Irish descent. They have four children, viz.: Sterling Galt, Ph. D., chemist at Colebrook Furnace, Lebanon; Milton Henry, a student of theology in the Theological Seminary; Esther Amelia and Margaret Grayson."
Virtual American Biographies: Milton Valentine.
"VALENTINE, Milton (val-en'-tine), theologian, born near Uniontown, Carroll County, Maryland, 1 January, 1825. He was graduated at Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, in 1850, and at the theological seminary there in 1852, and was ordained to the Lutheran ministry by the synod of Maryland in 1853. During his theological course he was tutor in Pennsylvania College in 1850-'3, and supplied the Lutheran congregation at Winchester, Virginia, in 1852. He was a missionary at Alleghany, Pennsylvania, in 1853-'4, pastor at Greensburg, Pennsylvania, in 1854-'5,principal of Emmaus Institute, Middletown, Pennsylvania, in 1855--'9, pastor of St. Matthew's congregation, Reading, Pennsylvania, in 1859-'65, professor of ecclesiastical history and church poll-ty in the theological seminary at Gettysburg in 1866-'8, and president of Pennsylvania college in 1868-'84, and he has been professor of systematic theology and chairman of the faculty at Gettysburg theological seminary since 1884. He received the degree of D. D. in 1866 from Pennsylvania college, and that of LL.D. in 1886 from Wittenberg college, Springfield, Ohio. He is a frequent contributor to the periodicals of his church, especially theological reviews, and he was joint editor of the 'Lutheran Quarterly Review,' Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in 1871-'5 and 1880-'6. Many of his review articles have been published separately, and have had a wide circulation. Besides these and numerous baccalaureate sermons, he has issued 'Natural Theology and Rational Theism' (Chicago,1885)." ---Edited Appletons Encyclopedia, Copyright © 2001 VirtualologyTM
From the Philadelphia Inquirer of April 23, 1903:
"Aged 80, He Wants to Quit. Special to The Inquirer. GETTYSBURG, Pennsylvania, April 22.---Rev. Milton Valentine, D. D., LL.D., who was for over nineteen years chairman of the Lutheran Theological Seminary in this place, today announced that he had tendered his resignation to the trustees of that institution. Dr. Valentine is over 80 years of age, and says his resignation is made necessary by his advancing years."
Pennsylvania, Church and Town Records, 1708-1985:
Name: Doctor Milton H. Valentine
Birth Date: abt 1825
Event Type: Death
Burial Date: 6 Feb 1906
Burial Place: Gettysburg, Adams, Pennsylvania
Organization Name: Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church
Obituary for Milton Valentine from the Gettysburg Times of Wednesday, February 14, 1906:
"A Good Man Gone: Rev. Dr. Milton Valentine Passes Away at His Home on Springs Avenue After a Week's Illness---During the past week, the hand of death has removed from us, a gentleman whom all Gettysburg delighted to honor. A man who has few equal in this vicinity as a citizen, an educator, a writer and a theologian. The departed to whom we pay the last just tribute is Rev. Milton Valentine, D. D., L.L.D., whose noble life ended last Tuesday night about midnight, from the effects of a stroke of paralysis, after a week's illness. The life of this venerable educator is an open book. His many good deeds, charitable acts and public utterances, have many time during his noble career been alluded to in the columns of this paper by the different editors who knew him to be a man of exceptional merit and who towered above most people of his days. Only a short period has elapsed since the deceased and his beloved wife celebrated their golden wedding. Beside his wife, who was Margaret G. Galt, all of the four children are living. They are: Dr. Sterling Valentine, superintendent of the great iron plant at Dunbar; Rev. Dr. Milton H. Valentine, editor of the Lutheran Observer; Mrs. Rev. Edgar Miller, whose husband is pastor of the Lutheran Church at Columbia, and Mrs. Henry Siegrist, whose husband is treasurer of the Cornwall & Lebanon Railroad. In 1866, he was called to the Seminary as Professor of Ecclesiastical History and Church Polity and continued in this capacity for sixteen years, resigning in 1894 to accept the presidency of the Seminary, which he held until May, 1903."
Obituary/Biography of Milton Valentine from the Gettysburg Compiler of Wednesday, February 14, 1906:
"A GREAT AND GOOD MAN. MODESTLY LIVING A LIFE OF GOODNESS IN THIS TOWN. The Charming Personality of Rev. Milton Valentine, D.D., LL.D. A Precious Memory. Rev. Milton Valentine, D.D., LL.D., rounded out and made complete a great, wholesome, sweet life about midnight Tuesday, February 6. On Wednesday afternoon of the preceding week, he had taken a walk from his home to the top of Baltimore Hill, up one side of the street and down the other. It was a beautiful day and he greeted the many friends he passed with the charm of that gentle grace of his, and that last walk seems as a farewell bidding to the community to which he had given many years of his life. He had a raging headache by the time he reached home. When urged to go upstairs, lie down and supper would be brought to him, with that thoughtfulness of saving others,a characteristic of his whole life, he preferred to remain downstairs, taking the evening meal with the helpmate with whom he had celebrated in December the golden anniversary of their wedding. The headache not having abated after tea, he finally started upstairs, but was overcome on the way. Dr. Walter H. O'Neal was immediately summoned. Dr. Valentine sank into a semi-conscious condition. He seemed to be traveling mentally afar off, and it was with an effort he aroused himself from this state. His children hurried from their homes to his bedside. Their coming aroused him to greet them with the old time love and then he would follow up on into the deep sleep which was gradually overcoming him. Once he was asked whether he had completed his last work on Dogmatic Theology. With the old time clearness and accuracy, he replied that he had been at work on the last chapter. The manuscript was found finished to the point indicated. Life and the work of his life had joined hands at the last chapter. Dr. Valentine was born near Uniontown, Carroll County, Maryland New Year's Day, 1825 and his life work was giving the inspiration of a new year to the lives of others. He entered Gettysburg College in 1846 and was graduated in 1850. He was a tutor in College for two years, taking the course in Seminary, being licensed to preach in 1852, and serving successively in pastorates at Winchester, Virginia, Pittsburgh and Greensburg. When he was principal at Emmaus Institute in Middletown, Pennsylvania, and again pastor of Reading, Professored Ecclesiastical History and Church Polity in the Seminary for two years, from 1864 to 1884 President of Gettysburg College and resigning to become President of the Seminary and take chair of Systematic Theology, resigning that position in 1904 to round out his days in the peacefulness of the home with the woman, Miss Margaret Galt, who became his wife December 13, 1855, however serving Seminary as a Professor Emeritus and College as one of the Trustees. Such is but the briefest outline of a life filled with the richest influences, to which hundreds, yes thousands could bear grateful testimony from the personal point of view. His life as President of Pennsylvania College for sixteen years for sixteen years was a blessing and an inspiration to hundreds of boys. Every boy in college, while he was at its head, looks back to him as the ideal president and as having been a privilege to have been under the inspiration of his influence. There was no spying, no nagging at the boys from him. He had the faith of a father in them. When he sent for a boy to come to his room by reason of some indiscretion, it was not to belittle or condemn, but to tell of the pain to the Doctor that the alleged indiscretion gave, and when a young man left his presence, his manhood had been aroused and the regret of behavior was the fear of having fallen in the eyes of one of nature's noblemen. Somewhat of the heart of the man lives in his works. His religion was as big as all-out-of-doors and his book 'Natural Theology or Rational Theism,' is the looking upward from Nature to Nature's God and the message of his 'Theoretical Ethics' and of many of his sermons was the being good for the glory of being good. Dr. Valentine was an exceptional man, the kind of which few are to be found in any community. A thorough scholar, of great learning, with a wonderful faculty for clear, logical reason, with the brain of a giant, modestly living a life of being good and doing good. Having decided views and as the occasion demanded calmly and positively stating them, but doing it absolutely without bigotry. The man did not know what bigotry meant. Big, brainy and broad, with a heart as big and broad, other views were given the same respect and consideration he asked for his own. This was coupled with a native culture and grace that gave him a charming personality, being men to him without an effort with hoofs of steel, and bringing men hundreds of miles to his funeral as a last token of the high respect accorded him through life. There were private funeral services at his home on Saturday morning. The body was then taken to the College Church, and the services in the afternoon were like the singing of a glorious anthem of a great good life, Dr. T. C. Billheimer telling of his beautiful life as a friend and citizen, Dr. J. W. Richards of his great work as scholar and teacher, and Dr. M. Coover of the ethical value of his life and work. The interment in the Evergreen Cemetery was private. He is survived by his wife and the children to whom has been left the imperishable glory of a great good name are two sons and two daughters, Sterling Valentine, of Dunbar, Pennsylvania, Dr. M. H. Valentine, of Philadelphia, editor of 'Lutheran Observer,' Mrs. Edgar G. Miller of Columbia, and Mrs. Henry Siegrist of Lebanon. Resolutions of College Faculty. In the death of Professor Milton Valentine, D.D., LL.D., the College has lost one of its greatest alumni. The faculty of the College hereby expresses its appreciation of the services of Dr. Valentine to the College as an earnest and inspiring teacher, a wise and successful president, and an able and prudent trustee, he has, in council and action, always furthered the best interests of our College. Above all else, he has given an example of the lovableness and strength of a Christian character...."
Obituary for Milton Valentine from the New Oxford Item of Friday, February 16, 1906:
"Dr. Milton Valentine died about midnight Tuesday night at his home on Springs Avenue, Gettysburg, aged 81 years, 1 month and 5 days. Dr. Valentine's wife and four children were at his bedside when the end came. On Wednesday evening previous, while out walking, Dr. Valentine was seized with a terrible pain in his head but managed to reach his home. Dr. Walter H. O'Neal, the family physician, was called and pronounced his condition as being the result of a general breakdown. At two o'clock in the morning, he suffered a slight stroke of paralysis, which added to the seriousness of his condition. Since then, he remained in about the same way, rallying slightly at times and once or twice giving hope that he might recover, but these were soon followed by relapses and Tuesday evening he became steadily weaker and at midnight the end came. Dr. Valentine was one of the most widely known and most prominent men of the Lutheran church. He has written much for publication in numerous magazines, was one of the editors of the Lutheran Quarterly for many years, contributing many articles of permanent value, and in addition has written two books which are recognized authorities on their subjects--Theoretical Ethics and Rational Theism--which are used as text books not only in Gettysburg but in many other colleges. For sixteen years, he was president of Pennsylvania College and for twenty years president of the Theological Seminary in Gettysburg. Dr. Valentine was prominent in the General Synod, the leading body of the Lutheran church and was a leading spirit in all of its meetings. Dr. Milton Valentine was born near Uniontown, Carroll County, Maryland, January 1, 1825. On December 13, 1855, he was married to Margaret G. Galt of Taneytown, Maryland. The golden wedding anniversary was celebrated, therefore within the past two months, at which time their four children were present as follows: Dr. Milton H. Valentine, Editor of the Lutheran Observer, Philadelphia; Sterling Valentine, superintendent of the large iron works at Dunbar, Pennsylvania; Mrs. Henry Siegrist, Lebanon, and Mrs. Edgar G. Miller, Columbia. By his wife and these four children he is survived."
Funeral notice for Milton Valentine from the Philadelphia Inquirer of Sunday, February 11, 1906:
"Rev. Milton Valentine's Funeral. Special to The Inquirer. GETTYSBURG, Pennsylvania, February 10.--- The funeral of Rev. Milton Valentine, D. D., L.L. D., aged 82, late chairman of the theological seminary faculty and formerly president of Pennsylvania College, occurred here today. Private services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Cooper at the family residence this morning."
From the Adams Sentinel (Gettysburg) of Monday, February 7, 1859:
"Rev. MILTON VALENTINE, formerly of this place, has been chosen pastor of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church at Reading."
From "The Valentines in America, The Maryland Valentines," autobiographical information from Milton Valentine, written March 18, 1874:
"As to my own history since entering the ministry of the Gospel, in the Lutheran Church, in 1852, I need say little. This ministry, begun in Winchester, Virginia, was continued in Alleghany City, Pennsylvania, Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and subsequently, Reading, Pennsylvania. From this place, in 1866, I was called to the Chair of Ecclesiastical History, etc., in the Theological Seminary of the Lutheran Church, at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. On the death of Dr. H. L. Baugher (1868), President of Pennsylvania College, I accepted the call to the presidency of this institution."
Biography for Milton Valentine from the History of Cumberland and Adams Counties, Pennsylvania:
"REV. MILTON VALENTINE, D.D., LL. D., professor of didactic theology and homiletics (elected 1884) and chairman of the faculty in the Theological Seminary of the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, at Gettysburg, was born at Uniontown, Carroll County, Maryland, January 1, 1825. His parents were Jacob and Rebecca (Picking) Valentine ,the former a native of Maryland, and the latter a native of Pennsylvania. The family is descended from George Valentine, who emigrated from Germany in the early part of the eighteenth century and in 1740 located on the Monocacy River, in Frederick County, Maryland, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in 1783. The land on which he lived is still in possession of the Valentine family. This George Valentine, who was the great-grandfather of our subject, was an earnest Christian and a devout member of the Lutheran Church. Dr. Valentine was next to the youngest of a family of six sons and three daughters. His youth was passed on a farm, and he was prepared for college in the academy at Taneytown, Maryland. In 1846 he entered the freshman class in Pennsylvania College, and in 1850 was graduated from that institution. He then entered the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, from which he graduated in 1852, having served as tutor in the college while pursuing his studies. The same year he was licensed to preach, and temporarily supplied the pulpit of the Lutheran Church, in Winchester, Virginia, in 1852-52. During the winter of 1853-54, he was engaged in missionary work in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, and was pastor of the Lutheran Church at Greensburg, Pennsylvania, 1854-55. Owing to a throat trouble he retired from active ministerial work in 1855, and from that time until 1859 was principal of Emmaus Institute, Middletown, Pennsylvania. From 1859 to 1866 he served as the pastor of St. Matthews Church, in Reading, Penn., and from 1866 to 1868 he was professor of ecclesiastical history and church polity in the Theological Seminary, at Gettysburg. In 1868 he was called to the presidency of Pennsylvania College, and continued in this position for sixteen years, during a portion of the time (from 1868 to 1873) giving instruction also in the seminary. Dr. Valentine is a man of recognized ability and possesses untiring energy. Many of his sermons, together with essays and discussions, have been published in pamphlet form. He is the author of 'Natural Theology, or Rational Theism,' a work published in 1885, by S. C. Griggs & Co., of Chicago. This is being introduced in many colleges as a textbook, being endorsed by eminent educators of the country. Dr. Valentine was married December 18, 1855, to Miss Margaret G., daughter of Sterling Galt, of Carroll County, Maryland, of Scotch-Irish descent. They have four children, viz.: Sterling Galt, Ph. D., chemist at Colebrook Furnace, Lebanon; Milton Henry, a student of theology in the Theological Seminary; Esther Amelia and Margaret Grayson."
Virtual American Biographies: Milton Valentine.
"VALENTINE, Milton (val-en'-tine), theologian, born near Uniontown, Carroll County, Maryland, 1 January, 1825. He was graduated at Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, in 1850, and at the theological seminary there in 1852, and was ordained to the Lutheran ministry by the synod of Maryland in 1853. During his theological course he was tutor in Pennsylvania College in 1850-'3, and supplied the Lutheran congregation at Winchester, Virginia, in 1852. He was a missionary at Alleghany, Pennsylvania, in 1853-'4, pastor at Greensburg, Pennsylvania, in 1854-'5,principal of Emmaus Institute, Middletown, Pennsylvania, in 1855--'9, pastor of St. Matthew's congregation, Reading, Pennsylvania, in 1859-'65, professor of ecclesiastical history and church poll-ty in the theological seminary at Gettysburg in 1866-'8, and president of Pennsylvania college in 1868-'84, and he has been professor of systematic theology and chairman of the faculty at Gettysburg theological seminary since 1884. He received the degree of D. D. in 1866 from Pennsylvania college, and that of LL.D. in 1886 from Wittenberg college, Springfield, Ohio. He is a frequent contributor to the periodicals of his church, especially theological reviews, and he was joint editor of the 'Lutheran Quarterly Review,' Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in 1871-'5 and 1880-'6. Many of his review articles have been published separately, and have had a wide circulation. Besides these and numerous baccalaureate sermons, he has issued 'Natural Theology and Rational Theism' (Chicago,1885)." ---Edited Appletons Encyclopedia, Copyright © 2001 VirtualologyTM
From the Philadelphia Inquirer of April 23, 1903:
"Aged 80, He Wants to Quit. Special to The Inquirer. GETTYSBURG, Pennsylvania, April 22.---Rev. Milton Valentine, D. D., LL.D., who was for over nineteen years chairman of the Lutheran Theological Seminary in this place, today announced that he had tendered his resignation to the trustees of that institution. Dr. Valentine is over 80 years of age, and says his resignation is made necessary by his advancing years."
Pennsylvania, Church and Town Records, 1708-1985:
Name: Doctor Milton H. Valentine
Birth Date: abt 1825
Event Type: Death
Burial Date: 6 Feb 1906
Burial Place: Gettysburg, Adams, Pennsylvania
Organization Name: Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church
Obituary for Milton Valentine from the Gettysburg Times of Wednesday, February 14, 1906:
"A Good Man Gone: Rev. Dr. Milton Valentine Passes Away at His Home on Springs Avenue After a Week's Illness---During the past week, the hand of death has removed from us, a gentleman whom all Gettysburg delighted to honor. A man who has few equal in this vicinity as a citizen, an educator, a writer and a theologian. The departed to whom we pay the last just tribute is Rev. Milton Valentine, D. D., L.L.D., whose noble life ended last Tuesday night about midnight, from the effects of a stroke of paralysis, after a week's illness. The life of this venerable educator is an open book. His many good deeds, charitable acts and public utterances, have many time during his noble career been alluded to in the columns of this paper by the different editors who knew him to be a man of exceptional merit and who towered above most people of his days. Only a short period has elapsed since the deceased and his beloved wife celebrated their golden wedding. Beside his wife, who was Margaret G. Galt, all of the four children are living. They are: Dr. Sterling Valentine, superintendent of the great iron plant at Dunbar; Rev. Dr. Milton H. Valentine, editor of the Lutheran Observer; Mrs. Rev. Edgar Miller, whose husband is pastor of the Lutheran Church at Columbia, and Mrs. Henry Siegrist, whose husband is treasurer of the Cornwall & Lebanon Railroad. In 1866, he was called to the Seminary as Professor of Ecclesiastical History and Church Polity and continued in this capacity for sixteen years, resigning in 1894 to accept the presidency of the Seminary, which he held until May, 1903."
Obituary/Biography of Milton Valentine from the Gettysburg Compiler of Wednesday, February 14, 1906:
"A GREAT AND GOOD MAN. MODESTLY LIVING A LIFE OF GOODNESS IN THIS TOWN. The Charming Personality of Rev. Milton Valentine, D.D., LL.D. A Precious Memory. Rev. Milton Valentine, D.D., LL.D., rounded out and made complete a great, wholesome, sweet life about midnight Tuesday, February 6. On Wednesday afternoon of the preceding week, he had taken a walk from his home to the top of Baltimore Hill, up one side of the street and down the other. It was a beautiful day and he greeted the many friends he passed with the charm of that gentle grace of his, and that last walk seems as a farewell bidding to the community to which he had given many years of his life. He had a raging headache by the time he reached home. When urged to go upstairs, lie down and supper would be brought to him, with that thoughtfulness of saving others,a characteristic of his whole life, he preferred to remain downstairs, taking the evening meal with the helpmate with whom he had celebrated in December the golden anniversary of their wedding. The headache not having abated after tea, he finally started upstairs, but was overcome on the way. Dr. Walter H. O'Neal was immediately summoned. Dr. Valentine sank into a semi-conscious condition. He seemed to be traveling mentally afar off, and it was with an effort he aroused himself from this state. His children hurried from their homes to his bedside. Their coming aroused him to greet them with the old time love and then he would follow up on into the deep sleep which was gradually overcoming him. Once he was asked whether he had completed his last work on Dogmatic Theology. With the old time clearness and accuracy, he replied that he had been at work on the last chapter. The manuscript was found finished to the point indicated. Life and the work of his life had joined hands at the last chapter. Dr. Valentine was born near Uniontown, Carroll County, Maryland New Year's Day, 1825 and his life work was giving the inspiration of a new year to the lives of others. He entered Gettysburg College in 1846 and was graduated in 1850. He was a tutor in College for two years, taking the course in Seminary, being licensed to preach in 1852, and serving successively in pastorates at Winchester, Virginia, Pittsburgh and Greensburg. When he was principal at Emmaus Institute in Middletown, Pennsylvania, and again pastor of Reading, Professored Ecclesiastical History and Church Polity in the Seminary for two years, from 1864 to 1884 President of Gettysburg College and resigning to become President of the Seminary and take chair of Systematic Theology, resigning that position in 1904 to round out his days in the peacefulness of the home with the woman, Miss Margaret Galt, who became his wife December 13, 1855, however serving Seminary as a Professor Emeritus and College as one of the Trustees. Such is but the briefest outline of a life filled with the richest influences, to which hundreds, yes thousands could bear grateful testimony from the personal point of view. His life as President of Pennsylvania College for sixteen years for sixteen years was a blessing and an inspiration to hundreds of boys. Every boy in college, while he was at its head, looks back to him as the ideal president and as having been a privilege to have been under the inspiration of his influence. There was no spying, no nagging at the boys from him. He had the faith of a father in them. When he sent for a boy to come to his room by reason of some indiscretion, it was not to belittle or condemn, but to tell of the pain to the Doctor that the alleged indiscretion gave, and when a young man left his presence, his manhood had been aroused and the regret of behavior was the fear of having fallen in the eyes of one of nature's noblemen. Somewhat of the heart of the man lives in his works. His religion was as big as all-out-of-doors and his book 'Natural Theology or Rational Theism,' is the looking upward from Nature to Nature's God and the message of his 'Theoretical Ethics' and of many of his sermons was the being good for the glory of being good. Dr. Valentine was an exceptional man, the kind of which few are to be found in any community. A thorough scholar, of great learning, with a wonderful faculty for clear, logical reason, with the brain of a giant, modestly living a life of being good and doing good. Having decided views and as the occasion demanded calmly and positively stating them, but doing it absolutely without bigotry. The man did not know what bigotry meant. Big, brainy and broad, with a heart as big and broad, other views were given the same respect and consideration he asked for his own. This was coupled with a native culture and grace that gave him a charming personality, being men to him without an effort with hoofs of steel, and bringing men hundreds of miles to his funeral as a last token of the high respect accorded him through life. There were private funeral services at his home on Saturday morning. The body was then taken to the College Church, and the services in the afternoon were like the singing of a glorious anthem of a great good life, Dr. T. C. Billheimer telling of his beautiful life as a friend and citizen, Dr. J. W. Richards of his great work as scholar and teacher, and Dr. M. Coover of the ethical value of his life and work. The interment in the Evergreen Cemetery was private. He is survived by his wife and the children to whom has been left the imperishable glory of a great good name are two sons and two daughters, Sterling Valentine, of Dunbar, Pennsylvania, Dr. M. H. Valentine, of Philadelphia, editor of 'Lutheran Observer,' Mrs. Edgar G. Miller of Columbia, and Mrs. Henry Siegrist of Lebanon. Resolutions of College Faculty. In the death of Professor Milton Valentine, D.D., LL.D., the College has lost one of its greatest alumni. The faculty of the College hereby expresses its appreciation of the services of Dr. Valentine to the College as an earnest and inspiring teacher, a wise and successful president, and an able and prudent trustee, he has, in council and action, always furthered the best interests of our College. Above all else, he has given an example of the lovableness and strength of a Christian character...."
Obituary for Milton Valentine from the New Oxford Item of Friday, February 16, 1906:
"Dr. Milton Valentine died about midnight Tuesday night at his home on Springs Avenue, Gettysburg, aged 81 years, 1 month and 5 days. Dr. Valentine's wife and four children were at his bedside when the end came. On Wednesday evening previous, while out walking, Dr. Valentine was seized with a terrible pain in his head but managed to reach his home. Dr. Walter H. O'Neal, the family physician, was called and pronounced his condition as being the result of a general breakdown. At two o'clock in the morning, he suffered a slight stroke of paralysis, which added to the seriousness of his condition. Since then, he remained in about the same way, rallying slightly at times and once or twice giving hope that he might recover, but these were soon followed by relapses and Tuesday evening he became steadily weaker and at midnight the end came. Dr. Valentine was one of the most widely known and most prominent men of the Lutheran church. He has written much for publication in numerous magazines, was one of the editors of the Lutheran Quarterly for many years, contributing many articles of permanent value, and in addition has written two books which are recognized authorities on their subjects--Theoretical Ethics and Rational Theism--which are used as text books not only in Gettysburg but in many other colleges. For sixteen years, he was president of Pennsylvania College and for twenty years president of the Theological Seminary in Gettysburg. Dr. Valentine was prominent in the General Synod, the leading body of the Lutheran church and was a leading spirit in all of its meetings. Dr. Milton Valentine was born near Uniontown, Carroll County, Maryland, January 1, 1825. On December 13, 1855, he was married to Margaret G. Galt of Taneytown, Maryland. The golden wedding anniversary was celebrated, therefore within the past two months, at which time their four children were present as follows: Dr. Milton H. Valentine, Editor of the Lutheran Observer, Philadelphia; Sterling Valentine, superintendent of the large iron works at Dunbar, Pennsylvania; Mrs. Henry Siegrist, Lebanon, and Mrs. Edgar G. Miller, Columbia. By his wife and these four children he is survived."
Funeral notice for Milton Valentine from the Philadelphia Inquirer of Sunday, February 11, 1906:
"Rev. Milton Valentine's Funeral. Special to The Inquirer. GETTYSBURG, Pennsylvania, February 10.--- The funeral of Rev. Milton Valentine, D. D., L.L. D., aged 82, late chairman of the theological seminary faculty and formerly president of Pennsylvania College, occurred here today. Private services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Cooper at the family residence this morning."
Milton Valentine was born January 1, 1825, in Uniontown, Carroll County, Maryland, the son of Jacob and Rebecca Picking Valentine. On December 18, 1855, in Taneytown, Carroll County, to Mary Margaret Grayson Galt, daughter of Sterling M. and Margaret Grayson Galt. They were the parents of 4 children: Sterling Galt, Milton Henry, Esther Amelia and Margaret Grayson Valentine. Milton passed away February 7, 1906 and was buried on the
From the Adams Sentinel (Gettysburg) of Monday, February 7, 1859:
"Rev. MILTON VALENTINE, formerly of this place, has been chosen pastor of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church at Reading."
From "The Valentines in America, The Maryland Valentines," autobiographical information from Milton Valentine, written March 18, 1874:
"As to my own history since entering the ministry of the Gospel, in the Lutheran Church, in 1852, I need say little. This ministry, begun in Winchester, Virginia, was continued in Alleghany City, Pennsylvania, Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and subsequently, Reading, Pennsylvania. From this place, in 1866, I was called to the Chair of Ecclesiastical History, etc., in the Theological Seminary of the Lutheran Church, at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. On the death of Dr. H. L. Baugher (1868), President of Pennsylvania College, I accepted the call to the presidency of this institution."
Biography for Milton Valentine from the History of Cumberland and Adams Counties, Pennsylvania:
"REV. MILTON VALENTINE, D.D., LL. D., professor of didactic theology and homiletics (elected 1884) and chairman of the faculty in the Theological Seminary of the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, at Gettysburg, was born at Uniontown, Carroll County, Maryland, January 1, 1825. His parents were Jacob and Rebecca (Picking) Valentine ,the former a native of Maryland, and the latter a native of Pennsylvania. The family is descended from George Valentine, who emigrated from Germany in the early part of the eighteenth century and in 1740 located on the Monocacy River, in Frederick County, Maryland, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in 1783. The land on which he lived is still in possession of the Valentine family. This George Valentine, who was the great-grandfather of our subject, was an earnest Christian and a devout member of the Lutheran Church. Dr. Valentine was next to the youngest of a family of six sons and three daughters. His youth was passed on a farm, and he was prepared for college in the academy at Taneytown, Maryland. In 1846 he entered the freshman class in Pennsylvania College, and in 1850 was graduated from that institution. He then entered the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, from which he graduated in 1852, having served as tutor in the college while pursuing his studies. The same year he was licensed to preach, and temporarily supplied the pulpit of the Lutheran Church, in Winchester, Virginia, in 1852-52. During the winter of 1853-54, he was engaged in missionary work in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, and was pastor of the Lutheran Church at Greensburg, Pennsylvania, 1854-55. Owing to a throat trouble he retired from active ministerial work in 1855, and from that time until 1859 was principal of Emmaus Institute, Middletown, Pennsylvania. From 1859 to 1866 he served as the pastor of St. Matthews Church, in Reading, Penn., and from 1866 to 1868 he was professor of ecclesiastical history and church polity in the Theological Seminary, at Gettysburg. In 1868 he was called to the presidency of Pennsylvania College, and continued in this position for sixteen years, during a portion of the time (from 1868 to 1873) giving instruction also in the seminary. Dr. Valentine is a man of recognized ability and possesses untiring energy. Many of his sermons, together with essays and discussions, have been published in pamphlet form. He is the author of 'Natural Theology, or Rational Theism,' a work published in 1885, by S. C. Griggs & Co., of Chicago. This is being introduced in many colleges as a textbook, being endorsed by eminent educators of the country. Dr. Valentine was married December 18, 1855, to Miss Margaret G., daughter of Sterling Galt, of Carroll County, Maryland, of Scotch-Irish descent. They have four children, viz.: Sterling Galt, Ph. D., chemist at Colebrook Furnace, Lebanon; Milton Henry, a student of theology in the Theological Seminary; Esther Amelia and Margaret Grayson."
Virtual American Biographies: Milton Valentine.
"VALENTINE, Milton (val-en'-tine), theologian, born near Uniontown, Carroll County, Maryland, 1 January, 1825. He was graduated at Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, in 1850, and at the theological seminary there in 1852, and was ordained to the Lutheran ministry by the synod of Maryland in 1853. During his theological course he was tutor in Pennsylvania College in 1850-'3, and supplied the Lutheran congregation at Winchester, Virginia, in 1852. He was a missionary at Alleghany, Pennsylvania, in 1853-'4, pastor at Greensburg, Pennsylvania, in 1854-'5,principal of Emmaus Institute, Middletown, Pennsylvania, in 1855--'9, pastor of St. Matthew's congregation, Reading, Pennsylvania, in 1859-'65, professor of ecclesiastical history and church poll-ty in the theological seminary at Gettysburg in 1866-'8, and president of Pennsylvania college in 1868-'84, and he has been professor of systematic theology and chairman of the faculty at Gettysburg theological seminary since 1884. He received the degree of D. D. in 1866 from Pennsylvania college, and that of LL.D. in 1886 from Wittenberg college, Springfield, Ohio. He is a frequent contributor to the periodicals of his church, especially theological reviews, and he was joint editor of the 'Lutheran Quarterly Review,' Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in 1871-'5 and 1880-'6. Many of his review articles have been published separately, and have had a wide circulation. Besides these and numerous baccalaureate sermons, he has issued 'Natural Theology and Rational Theism' (Chicago,1885)." ---Edited Appletons Encyclopedia, Copyright © 2001 VirtualologyTM
From the Philadelphia Inquirer of April 23, 1903:
"Aged 80, He Wants to Quit. Special to The Inquirer. GETTYSBURG, Pennsylvania, April 22.---Rev. Milton Valentine, D. D., LL.D., who was for over nineteen years chairman of the Lutheran Theological Seminary in this place, today announced that he had tendered his resignation to the trustees of that institution. Dr. Valentine is over 80 years of age, and says his resignation is made necessary by his advancing years."
Pennsylvania, Church and Town Records, 1708-1985:
Name: Doctor Milton H. Valentine
Birth Date: abt 1825
Event Type: Death
Burial Date: 6 Feb 1906
Burial Place: Gettysburg, Adams, Pennsylvania
Organization Name: Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church
Obituary for Milton Valentine from the Gettysburg Times of Wednesday, February 14, 1906:
"A Good Man Gone: Rev. Dr. Milton Valentine Passes Away at His Home on Springs Avenue After a Week's Illness---During the past week, the hand of death has removed from us, a gentleman whom all Gettysburg delighted to honor. A man who has few equal in this vicinity as a citizen, an educator, a writer and a theologian. The departed to whom we pay the last just tribute is Rev. Milton Valentine, D. D., L.L.D., whose noble life ended last Tuesday night about midnight, from the effects of a stroke of paralysis, after a week's illness. The life of this venerable educator is an open book. His many good deeds, charitable acts and public utterances, have many time during his noble career been alluded to in the columns of this paper by the different editors who knew him to be a man of exceptional merit and who towered above most people of his days. Only a short period has elapsed since the deceased and his beloved wife celebrated their golden wedding. Beside his wife, who was Margaret G. Galt, all of the four children are living. They are: Dr. Sterling Valentine, superintendent of the great iron plant at Dunbar; Rev. Dr. Milton H. Valentine, editor of the Lutheran Observer; Mrs. Rev. Edgar Miller, whose husband is pastor of the Lutheran Church at Columbia, and Mrs. Henry Siegrist, whose husband is treasurer of the Cornwall & Lebanon Railroad. In 1866, he was called to the Seminary as Professor of Ecclesiastical History and Church Polity and continued in this capacity for sixteen years, resigning in 1894 to accept the presidency of the Seminary, which he held until May, 1903."
Obituary/Biography of Milton Valentine from the Gettysburg Compiler of Wednesday, February 14, 1906:
"A GREAT AND GOOD MAN. MODESTLY LIVING A LIFE OF GOODNESS IN THIS TOWN. The Charming Personality of Rev. Milton Valentine, D.D., LL.D. A Precious Memory. Rev. Milton Valentine, D.D., LL.D., rounded out and made complete a great, wholesome, sweet life about midnight Tuesday, February 6. On Wednesday afternoon of the preceding week, he had taken a walk from his home to the top of Baltimore Hill, up one side of the street and down the other. It was a beautiful day and he greeted the many friends he passed with the charm of that gentle grace of his, and that last walk seems as a farewell bidding to the community to which he had given many years of his life. He had a raging headache by the time he reached home. When urged to go upstairs, lie down and supper would be brought to him, with that thoughtfulness of saving others,a characteristic of his whole life, he preferred to remain downstairs, taking the evening meal with the helpmate with whom he had celebrated in December the golden anniversary of their wedding. The headache not having abated after tea, he finally started upstairs, but was overcome on the way. Dr. Walter H. O'Neal was immediately summoned. Dr. Valentine sank into a semi-conscious condition. He seemed to be traveling mentally afar off, and it was with an effort he aroused himself from this state. His children hurried from their homes to his bedside. Their coming aroused him to greet them with the old time love and then he would follow up on into the deep sleep which was gradually overcoming him. Once he was asked whether he had completed his last work on Dogmatic Theology. With the old time clearness and accuracy, he replied that he had been at work on the last chapter. The manuscript was found finished to the point indicated. Life and the work of his life had joined hands at the last chapter. Dr. Valentine was born near Uniontown, Carroll County, Maryland New Year's Day, 1825 and his life work was giving the inspiration of a new year to the lives of others. He entered Gettysburg College in 1846 and was graduated in 1850. He was a tutor in College for two years, taking the course in Seminary, being licensed to preach in 1852, and serving successively in pastorates at Winchester, Virginia, Pittsburgh and Greensburg. When he was principal at Emmaus Institute in Middletown, Pennsylvania, and again pastor of Reading, Professored Ecclesiastical History and Church Polity in the Seminary for two years, from 1864 to 1884 President of Gettysburg College and resigning to become President of the Seminary and take chair of Systematic Theology, resigning that position in 1904 to round out his days in the peacefulness of the home with the woman, Miss Margaret Galt, who became his wife December 13, 1855, however serving Seminary as a Professor Emeritus and College as one of the Trustees. Such is but the briefest outline of a life filled with the richest influences, to which hundreds, yes thousands could bear grateful testimony from the personal point of view. His life as President of Pennsylvania College for sixteen years for sixteen years was a blessing and an inspiration to hundreds of boys. Every boy in college, while he was at its head, looks back to him as the ideal president and as having been a privilege to have been under the inspiration of his influence. There was no spying, no nagging at the boys from him. He had the faith of a father in them. When he sent for a boy to come to his room by reason of some indiscretion, it was not to belittle or condemn, but to tell of the pain to the Doctor that the alleged indiscretion gave, and when a young man left his presence, his manhood had been aroused and the regret of behavior was the fear of having fallen in the eyes of one of nature's noblemen. Somewhat of the heart of the man lives in his works. His religion was as big as all-out-of-doors and his book 'Natural Theology or Rational Theism,' is the looking upward from Nature to Nature's God and the message of his 'Theoretical Ethics' and of many of his sermons was the being good for the glory of being good. Dr. Valentine was an exceptional man, the kind of which few are to be found in any community. A thorough scholar, of great learning, with a wonderful faculty for clear, logical reason, with the brain of a giant, modestly living a life of being good and doing good. Having decided views and as the occasion demanded calmly and positively stating them, but doing it absolutely without bigotry. The man did not know what bigotry meant. Big, brainy and broad, with a heart as big and broad, other views were given the same respect and consideration he asked for his own. This was coupled with a native culture and grace that gave him a charming personality, being men to him without an effort with hoofs of steel, and bringing men hundreds of miles to his funeral as a last token of the high respect accorded him through life. There were private funeral services at his home on Saturday morning. The body was then taken to the College Church, and the services in the afternoon were like the singing of a glorious anthem of a great good life, Dr. T. C. Billheimer telling of his beautiful life as a friend and citizen, Dr. J. W. Richards of his great work as scholar and teacher, and Dr. M. Coover of the ethical value of his life and work. The interment in the Evergreen Cemetery was private. He is survived by his wife and the children to whom has been left the imperishable glory of a great good name are two sons and two daughters, Sterling Valentine, of Dunbar, Pennsylvania, Dr. M. H. Valentine, of Philadelphia, editor of 'Lutheran Observer,' Mrs. Edgar G. Miller of Columbia, and Mrs. Henry Siegrist of Lebanon. Resolutions of College Faculty. In the death of Professor Milton Valentine, D.D., LL.D., the College has lost one of its greatest alumni. The faculty of the College hereby expresses its appreciation of the services of Dr. Valentine to the College as an earnest and inspiring teacher, a wise and successful president, and an able and prudent trustee, he has, in council and action, always furthered the best interests of our College. Above all else, he has given an example of the lovableness and strength of a Christian character...."
Obituary for Milton Valentine from the New Oxford Item of Friday, February 16, 1906:
"Dr. Milton Valentine died about midnight Tuesday night at his home on Springs Avenue, Gettysburg, aged 81 years, 1 month and 5 days. Dr. Valentine's wife and four children were at his bedside when the end came. On Wednesday evening previous, while out walking, Dr. Valentine was seized with a terrible pain in his head but managed to reach his home. Dr. Walter H. O'Neal, the family physician, was called and pronounced his condition as being the result of a general breakdown. At two o'clock in the morning, he suffered a slight stroke of paralysis, which added to the seriousness of his condition. Since then, he remained in about the same way, rallying slightly at times and once or twice giving hope that he might recover, but these were soon followed by relapses and Tuesday evening he became steadily weaker and at midnight the end came. Dr. Valentine was one of the most widely known and most prominent men of the Lutheran church. He has written much for publication in numerous magazines, was one of the editors of the Lutheran Quarterly for many years, contributing many articles of permanent value, and in addition has written two books which are recognized authorities on their subjects--Theoretical Ethics and Rational Theism--which are used as text books not only in Gettysburg but in many other colleges. For sixteen years, he was president of Pennsylvania College and for twenty years president of the Theological Seminary in Gettysburg. Dr. Valentine was prominent in the General Synod, the leading body of the Lutheran church and was a leading spirit in all of its meetings. Dr. Milton Valentine was born near Uniontown, Carroll County, Maryland, January 1, 1825. On December 13, 1855, he was married to Margaret G. Galt of Taneytown, Maryland. The golden wedding anniversary was celebrated, therefore within the past two months, at which time their four children were present as follows: Dr. Milton H. Valentine, Editor of the Lutheran Observer, Philadelphia; Sterling Valentine, superintendent of the large iron works at Dunbar, Pennsylvania; Mrs. Henry Siegrist, Lebanon, and Mrs. Edgar G. Miller, Columbia. By his wife and these four children he is survived."
Funeral notice for Milton Valentine from the Philadelphia Inquirer of Sunday, February 11, 1906:
"Rev. Milton Valentine's Funeral. Special to The Inquirer. GETTYSBURG, Pennsylvania, February 10.--- The funeral of Rev. Milton Valentine, D. D., L.L. D., aged 82, late chairman of the theological seminary faculty and formerly president of Pennsylvania College, occurred here today. Private services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Cooper at the family residence this morning."
From the Adams Sentinel (Gettysburg) of Monday, February 7, 1859:
"Rev. MILTON VALENTINE, formerly of this place, has been chosen pastor of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church at Reading."
From "The Valentines in America, The Maryland Valentines," autobiographical information from Milton Valentine, written March 18, 1874:
"As to my own history since entering the ministry of the Gospel, in the Lutheran Church, in 1852, I need say little. This ministry, begun in Winchester, Virginia, was continued in Alleghany City, Pennsylvania, Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and subsequently, Reading, Pennsylvania. From this place, in 1866, I was called to the Chair of Ecclesiastical History, etc., in the Theological Seminary of the Lutheran Church, at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. On the death of Dr. H. L. Baugher (1868), President of Pennsylvania College, I accepted the call to the presidency of this institution."
Biography for Milton Valentine from the History of Cumberland and Adams Counties, Pennsylvania:
"REV. MILTON VALENTINE, D.D., LL. D., professor of didactic theology and homiletics (elected 1884) and chairman of the faculty in the Theological Seminary of the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, at Gettysburg, was born at Uniontown, Carroll County, Maryland, January 1, 1825. His parents were Jacob and Rebecca (Picking) Valentine ,the former a native of Maryland, and the latter a native of Pennsylvania. The family is descended from George Valentine, who emigrated from Germany in the early part of the eighteenth century and in 1740 located on the Monocacy River, in Frederick County, Maryland, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in 1783. The land on which he lived is still in possession of the Valentine family. This George Valentine, who was the great-grandfather of our subject, was an earnest Christian and a devout member of the Lutheran Church. Dr. Valentine was next to the youngest of a family of six sons and three daughters. His youth was passed on a farm, and he was prepared for college in the academy at Taneytown, Maryland. In 1846 he entered the freshman class in Pennsylvania College, and in 1850 was graduated from that institution. He then entered the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, from which he graduated in 1852, having served as tutor in the college while pursuing his studies. The same year he was licensed to preach, and temporarily supplied the pulpit of the Lutheran Church, in Winchester, Virginia, in 1852-52. During the winter of 1853-54, he was engaged in missionary work in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, and was pastor of the Lutheran Church at Greensburg, Pennsylvania, 1854-55. Owing to a throat trouble he retired from active ministerial work in 1855, and from that time until 1859 was principal of Emmaus Institute, Middletown, Pennsylvania. From 1859 to 1866 he served as the pastor of St. Matthews Church, in Reading, Penn., and from 1866 to 1868 he was professor of ecclesiastical history and church polity in the Theological Seminary, at Gettysburg. In 1868 he was called to the presidency of Pennsylvania College, and continued in this position for sixteen years, during a portion of the time (from 1868 to 1873) giving instruction also in the seminary. Dr. Valentine is a man of recognized ability and possesses untiring energy. Many of his sermons, together with essays and discussions, have been published in pamphlet form. He is the author of 'Natural Theology, or Rational Theism,' a work published in 1885, by S. C. Griggs & Co., of Chicago. This is being introduced in many colleges as a textbook, being endorsed by eminent educators of the country. Dr. Valentine was married December 18, 1855, to Miss Margaret G., daughter of Sterling Galt, of Carroll County, Maryland, of Scotch-Irish descent. They have four children, viz.: Sterling Galt, Ph. D., chemist at Colebrook Furnace, Lebanon; Milton Henry, a student of theology in the Theological Seminary; Esther Amelia and Margaret Grayson."
Virtual American Biographies: Milton Valentine.
"VALENTINE, Milton (val-en'-tine), theologian, born near Uniontown, Carroll County, Maryland, 1 January, 1825. He was graduated at Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, in 1850, and at the theological seminary there in 1852, and was ordained to the Lutheran ministry by the synod of Maryland in 1853. During his theological course he was tutor in Pennsylvania College in 1850-'3, and supplied the Lutheran congregation at Winchester, Virginia, in 1852. He was a missionary at Alleghany, Pennsylvania, in 1853-'4, pastor at Greensburg, Pennsylvania, in 1854-'5,principal of Emmaus Institute, Middletown, Pennsylvania, in 1855--'9, pastor of St. Matthew's congregation, Reading, Pennsylvania, in 1859-'65, professor of ecclesiastical history and church poll-ty in the theological seminary at Gettysburg in 1866-'8, and president of Pennsylvania college in 1868-'84, and he has been professor of systematic theology and chairman of the faculty at Gettysburg theological seminary since 1884. He received the degree of D. D. in 1866 from Pennsylvania college, and that of LL.D. in 1886 from Wittenberg college, Springfield, Ohio. He is a frequent contributor to the periodicals of his church, especially theological reviews, and he was joint editor of the 'Lutheran Quarterly Review,' Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in 1871-'5 and 1880-'6. Many of his review articles have been published separately, and have had a wide circulation. Besides these and numerous baccalaureate sermons, he has issued 'Natural Theology and Rational Theism' (Chicago,1885)." ---Edited Appletons Encyclopedia, Copyright © 2001 VirtualologyTM
From the Philadelphia Inquirer of April 23, 1903:
"Aged 80, He Wants to Quit. Special to The Inquirer. GETTYSBURG, Pennsylvania, April 22.---Rev. Milton Valentine, D. D., LL.D., who was for over nineteen years chairman of the Lutheran Theological Seminary in this place, today announced that he had tendered his resignation to the trustees of that institution. Dr. Valentine is over 80 years of age, and says his resignation is made necessary by his advancing years."
Pennsylvania, Church and Town Records, 1708-1985:
Name: Doctor Milton H. Valentine
Birth Date: abt 1825
Event Type: Death
Burial Date: 6 Feb 1906
Burial Place: Gettysburg, Adams, Pennsylvania
Organization Name: Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church
Obituary for Milton Valentine from the Gettysburg Times of Wednesday, February 14, 1906:
"A Good Man Gone: Rev. Dr. Milton Valentine Passes Away at His Home on Springs Avenue After a Week's Illness---During the past week, the hand of death has removed from us, a gentleman whom all Gettysburg delighted to honor. A man who has few equal in this vicinity as a citizen, an educator, a writer and a theologian. The departed to whom we pay the last just tribute is Rev. Milton Valentine, D. D., L.L.D., whose noble life ended last Tuesday night about midnight, from the effects of a stroke of paralysis, after a week's illness. The life of this venerable educator is an open book. His many good deeds, charitable acts and public utterances, have many time during his noble career been alluded to in the columns of this paper by the different editors who knew him to be a man of exceptional merit and who towered above most people of his days. Only a short period has elapsed since the deceased and his beloved wife celebrated their golden wedding. Beside his wife, who was Margaret G. Galt, all of the four children are living. They are: Dr. Sterling Valentine, superintendent of the great iron plant at Dunbar; Rev. Dr. Milton H. Valentine, editor of the Lutheran Observer; Mrs. Rev. Edgar Miller, whose husband is pastor of the Lutheran Church at Columbia, and Mrs. Henry Siegrist, whose husband is treasurer of the Cornwall & Lebanon Railroad. In 1866, he was called to the Seminary as Professor of Ecclesiastical History and Church Polity and continued in this capacity for sixteen years, resigning in 1894 to accept the presidency of the Seminary, which he held until May, 1903."
Obituary/Biography of Milton Valentine from the Gettysburg Compiler of Wednesday, February 14, 1906:
"A GREAT AND GOOD MAN. MODESTLY LIVING A LIFE OF GOODNESS IN THIS TOWN. The Charming Personality of Rev. Milton Valentine, D.D., LL.D. A Precious Memory. Rev. Milton Valentine, D.D., LL.D., rounded out and made complete a great, wholesome, sweet life about midnight Tuesday, February 6. On Wednesday afternoon of the preceding week, he had taken a walk from his home to the top of Baltimore Hill, up one side of the street and down the other. It was a beautiful day and he greeted the many friends he passed with the charm of that gentle grace of his, and that last walk seems as a farewell bidding to the community to which he had given many years of his life. He had a raging headache by the time he reached home. When urged to go upstairs, lie down and supper would be brought to him, with that thoughtfulness of saving others,a characteristic of his whole life, he preferred to remain downstairs, taking the evening meal with the helpmate with whom he had celebrated in December the golden anniversary of their wedding. The headache not having abated after tea, he finally started upstairs, but was overcome on the way. Dr. Walter H. O'Neal was immediately summoned. Dr. Valentine sank into a semi-conscious condition. He seemed to be traveling mentally afar off, and it was with an effort he aroused himself from this state. His children hurried from their homes to his bedside. Their coming aroused him to greet them with the old time love and then he would follow up on into the deep sleep which was gradually overcoming him. Once he was asked whether he had completed his last work on Dogmatic Theology. With the old time clearness and accuracy, he replied that he had been at work on the last chapter. The manuscript was found finished to the point indicated. Life and the work of his life had joined hands at the last chapter. Dr. Valentine was born near Uniontown, Carroll County, Maryland New Year's Day, 1825 and his life work was giving the inspiration of a new year to the lives of others. He entered Gettysburg College in 1846 and was graduated in 1850. He was a tutor in College for two years, taking the course in Seminary, being licensed to preach in 1852, and serving successively in pastorates at Winchester, Virginia, Pittsburgh and Greensburg. When he was principal at Emmaus Institute in Middletown, Pennsylvania, and again pastor of Reading, Professored Ecclesiastical History and Church Polity in the Seminary for two years, from 1864 to 1884 President of Gettysburg College and resigning to become President of the Seminary and take chair of Systematic Theology, resigning that position in 1904 to round out his days in the peacefulness of the home with the woman, Miss Margaret Galt, who became his wife December 13, 1855, however serving Seminary as a Professor Emeritus and College as one of the Trustees. Such is but the briefest outline of a life filled with the richest influences, to which hundreds, yes thousands could bear grateful testimony from the personal point of view. His life as President of Pennsylvania College for sixteen years for sixteen years was a blessing and an inspiration to hundreds of boys. Every boy in college, while he was at its head, looks back to him as the ideal president and as having been a privilege to have been under the inspiration of his influence. There was no spying, no nagging at the boys from him. He had the faith of a father in them. When he sent for a boy to come to his room by reason of some indiscretion, it was not to belittle or condemn, but to tell of the pain to the Doctor that the alleged indiscretion gave, and when a young man left his presence, his manhood had been aroused and the regret of behavior was the fear of having fallen in the eyes of one of nature's noblemen. Somewhat of the heart of the man lives in his works. His religion was as big as all-out-of-doors and his book 'Natural Theology or Rational Theism,' is the looking upward from Nature to Nature's God and the message of his 'Theoretical Ethics' and of many of his sermons was the being good for the glory of being good. Dr. Valentine was an exceptional man, the kind of which few are to be found in any community. A thorough scholar, of great learning, with a wonderful faculty for clear, logical reason, with the brain of a giant, modestly living a life of being good and doing good. Having decided views and as the occasion demanded calmly and positively stating them, but doing it absolutely without bigotry. The man did not know what bigotry meant. Big, brainy and broad, with a heart as big and broad, other views were given the same respect and consideration he asked for his own. This was coupled with a native culture and grace that gave him a charming personality, being men to him without an effort with hoofs of steel, and bringing men hundreds of miles to his funeral as a last token of the high respect accorded him through life. There were private funeral services at his home on Saturday morning. The body was then taken to the College Church, and the services in the afternoon were like the singing of a glorious anthem of a great good life, Dr. T. C. Billheimer telling of his beautiful life as a friend and citizen, Dr. J. W. Richards of his great work as scholar and teacher, and Dr. M. Coover of the ethical value of his life and work. The interment in the Evergreen Cemetery was private. He is survived by his wife and the children to whom has been left the imperishable glory of a great good name are two sons and two daughters, Sterling Valentine, of Dunbar, Pennsylvania, Dr. M. H. Valentine, of Philadelphia, editor of 'Lutheran Observer,' Mrs. Edgar G. Miller of Columbia, and Mrs. Henry Siegrist of Lebanon. Resolutions of College Faculty. In the death of Professor Milton Valentine, D.D., LL.D., the College has lost one of its greatest alumni. The faculty of the College hereby expresses its appreciation of the services of Dr. Valentine to the College as an earnest and inspiring teacher, a wise and successful president, and an able and prudent trustee, he has, in council and action, always furthered the best interests of our College. Above all else, he has given an example of the lovableness and strength of a Christian character...."
Obituary for Milton Valentine from the New Oxford Item of Friday, February 16, 1906:
"Dr. Milton Valentine died about midnight Tuesday night at his home on Springs Avenue, Gettysburg, aged 81 years, 1 month and 5 days. Dr. Valentine's wife and four children were at his bedside when the end came. On Wednesday evening previous, while out walking, Dr. Valentine was seized with a terrible pain in his head but managed to reach his home. Dr. Walter H. O'Neal, the family physician, was called and pronounced his condition as being the result of a general breakdown. At two o'clock in the morning, he suffered a slight stroke of paralysis, which added to the seriousness of his condition. Since then, he remained in about the same way, rallying slightly at times and once or twice giving hope that he might recover, but these were soon followed by relapses and Tuesday evening he became steadily weaker and at midnight the end came. Dr. Valentine was one of the most widely known and most prominent men of the Lutheran church. He has written much for publication in numerous magazines, was one of the editors of the Lutheran Quarterly for many years, contributing many articles of permanent value, and in addition has written two books which are recognized authorities on their subjects--Theoretical Ethics and Rational Theism--which are used as text books not only in Gettysburg but in many other colleges. For sixteen years, he was president of Pennsylvania College and for twenty years president of the Theological Seminary in Gettysburg. Dr. Valentine was prominent in the General Synod, the leading body of the Lutheran church and was a leading spirit in all of its meetings. Dr. Milton Valentine was born near Uniontown, Carroll County, Maryland, January 1, 1825. On December 13, 1855, he was married to Margaret G. Galt of Taneytown, Maryland. The golden wedding anniversary was celebrated, therefore within the past two months, at which time their four children were present as follows: Dr. Milton H. Valentine, Editor of the Lutheran Observer, Philadelphia; Sterling Valentine, superintendent of the large iron works at Dunbar, Pennsylvania; Mrs. Henry Siegrist, Lebanon, and Mrs. Edgar G. Miller, Columbia. By his wife and these four children he is survived."
Funeral notice for Milton Valentine from the Philadelphia Inquirer of Sunday, February 11, 1906:
"Rev. Milton Valentine's Funeral. Special to The Inquirer. GETTYSBURG, Pennsylvania, February 10.--- The funeral of Rev. Milton Valentine, D. D., L.L. D., aged 82, late chairman of the theological seminary faculty and formerly president of Pennsylvania College, occurred here today. Private services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Cooper at the family residence this morning."
Family Members
Siblings
