Sylvanus Stall

Sylvanus Stall was a prominent Lutheran pastor and author, best known for his influential work in sex education during the late 19th century. Born in Elizaville, New York, he pursued theological studies at Hartwick Seminary, Pennsylvania State University, and Union Theological Seminary, ultimately being ordained in 1874. Stall served as a pastor in various locations, including Cobleskill, New York, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he notably ran a Sunday School attended by future journalist H. L. Mencken. In 1887, he transitioned from pastoral duties to focus on writing and editing, becoming the editor of The Lutheran Observer and producing Stall's Lutheran Year-Book starting in 1884. Stall's most significant contribution to literature was his 1897 book, "What A Young Boy Ought To Know," which addressed topics of sex education and aimed to combat the stigma surrounding discussions of sexuality. This work and its sequels were among the first of their kind, providing guidance to young boys on matters of sexual health and morality, and they sparked considerable debate in both religious and educational circles. Stall's writings not only reflected the Victorian attitudes toward sexuality but also highlighted the need for open dialogue about these issues, making him a notable figure in the evolution of sex education in America. His legacy endures through his contributions to both religious literature and the discourse surrounding sexual health education.