Valentin Oswald Ottendorfer (26 February 1826 – 15 December 1900) was an American journalist associated with the development of the German-language New Yorker Staats-Zeitung into a major newspaper.

In addition to his political and journalistic pursuits, Ottendorfer was a notable philanthropist in both Europe and the United States.

Ottendorfer joined the Von der Tann volunteer corps, and briefly served in the first Schleswig-Holstein War.

After the death of its proprietor, Jacob Uhl, in 1852, the management of the paper devolved to his widow, and the services of Ottendorfer became gradually more important.

Ottendorfer adhered to the principles of the Democratic Party, but joined no political organization, and maintained an independent position.

[4] Besides other charitable gifts, Ottendorfer gave $300,000 to build and endow an educational institution in his native town in Austria.

In later life, Ottendorfer retired from active journalism on account of failing health, and spent most of his time in Europe.