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Maeser, Karl G.

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1828 - 1901

Biographical History

Karl G. Maeser (1828-1901) was a well-renowned educator and principal in Utah, particularly respected for his integral role in establishing the theme and focus of Brigham Young Academy.

Maeser was born in Saxony, Germany in January 1828. Maeser went to school in Germany and gained training in teaching. He worked as a teacher and private tutor in and around Germany. Karl G. Maeser married Anna Mieth in 1854. Maeser was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1855. He left Germany in 1856 for the United States and arrived in Utah in 1860.

Karl G. Maeser was the second principal of Brigham Young Academy and served from 1876 until 1892. Under Maeser, Brigham Young Academy established itself as one of the leading schools in Utah territory. Maeser placed the development of character above the development of intellect. In matters of morals and religious conduct, he saw things as black and white. He devised for Brigham Young Academy an intricate system of rules, regulations, and academic routine all designed to form habits of proper conduct.

In 1888 Maeser was made the first General Superintendent of Church Schools as part of the General Board of Education of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Maeser Published a book entitled "School and Fireside" in 1898 which reflected his views on education. He died in February 1901.

Citation:
Cundick, R. The brothers, c1986: t.p. (a musical play in one act based on the life of Karl G. Maeser)

Sunday school work, 1892: t.p. (Karl G. Maeser)

Online Utah, via WWW, July 14, 2004 (Karl Gottfried Maeser; the first principal of Brigham Young Univ. [i.e. Brigham Young Academy] and general superintendent of the LDS Church school system; b. 16 Jan. 1828 in Saxony, Germany; d. 15 Feb. 1901)

OCLC, March 19, 2004 (hdg.: Maeser, Karl Gottfried, 1828-1901; usage: Karl G. Maeser)

Wikipedia, via WWW, Sept. 30, 2013 (Karl G. Maeser; Karl Gottfried Maeser; b. Jan. 16, 1828 in Meissen, Germany; d. Feb. 15, 1901 in Salt Lake City, Utah; Utah educator; member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; m. 1854 to Anna Mieth; served as missionary in England, Scotland, Penn., Switzerland, Calif.; m. 1875 to Emilie Damke)

Utah History Encyclopedia, via WWW, viewed Mar. 20, 2013 (Karl G. Maeser, b. Jan 1928 Saxony Germany, d. Feb 1901, schooling in Germany, taught and tutored in Germany, m. Anna Mieth 1854, baptized LDS 1855, left Germany 1856, arrived in Utah 1860, second principal of BYA 1876-1892, 1888 General Superintendent of Church Schools-General Board of Education of the LDS church, School and Fireside 1898)

Office of the President, viewed Mar. 20, 2013 (Karl G. Maeser, BYA leading schools in Utah territory, development of character over intellect, moral and religious conduct viewed as black and white, devised system of rules regulations and routine for proper conduct at BYA)

Found in 13 Collections and/or Records:

Alfred Budge letter

 File — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197230322288]
Identifier: MSS SC 2346
Scope and Contents

Typewritten and signed letter addressed to Joseph B. Keeler of Provo, Utah and dated 8 March 1908. Budge writes that it will be hard to state in fifty words what the former president of Brigham Young Academy, Karl G. Maeser, did for him, but he will try.

Dates: 1908 March 8

George Q. Cannon letter

 File — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197230322395]
Identifier: MSS SC 2340
Scope and Contents

Typewritten letter addressed "to Presidents of Stakes, Bishops, and Stake Superintendents of Sunday Schools." The item expresses faith in the Sunday School system of the Mormon Church and states that it will help the membership earn their salvation. The letter was signed by Cannon, George Goddard, and Karl G. Maeser as members of the General Superintendency of Sunday School for the Mormon Church. The signatures were placed on the item by some form of mechanical reproducing process.

Dates: 1897

Zina Presendia Young Williams Card papers

 Collection
Identifier: MSS 1421
Abstract

Correspondence, autobiographical and biographical materials, patriarchal blessings, legal documents, news articles, and miscellaneous items. The materials document the life and career of Card including her affiliation with Brigham Young Academy, the Mormon Church, and various civic organizations. The items also relate to the towns of Cardston, Alberta; Logan, Utah; and Provo, Utah. Also included is correspondence with various Mormon Church leaders and that of her husband, Charles O. Card.

Dates: 1881-1930

Daniel Harrington papers

 Collection — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197231011120]
Identifier: UA 317
Scope and Contents

Includes a published pamphlet which appraises the work of Karl Maeser; a letter to Franklin Harris concerning the Maeser celebration in Provo in 1915; and his personal reminiscences of Provo and the Brigham Young Academy from 1879-1881.

Dates: 1925

Karl G. Maeser and Joseph Young letters

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 3931
Abstract

Five letters, written primarily by Joseph Young and Karl G. Maeser, dated 1853-1889.

Dates: 1853-1889

Karl G. Maeser correspondence

 Collection — Box 3: [Barcode: 31197232517240]
Identifier: UA 1094
Scope and Contents Contains photocopies, microfilm, and a few original documents of correspondence to and from Karl G. Maeser. Materials cover Maeser's personal life, time as principal of Brigham Young Academy, and time as superintendent of the General Church Board of Education. The correspondence is addressed to many individuals all over the Intermountain West and Mexico concerning education including several presidents of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and their counselors. The materials...
Dates: 1861-1901

Karl G. Maeser letter

 Item — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197225562641]
Identifier: MSS 3930
Abstract

A letter from Karl G. Maeser to Elder Edward Collard, 1859.

Dates: 1859

Karl G. Maeser letter to John D. Williams

 File — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197231238194]
Identifier: MSS 7664
Scope and Contents

Letter from Karl G. Maeser to Elder John D. Williams. The letter discusses Elder Williams' recent appointment as Superintendent of Religious Classes of Parowan Stake and his responsibilities. It also reminds Elder Williams of the reporting requirements of the position.

Dates: 1893

Reinhard Maeser papers

 File — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 2115
Scope and Contents Contains a photo negative of Reinhard Maeser, mounted on a wood block for printing; an unidentified photograph, presumably of a school class in Heber City, Utah, taken on the front steps of a building; a photograph of the 20th Ward Institute in Salt Lake City, including Karl G. Maeser, Reinhard Maeser, C. R. Savage, and others; a guest book, accompanied by cards, from the funeral of Reinhard's wife, Sarah Shepherd Maeser; and class notes recorded by Reinhard Maeser at the University of...
Dates: 1878-1944

Reinhard Maeser papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 1841
Scope and Contents

Correspondence, notes, speeches, certificates, poems, and miscellaneous items. The materials relate to Reinhard's missions for the Mormon Church, his teaching activities, and his relationship to his family. Correspondents include Karl G. Maeser and Reinhard's wife, Sarah Caroline Shepherd.

Dates: 1838-1944