Skip to main content

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 6 Collections and/or Records:

Daniel Harrington papers

 Collection — Box 1: [Barcode: 31197230232784]
Identifier: MSS 714
Scope and Contents

Correspondence, legal papers, mementos, certificates, and family papers. Correspondents include James E. Talmage, George H. Brimhall, and Karl G. Maeser. Also included is a certificate signed by President Ulysses S. Grant.

Dates: 1850-1905

Elisha Jones papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS SC 2870
Scope and Contents Includes diary, notebook, and lecture report. Diary begins with ten-page reminiscence, 1858. Sporadic diary entries are dated 1858-1879. Notes, some dating as late as 1885 (after Elisha's death), interspersed throughout volume. Volume also includes two pages of minutes to a high priest's quorum meeting, 23 October 1860, presumably held in Sanpete County; and several pages listing family names. Notebook, without covers, contains financial entries dated about 1872-1880. Last item is a...
Dates: 1858-1880

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 letter

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

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

Dates: 1859

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

John Rockey Park diary

 File — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 638
Scope and Contents

Typescript of a diary with handwritten corrections. Also included are photocopies of the handwritten original diary. Park writes about visits to the University of Deseret by leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints including Brigham Young and Orson Pratt, tells about hiring Karl G. Maeser, and describes educational financing and the nature of education in Utah.

Dates: 1869-1886