Maeser, Karl G.
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 20 Collections and/or Records:
Alfred Budge letter
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.
George Q. Cannon letter
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.
Zina Presendia Young Williams Card papers
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.
Correspondence, 1881-1930
General Church Board of Education correspondence, 1888-1901
Contains the correspondence of Karl G. Maeser and other members of the Church Board of Education related to the schools of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Correspondence references difficulties related to funding and staffing a large number of schools. Materials date from 1888 to 1901.
Daniel Harrington papers
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.
Karl G. Maeser letter to Orson F. Whitney, 1896
Materials include an original letter written by Karl G. Maeser to Orson F. Whitney thanking him for his letter of condolence when Maeser's wife died. Dated September 4, 1896.
Karl G. Maeser letters to Reinhard Maeser, 1868 May-September
Includes scans of two letters written by Karl G. Maeser to his son, Reinhard. Materials date from between May 24, 1868 and September 18, 1868.
Karl G. Maeser personal correspondence, 1861-1900
Contains correspondence related to the personal life and projects of Maeser, along with correspondence related to his family. Included are Maeser's correspondence with Brigham Young about the issue of plural marriage and the state of his family. Dates range from 1861 to 1900.
Karl G. Maeser and Joseph Young letters
Five letters, written primarily by Joseph Young and Karl G. Maeser, dated 1853-1889.