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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 20 Collections and/or Records:

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

Office of the President records on Karl G. Maeser, 1952-1955

 Sub-Series
Identifier: UA 1086 Series 1 Sub-Series 35
Scope and Contents

Correspondence about a book written by Alma P. Burton about Karl G. Maeser. Also included are lists describing some of the work done by Maeser. The letters discuss the distribution of the books as well as the editing. Dated 1952 to 1955.

Dates: 1952-1955

Principal's Office correspondence, 1878-1889

 Series
Identifier: UA 1094 Series 1
Scope and Contents

Contains correspondence related to Maeser's term as principal of Brigham Young Academy. Materials focus on the financial difficulties of the Academy and the need for more teachers. Also addressed are discipline and ecclesiastical matters. Dates range from 1878 to 1889.

Dates: 1878-1889

A. LeGrand Richards collection on Karl G. Maeser

 File — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197233624839]
Identifier: UA 5629
Scope and Contents

Contains photocopies made of German documents, approximately 1850-1860, related to Karl G. Maeser.

Dates: 1850-1852

Hyrum Gibbs Smith papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: Vault MSS 804
Scope and Contents

Contains documents relating to the life of Hyrum Gibbs Smith. Materials discuss his role as the fifth Presiding Patriarch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during 1912-1932, his education as a dentist during 1909-1910, and his personal life. Included are diaries, correspondence, realia, legal documents, and photographs. Materials were created in Salt Lake City, Utah and at the University of Southern California. Dated 1902-1976.

Dates: 1902-1976

Edward H. Snow papers

 Collection — Box 1: [Barcode: 31197231042653]
Identifier: MSS 2367
Scope and Contents

This collection contains material from the life of Edward Hunter Snow and covers the years 1878-1932. These materials are in addition to other materials previously acquired by BYU.



Dates: 1878-1932