Karl G. Maeser personal correspondence, 1861-1900

Series

Identifier: UA 1094 Series 3

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

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.

Dates

1861-1900

Creator

Maeser, Karl G. (creator, Person)

Language of Materials

Materials in English with one letter in German.

Conditions Governing Access

Restricted. Closed for 70 years from the end date of the administration, and thereafter open to the public in accordance with the University Archives Policy.

Conditions Governing Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances. Permission to publish material from Karl G. Maeser correspondence must be obtained from the Supervisor of Reference Services and/or the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Coordinating Committee.

Biographical History

From the Collection:

Karl G. Maeser (1828-1901) was a well-renown 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 1928. 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.