Harold B. Lee Library

Warren N. and Wilson H. Dusenberry and Brigham Young University

Introduction

Brigham Young University is a private university that seeks to develop students of faith, intellect and character who have the skills and the desire to continuing learning and to serve others throughout their lives. Tracing its roots to Utah’s rich pioneer heritage and to Brigham Young Academy, the original school established in 1875, the university continues to provide an outstanding education in an atmosphere consistent with the ideals and principles of its sponsor, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Warren N. Dusenberry served as the first principle of the Brigham Young Academy in 1876.  Before his short time at the academy, he and his brother Wilson had founded two unusually successful and popular schools in Provo, Utah.  Although the schools eventually closed because of financial hardship, the brothers’ influence on education in Utah was clear.  We attribute the founding of Brigham Young University in Provo rather than Salt Lake City to the Dusenberry brothers and their widespread influence. Their remarkable impact on Brigham Young University can be uncovered through many of the collections held in the University Archives.  The following source materials can get you started on your exploration of Warren N. and Wilson H. Dusenberry’s legacy.

Secondary Sources and General information

Collections held by the University Archives will be more useful to your specific research topic after you understand more about the general history of the university. The following resources are available to help you develop that understanding.

• Histories of Brigham Young University
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. Brigham Young University: The First One Hundred Years (4 volumes). Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1975 (see index for Dusenberry, Warren N. or Wilson H.)
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. and W. Cleon Skousen. Brigham Young University: A School of Destiny.  Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1976 (see index for Dusenberry, Warren N. or Wilson H.)
• Biographies of Warren S. Dusenberry
  • MSS SC 2524 Warren Newton Dusenberry, 1971 Typewritten biography of Warren Newton Dusenberry (1836-1915) with handwritten corrections. Dusenberry was a prominent Utah pioneer, educator, judge, and public servant.
  • BX 8670.1 .D944d Warren Newton Dusenberry: Prominent Utah Pioneer, Educator, Judge, and Public Servant Brief biography of Warren N. Dusenberry. Dusenberry served as the first principal of the Brigham Young Academy.
  • BX 8670 .P214s 1969 The sons of Brigham Biographies of faculty, staff, and administrators at Brigham Young Academy and Brigham Young University. The biographies are organized by presidential administration. They begin with the administration of Warren Dusenberry and concluding with the administration of Ernest L. Wilkinson.

Primary Sources

• Sample materials dealing with the Dusenberry brothers: A sample of the materials that contain information about Warren and Wilson Dusenberry follows. To map out a research strategy, please schedule an appointment with the University Archivist at 422-5821 or gordon_daines@byu.edu for additional help in discovering what other collections we may have that pertain to your research topic.
  • MSS 1060 Diary, 1868 Photocopy of a handwritten diary dept from 1 Jan. to 31 Dec. 1868 while Dusenberry was serving on a mission for the Mormon Church in the Southern States.
  • MSS SC 1662 Wilson H. Dusenberry recommendation, 1874 Handwritten recommendation from Wilson H. Dusenberry on behalf of Julia Ekins, declaring her qualified to teach various subjects in primary schools in Utah County, Utah.

Because the Dusenberry brothers lived roughly one century ago and had a relatively brief encounter with Brigham Young Academy, primary sources documenting their lives are rare. Additional information is available through the Utah State Historical Society.