Louie B. Felt
Born: 5 May 1850
Called as Primary General President: 19 June 1880
Released: 6 October 1925
Died: 13 February 1928
Called as Primary General President: 19 June 1880
Released: 6 October 1925
Died: 13 February 1928
Image source: Church Website, public domain
Biographical Articles
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Young Woman's Journal, March 1915, Louie B. Felt
Young Woman's Journal, July 1920, Forty Years of Service - Louie B. Felt
Juvenile Instructor, April 1928, True Pioneer Stories - Louie B. Felt
Young Woman's Journal, April 1928, Louie B. Felt, President of the Primary Association
Instructor, April 1950, Representative Women of the Church - Louie B. Felt
Ensign, December 1979, Louie Bouton Felt: A Friend of Children
Ensign, July 2014, Louie B. Felt: Dedicating Her Life to Children
Young Woman's Journal, March 1915, Louie B. Felt
Young Woman's Journal, July 1920, Forty Years of Service - Louie B. Felt
Juvenile Instructor, April 1928, True Pioneer Stories - Louie B. Felt
Young Woman's Journal, April 1928, Louie B. Felt, President of the Primary Association
Instructor, April 1950, Representative Women of the Church - Louie B. Felt
Ensign, December 1979, Louie Bouton Felt: A Friend of Children
Ensign, July 2014, Louie B. Felt: Dedicating Her Life to Children
Jenson, Andrew. "Felt, Louie Bouton." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 4. pg. 282-283.
FELT, Louie Bouton, first general president of the Primary Association, was born May 5, 1850, at Norwalk, Conn., a daughter of Joseph Bouton and Mary Barts. She was baptized in 1858 by W. J. Dalton. Her father was president of the Norwalk Branch and with his family arrived in Salt Lake Valley in 1866. In response to a call from Pres. Brigham Young, she went to the "Muddy" Mission in Nevada the following- year. Sister Louie was educated in the district schools of Norwalk and took a course in kindergarten work with Miss Chapin in Salt Lake City in 1894-1895, after which she taught kindergarten in the 11th Ward, Salt Lake City. She acted as secretary of the 11th Ward Sunday school, and on Sept. 14, 1878, she was nominated by Eliza R. Snow to be president of the 11th Ward Primary Association. Sister Felt functioned as treasurer and stake officer of the Y. L. M. I. A. from 1878 to 1882, and was also a member of a dramatic society. She was sustained as general president of the Primary Association June 19, 1880, and held this office for 47 years continuously, an outstanding record in the Church. The "Children's Friend," the organ of the Primary Association, was commenced in 1902, and carried on successfully under her leadership. The hospital fund was established in 1911 and the L. D. S. Children's Hospital commenced in 1922, both under her able direction. She was honorably released as general president of the Primary Association Oct. 6, 1925, and made an honorary member, which position she held until her death. On Dec. 29, 1866, she was married to Joseph H. Felt, whom she met while crossing the plains with a company of saints. She had no children of her own, but reared Louie and Vera Felt, children of her husband's second wife. Sister Felt had a charming, magnetic personality with a lovable disposition. She drew people to her and held them, and was a model wife and a great lover of little children. She died Feb. 13, 1928. (See "The Children's Friend," Vol. 13, p. 597; Vol. 18, p. 403, Vol. 24, p. 422; and Vol. 27, pp. 29, 99.)
FELT, Louie Bouton, first general president of the Primary Association, was born May 5, 1850, at Norwalk, Conn., a daughter of Joseph Bouton and Mary Barts. She was baptized in 1858 by W. J. Dalton. Her father was president of the Norwalk Branch and with his family arrived in Salt Lake Valley in 1866. In response to a call from Pres. Brigham Young, she went to the "Muddy" Mission in Nevada the following- year. Sister Louie was educated in the district schools of Norwalk and took a course in kindergarten work with Miss Chapin in Salt Lake City in 1894-1895, after which she taught kindergarten in the 11th Ward, Salt Lake City. She acted as secretary of the 11th Ward Sunday school, and on Sept. 14, 1878, she was nominated by Eliza R. Snow to be president of the 11th Ward Primary Association. Sister Felt functioned as treasurer and stake officer of the Y. L. M. I. A. from 1878 to 1882, and was also a member of a dramatic society. She was sustained as general president of the Primary Association June 19, 1880, and held this office for 47 years continuously, an outstanding record in the Church. The "Children's Friend," the organ of the Primary Association, was commenced in 1902, and carried on successfully under her leadership. The hospital fund was established in 1911 and the L. D. S. Children's Hospital commenced in 1922, both under her able direction. She was honorably released as general president of the Primary Association Oct. 6, 1925, and made an honorary member, which position she held until her death. On Dec. 29, 1866, she was married to Joseph H. Felt, whom she met while crossing the plains with a company of saints. She had no children of her own, but reared Louie and Vera Felt, children of her husband's second wife. Sister Felt had a charming, magnetic personality with a lovable disposition. She drew people to her and held them, and was a model wife and a great lover of little children. She died Feb. 13, 1928. (See "The Children's Friend," Vol. 13, p. 597; Vol. 18, p. 403, Vol. 24, p. 422; and Vol. 27, pp. 29, 99.)
Anderson, May. "Louie B. Felt." Young Woman's Journal. March 1915. pg. 145-146.
Louie B. Felt.
By May Anderson.
While it is true that a person may he better known for what he is by what he does than by what he may have received through inheritance, it is interesting to discover how characteristics and similarity of experiences seem to recur in the same family even after many years.
Mrs. Louie Bouton Felt is a descendant of an old family of some eminence, who claim, in their genealogy that they have a record or history dating back to the fifth century. One of the earliest incidents related is of Clovis, king of one of the clans of that period, who fell in love with the daughter of a Christian king and after marrying her was so influenced by her that he and his people were converted to the Christian religion.
A French historian, speaking of the Boutons, says, “that it is accorded to a noble ancestry that a proclivity for patriotism, education and religion is seen in the race all down the ages.”
John Bouton, a French Huguenot, landed at Boston. Mass., in December. 1635. a refugee from religious persecution in his native land and the first of his family to find a home in the new colonies. Tn 1651 he went to Connecticut to help settle a new town called Norwalk, and in this place one hundred and ninety-nine years later Louie Bouton was born.
Tn the early days of the history of the Church, missionaries went to Norwalk and. true to the characteristics of the family, the Boutons heard the truth and were ready to embrace it. even though it meant, as in the long ago, persecutions and their being driven to find a home in a new and untried country, where they might live their religion in peace.
So in 1866 the family bade their home and friends good bye and started westward to cast in their fortunes with the people of their chosen faith.
These pioneer journeys, what wonderful experiences they were, how much they contributed to the development of character—it like a school where daily and hourly pupils were unconsciously learning the best of lessons. Necessity, one of the most successful teachers, gave exercises in the open air for the development of physical strength. The gospel with its ethics of truth and love controlled each pioneer and many were the opportunities to learn the beauty of the “golden rule.”
Sometimes tragedy came very close, tears fell, hearts ached, and fear gripped even the strongest.
The Indians were a constant menace. The company with which the Boutons traveled had a terrible experience when a band of these savages succeeded in driving away ninety head of cattle. This catastrophe meant much loss of time and property for loads must be lightened and only the greatest necessities carried. while those who expected to ride must walk.
All too often halts were necessary to make resting places for those who were overcome and must take the long, long sleep which has no end until the resurrection dawns. How sad the farewell which must be said, knowing that the march must be followed on and on so far that one could never hope to return and find the grave or perform the kindly deeds of remembrance for those who had been so near and dear.
But it was not always a journey of hard work or fear or sorrow, there were many happy, bright occasions. Another kind of picture is seen when the camp is made with great bonfires blazing, guards appointed and in place, all the evening tasks completed and time given to social enjoyment, to games, dancing. and the interchange of stories and experiences—pleasant hours indeed, well earned and well enjoyed.
Nor was romance lacking and many a Jack found his Jill. It was during the pioneer journey that Miss Bouton became acquainted with Elder Joseph H. Felt, to whom she was married soon after her arrival in the valley.
As a very young bride. Mrs. Felt with her husband, responded to a call to help colonize the new settlement known as “The Muddy Mission.” This was a co-incidence: for, like her ancestor, she traveled to a new country for the sake of religion and then experienced the terrors and hardships which must be endured in attempting to develop a country under the most adverse conditions. There was the danger from hostile Indians and great difficulty in raising crops; the greatest difference being that in Norwalk one had to contend with a country loaded with rocks and an abundance of water, while the “Muddy” was a desert of sand with great scarcity of water.
This mission was ended and the Felt family returned to Salt Lake City and established a permanent home in the Eleventh ward.
After such strenuous experiences the home-life in a settled community seemed simple indeed, and Mrs. Felt soon began to take an active interest in Church activities.
As a local officer in the Y. L. M. I. A. and a teacher in the Sunday school with duties as a stake officer, Mrs. Felt was adding to her qualifications by learning to teach, offer counsel, and act as a presiding officer. These experiences were all doing their part in preparing her to hold one of the most responsible positions in the Church.
Having no children of her own and being possessed with an intense mother love she found opportunities to express it in caring for other people’s little ones, and when the Primary Association was organized in 1878, it found a ready and capable officer in Louie B. Felt.
Since that time her life has been in a large measure regulated by the interests of this great work of which she has been the General President for nearly 35 years.
As a presiding officer Mrs. Felt is extremely modest yet gives to her position dignity and importance. She is very tactful, winning and holding the love of her co-workers and is very successful in keeping a large board of intelligent, aggressive women actively working in unity and harmony.
One of the sweetest attributes of Mrs. Felt is her love for children, all with whom she comes in contact being attracted to her as flowers to the sun. Many children love her. but none with more respect and real affection than the children in her husband’s family all of whom address her by the honored title “Mother.”
Louie B. Felt.
By May Anderson.
While it is true that a person may he better known for what he is by what he does than by what he may have received through inheritance, it is interesting to discover how characteristics and similarity of experiences seem to recur in the same family even after many years.
Mrs. Louie Bouton Felt is a descendant of an old family of some eminence, who claim, in their genealogy that they have a record or history dating back to the fifth century. One of the earliest incidents related is of Clovis, king of one of the clans of that period, who fell in love with the daughter of a Christian king and after marrying her was so influenced by her that he and his people were converted to the Christian religion.
A French historian, speaking of the Boutons, says, “that it is accorded to a noble ancestry that a proclivity for patriotism, education and religion is seen in the race all down the ages.”
John Bouton, a French Huguenot, landed at Boston. Mass., in December. 1635. a refugee from religious persecution in his native land and the first of his family to find a home in the new colonies. Tn 1651 he went to Connecticut to help settle a new town called Norwalk, and in this place one hundred and ninety-nine years later Louie Bouton was born.
Tn the early days of the history of the Church, missionaries went to Norwalk and. true to the characteristics of the family, the Boutons heard the truth and were ready to embrace it. even though it meant, as in the long ago, persecutions and their being driven to find a home in a new and untried country, where they might live their religion in peace.
So in 1866 the family bade their home and friends good bye and started westward to cast in their fortunes with the people of their chosen faith.
These pioneer journeys, what wonderful experiences they were, how much they contributed to the development of character—it like a school where daily and hourly pupils were unconsciously learning the best of lessons. Necessity, one of the most successful teachers, gave exercises in the open air for the development of physical strength. The gospel with its ethics of truth and love controlled each pioneer and many were the opportunities to learn the beauty of the “golden rule.”
Sometimes tragedy came very close, tears fell, hearts ached, and fear gripped even the strongest.
The Indians were a constant menace. The company with which the Boutons traveled had a terrible experience when a band of these savages succeeded in driving away ninety head of cattle. This catastrophe meant much loss of time and property for loads must be lightened and only the greatest necessities carried. while those who expected to ride must walk.
All too often halts were necessary to make resting places for those who were overcome and must take the long, long sleep which has no end until the resurrection dawns. How sad the farewell which must be said, knowing that the march must be followed on and on so far that one could never hope to return and find the grave or perform the kindly deeds of remembrance for those who had been so near and dear.
But it was not always a journey of hard work or fear or sorrow, there were many happy, bright occasions. Another kind of picture is seen when the camp is made with great bonfires blazing, guards appointed and in place, all the evening tasks completed and time given to social enjoyment, to games, dancing. and the interchange of stories and experiences—pleasant hours indeed, well earned and well enjoyed.
Nor was romance lacking and many a Jack found his Jill. It was during the pioneer journey that Miss Bouton became acquainted with Elder Joseph H. Felt, to whom she was married soon after her arrival in the valley.
As a very young bride. Mrs. Felt with her husband, responded to a call to help colonize the new settlement known as “The Muddy Mission.” This was a co-incidence: for, like her ancestor, she traveled to a new country for the sake of religion and then experienced the terrors and hardships which must be endured in attempting to develop a country under the most adverse conditions. There was the danger from hostile Indians and great difficulty in raising crops; the greatest difference being that in Norwalk one had to contend with a country loaded with rocks and an abundance of water, while the “Muddy” was a desert of sand with great scarcity of water.
This mission was ended and the Felt family returned to Salt Lake City and established a permanent home in the Eleventh ward.
After such strenuous experiences the home-life in a settled community seemed simple indeed, and Mrs. Felt soon began to take an active interest in Church activities.
As a local officer in the Y. L. M. I. A. and a teacher in the Sunday school with duties as a stake officer, Mrs. Felt was adding to her qualifications by learning to teach, offer counsel, and act as a presiding officer. These experiences were all doing their part in preparing her to hold one of the most responsible positions in the Church.
Having no children of her own and being possessed with an intense mother love she found opportunities to express it in caring for other people’s little ones, and when the Primary Association was organized in 1878, it found a ready and capable officer in Louie B. Felt.
Since that time her life has been in a large measure regulated by the interests of this great work of which she has been the General President for nearly 35 years.
As a presiding officer Mrs. Felt is extremely modest yet gives to her position dignity and importance. She is very tactful, winning and holding the love of her co-workers and is very successful in keeping a large board of intelligent, aggressive women actively working in unity and harmony.
One of the sweetest attributes of Mrs. Felt is her love for children, all with whom she comes in contact being attracted to her as flowers to the sun. Many children love her. but none with more respect and real affection than the children in her husband’s family all of whom address her by the honored title “Mother.”
"Forty Years of Service - Louie B. Felt." Young Woman's Journal. July 1920. pg. 415-416.
LOUIE B. FELT.
Sister Louie B. Felt has attained her fortieth year of service as President of the Primary. We congratulate her on the wonderful growth of the organization. She has shown a spirit of progress in changing the work to the growing needs of the boys and girls. She has called to her assistance experts along the various lines of activity engaged in by the association, and the work achieved has won not only the praise and appreciation of local people, but has attracted the favorable comment of men of national prominence. Her Board, Stake, and Ward Officers, and the children over whom she presides have bestowed upon her a wealth of love. We wish every possible success to this organization, may its usefulness grow and increase with the coming years.
LOUIE B. FELT.
Sister Louie B. Felt has attained her fortieth year of service as President of the Primary. We congratulate her on the wonderful growth of the organization. She has shown a spirit of progress in changing the work to the growing needs of the boys and girls. She has called to her assistance experts along the various lines of activity engaged in by the association, and the work achieved has won not only the praise and appreciation of local people, but has attracted the favorable comment of men of national prominence. Her Board, Stake, and Ward Officers, and the children over whom she presides have bestowed upon her a wealth of love. We wish every possible success to this organization, may its usefulness grow and increase with the coming years.
Jenson, Harold H. "True Pioneer Stories - Louie B. Felt." Juvenile Instructor. April 1928. pg. 186-188.
True Pioneer Stories
By Harold H. Jenson
Louie B. Felt
"Smile and the world smiles with you,
Weep and you weep alone."
This could well be termed the motto of Mrs. Louie B. Felt, beloved president of the Primary Associations who for forty-five years devotedly served the Church. Mrs. Felt died Sunday, Feb. 12, and her funeral held in the University Ward was attended by hundreds, including- President Heber J. Grant, who paid high tribute to the deceased.
The writer has known Mrs. Felt for years. Whenever he would meet her, he would ask permission to write her life's story for the Juvenile Instructor, but she would always answer, "Not now, wait until I am dead. Then you can say the good things, but I don't deserve any praise yet." Recently an interview took place on Main Street and the question was again repeated. Asked how she felt, for the interviewer knew she had been quite ill, Mrs. Felt replied, "Oh, I'm about as well as usual. What good does it do to complain. Why not smile, for after all you have enough troubles to worry about, without hearing mine." Question after question was asked but it was hard to get an answer. Sister Felt was evasive as to what she had done, saying "actions speak louder than words." Hence this story has been long delayed, but can now be told.
This scribe has met many women, but can truthfully say he never met a sweeter or more pleasant personality than Louie B. Felt. She was a mother to all, yet mother of none, and her greatest love was children. Her whole life was devoted to that of service and thousands will ever remember her. There was something aristocratic about Sister Felt, although she made everyone feel at ease in her presence, and when you asked her about the Primary work she would talk for hours, but to get personal, was out of the question. Few knew that for years she had cared for her husband's four grandchildren. The manner in which she reared these kiddies, and the many times the writer saw them together, especially the girls with their aged guardian, attested a love unspoken, that will ever ,endure.
As to the story of her life, the writer will have to cull from works of others. Sister Felt was born May 5, 1850 in South Norwalk. Conn., a daughter of Joseph and Mary Bouton, early settlers in New England and descendants of a sturdy French family. She was proud of her parentage. In conversation with the writer, when he was a reporter on a local paper, she told of her love for her mother, which may have had something to do with molding her character of love for others. Her parents had joined the Church before her birth and in 1866 they crossed the plains with a company of pioneers. It was while traveling on this journey that Sister Felt met the man who later became her husband, the late Joseph H. Felt.
"Mother had always been my ideal," said Mrs. Felt. The writer had been talking of His mother, of whom he could say like Lincoln, "he owed his all to." "I certainly did to mine," said Mrs. Felt, "for in those pioneer days the association of mother and child was much closer than it is today. My romance on the plains, could well be called love at first sight, yet I recall asking my mother's advice, before I decided. My fiancé also had to ask father and mother, and we were married Dec. 29th, the same year we came into the Valley.
"We did not have all the luxuries to start married life with, that young couples have today," said Sister Felt, "and when we were called to colonize 'The Muddy,' now Moapa, the way was not one of roses. But why bring that up now? It's past, though it was a real experience, and one never to be forgotten."
Sister Felt's career as a Church worker started as secretary of the Eleventh Ward Sunday School. Next she served as counselor in the presidency of the Salt Lake Stake Y. L. M. I. A., with Mary A. Freeze, when the first stake board was organized under the name of the Retrenchment Association in 1878.
Mrs. Felt was chosen Sept. 14, 1878, by Eliza R. Snow, to be President of the Eleventh Ward Primary Association, the second such association to be organized in the Church.
At a conference of the Sisters' Association of Salt Lake Stake, which included at that time all of Salt Lake county. President John Taylor sustained Louie B. Felt President of the Primary Associations of the Church with Matilda M. Barratt and Clara C. Cannon as counselors, Lillie T. Freeze as secretary, and Minnie Felt as treasurer.
Then came an association of sisters which could be compared to the love of "David and Jonathan," for in the early nineties, Mrs. Felt became associated with Miss May Anderson, who recently succeeded Sister Felt as President of the Primaries of the Church. They had operated a kindergarten in the basement of the Eleventh Ward and also had charge of a summer kindergarten in the old University building. These two formed a partnership and the writer often used to think what one lacked the other made up. Sister Anderson was great on detail. Sister Felt also had what Elinor Glyn calls "it" only in another form of personality. Many a story for the papers did the reporter prepare with both ladies giving suggestions. A spirit of co-operation seemed to exist between both for they teamed for years, and the Primary grew by leaps and bounds.
"The Children's Friend" was started as the official Primary Association organ in 1901, and the two worked indefatigably to put it over. It stands a monument today to the work of both sisters.
Another project, which began during President Felt's presidency, was the L. D. S. Primary Children's Hospital on North Temple, which grew out of the "Hospital Fund" plan established to give free medical and surgical assistance to children, unable to otherwise secure it. The writer would advise a visit to this rendezvous of kindness, for it brings back joy to the hearts of little crippled folks, who never otherwise would have had a chance. Sister Felt's loving personality seemed to dominate the undertaking, and details, as usual, were carried out by Sister Anderson.
It is singular that all lessons in the Primary Association for March were on the life of Sister Felt. This is Jubilee year for the Primary, a year which she had hoped to live to see. A big celebration has been planned and pictures of Sister Felt will be put in scrap books of thousands of children.
Words die, but monuments, like writings, last forever, and Sister Felt's record will live after her. Of late years she has not been well, and the writer has thought at times she was not entirely happy, yet she never let him know it. Her disappointments she kept to herself. Her winning smile hid beneath it a great sorrow and only a few who really knew her, will ever know what it was. Like Emmeline B. Wells, Sister Felt's memory will live as a testimony of faithful service. Surely a reward awaits her, for in the words of scripture it can well be said of Sister Felt, "thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things."
True Pioneer Stories
By Harold H. Jenson
Louie B. Felt
"Smile and the world smiles with you,
Weep and you weep alone."
This could well be termed the motto of Mrs. Louie B. Felt, beloved president of the Primary Associations who for forty-five years devotedly served the Church. Mrs. Felt died Sunday, Feb. 12, and her funeral held in the University Ward was attended by hundreds, including- President Heber J. Grant, who paid high tribute to the deceased.
The writer has known Mrs. Felt for years. Whenever he would meet her, he would ask permission to write her life's story for the Juvenile Instructor, but she would always answer, "Not now, wait until I am dead. Then you can say the good things, but I don't deserve any praise yet." Recently an interview took place on Main Street and the question was again repeated. Asked how she felt, for the interviewer knew she had been quite ill, Mrs. Felt replied, "Oh, I'm about as well as usual. What good does it do to complain. Why not smile, for after all you have enough troubles to worry about, without hearing mine." Question after question was asked but it was hard to get an answer. Sister Felt was evasive as to what she had done, saying "actions speak louder than words." Hence this story has been long delayed, but can now be told.
This scribe has met many women, but can truthfully say he never met a sweeter or more pleasant personality than Louie B. Felt. She was a mother to all, yet mother of none, and her greatest love was children. Her whole life was devoted to that of service and thousands will ever remember her. There was something aristocratic about Sister Felt, although she made everyone feel at ease in her presence, and when you asked her about the Primary work she would talk for hours, but to get personal, was out of the question. Few knew that for years she had cared for her husband's four grandchildren. The manner in which she reared these kiddies, and the many times the writer saw them together, especially the girls with their aged guardian, attested a love unspoken, that will ever ,endure.
As to the story of her life, the writer will have to cull from works of others. Sister Felt was born May 5, 1850 in South Norwalk. Conn., a daughter of Joseph and Mary Bouton, early settlers in New England and descendants of a sturdy French family. She was proud of her parentage. In conversation with the writer, when he was a reporter on a local paper, she told of her love for her mother, which may have had something to do with molding her character of love for others. Her parents had joined the Church before her birth and in 1866 they crossed the plains with a company of pioneers. It was while traveling on this journey that Sister Felt met the man who later became her husband, the late Joseph H. Felt.
"Mother had always been my ideal," said Mrs. Felt. The writer had been talking of His mother, of whom he could say like Lincoln, "he owed his all to." "I certainly did to mine," said Mrs. Felt, "for in those pioneer days the association of mother and child was much closer than it is today. My romance on the plains, could well be called love at first sight, yet I recall asking my mother's advice, before I decided. My fiancé also had to ask father and mother, and we were married Dec. 29th, the same year we came into the Valley.
"We did not have all the luxuries to start married life with, that young couples have today," said Sister Felt, "and when we were called to colonize 'The Muddy,' now Moapa, the way was not one of roses. But why bring that up now? It's past, though it was a real experience, and one never to be forgotten."
Sister Felt's career as a Church worker started as secretary of the Eleventh Ward Sunday School. Next she served as counselor in the presidency of the Salt Lake Stake Y. L. M. I. A., with Mary A. Freeze, when the first stake board was organized under the name of the Retrenchment Association in 1878.
Mrs. Felt was chosen Sept. 14, 1878, by Eliza R. Snow, to be President of the Eleventh Ward Primary Association, the second such association to be organized in the Church.
At a conference of the Sisters' Association of Salt Lake Stake, which included at that time all of Salt Lake county. President John Taylor sustained Louie B. Felt President of the Primary Associations of the Church with Matilda M. Barratt and Clara C. Cannon as counselors, Lillie T. Freeze as secretary, and Minnie Felt as treasurer.
Then came an association of sisters which could be compared to the love of "David and Jonathan," for in the early nineties, Mrs. Felt became associated with Miss May Anderson, who recently succeeded Sister Felt as President of the Primaries of the Church. They had operated a kindergarten in the basement of the Eleventh Ward and also had charge of a summer kindergarten in the old University building. These two formed a partnership and the writer often used to think what one lacked the other made up. Sister Anderson was great on detail. Sister Felt also had what Elinor Glyn calls "it" only in another form of personality. Many a story for the papers did the reporter prepare with both ladies giving suggestions. A spirit of co-operation seemed to exist between both for they teamed for years, and the Primary grew by leaps and bounds.
"The Children's Friend" was started as the official Primary Association organ in 1901, and the two worked indefatigably to put it over. It stands a monument today to the work of both sisters.
Another project, which began during President Felt's presidency, was the L. D. S. Primary Children's Hospital on North Temple, which grew out of the "Hospital Fund" plan established to give free medical and surgical assistance to children, unable to otherwise secure it. The writer would advise a visit to this rendezvous of kindness, for it brings back joy to the hearts of little crippled folks, who never otherwise would have had a chance. Sister Felt's loving personality seemed to dominate the undertaking, and details, as usual, were carried out by Sister Anderson.
It is singular that all lessons in the Primary Association for March were on the life of Sister Felt. This is Jubilee year for the Primary, a year which she had hoped to live to see. A big celebration has been planned and pictures of Sister Felt will be put in scrap books of thousands of children.
Words die, but monuments, like writings, last forever, and Sister Felt's record will live after her. Of late years she has not been well, and the writer has thought at times she was not entirely happy, yet she never let him know it. Her disappointments she kept to herself. Her winning smile hid beneath it a great sorrow and only a few who really knew her, will ever know what it was. Like Emmeline B. Wells, Sister Felt's memory will live as a testimony of faithful service. Surely a reward awaits her, for in the words of scripture it can well be said of Sister Felt, "thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things."
"Louie B. Felt, President of the Primary Association." Young Woman's Journal. April 1928. pg. 247.
Louie B. Felt
President of the Primary Association
TO have been a beacon light for almost a life time, to which thousands of officers and teachers looked for inspiration and sympathetic direction, and through them to have touched the lives of multitudes of children with the divine spark of faith, is a distinction that comes to but few women.
On the 19th of June, 1880, Louie B. Felt was chosen by the late President John Taylor to be the first General President of the Primary Association of the Church. That no mistake was made is fully attested by her forty-four years of devoted and successful service and by the love and esteem of those who labored with her in that great organization. Thousands of God’s children will always revere her memory.
Sister Felt was endowed with many excellent qualities and a charming personality. Clad always in raiment of exquisite neatness, her brow crowned with a natural coronet of silver whiteness, she was a distinguished figure among her associates and an added adornment to any company with which she might mingle.
Sister Felt’s earth-work was finished on February 12th, 1928. That she will be welcomed to that Haven of Rest whither she has gone by many both old and young, who were recipients of her ministrations here, there is no doubt; and O how great will be her joy when she hears the sweet word: Inasmuch as you have loved and labored for My little ones, there is prepared for you a mansion of surpassing loveliness and children shall play about your knees and gather garlands for your hair; come, let us enter!—R. M. F.
Louie B. Felt
President of the Primary Association
TO have been a beacon light for almost a life time, to which thousands of officers and teachers looked for inspiration and sympathetic direction, and through them to have touched the lives of multitudes of children with the divine spark of faith, is a distinction that comes to but few women.
On the 19th of June, 1880, Louie B. Felt was chosen by the late President John Taylor to be the first General President of the Primary Association of the Church. That no mistake was made is fully attested by her forty-four years of devoted and successful service and by the love and esteem of those who labored with her in that great organization. Thousands of God’s children will always revere her memory.
Sister Felt was endowed with many excellent qualities and a charming personality. Clad always in raiment of exquisite neatness, her brow crowned with a natural coronet of silver whiteness, she was a distinguished figure among her associates and an added adornment to any company with which she might mingle.
Sister Felt’s earth-work was finished on February 12th, 1928. That she will be welcomed to that Haven of Rest whither she has gone by many both old and young, who were recipients of her ministrations here, there is no doubt; and O how great will be her joy when she hears the sweet word: Inasmuch as you have loved and labored for My little ones, there is prepared for you a mansion of surpassing loveliness and children shall play about your knees and gather garlands for your hair; come, let us enter!—R. M. F.
Romney, Thomas C. "Representative Women of the Church - Louie B. Felt." Instructor. April 1950. pg. 102-103, 108, 111.
Representative Women of the Church LOUIE B. FELT Thomas C Romney WHENEVER "Primary Association" is mentioned to those familiar with its organization and development, the name of Louie B. Felt rushes to mind. No other woman has had the distinction of rendering so many years of service to an auxiliary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as has Sister Felt. Aurelia Rogers is entitled to be known as the prime mover in the founding of this great organization for children and was its first president; but in that same year, 1878, Sister Felt was called to preside over the second association, which was organized in the Eleventh Ward, Salt Lake City. From 1880 until within two years of her passing from earth life—for a period of forty-five years—she served with distinction as president of a ward Primary or the Primary Association of the Church. Her love for children was proverbial; and, while she was never blessed with any of her own, she lavished her affection on the tens of thousands of those who were so fortunate as to come under her supervision during the years of her administration. The key to her success with children finds expression in the following lines penned by a life long friend, Ruth May Fox: "Suffer the children to come unto me, Through the years of my life I have striv'n To teach them the words Thou gavs't, dear Lord, For of such is the kingdom of heav'n. Love Governed Her Home Louie B. was unwittingly being prepared for her life's mission when but a child in her parents' home in the village of Norwalk, Connecticut, where she was born May 5, 1850. She came into a home in which love was the governing influence and where children were considered a heritage from the Lord to be treated as eternal beings to gain experiences that would serve them well in their journey toward perfection and exaltation. The childhood of Louie was a happy one. She was the only girl of the family, but her brothers were her close companions, and frequently together they roamed the hills and vales in search of variegated flowers so abundant in the spring of the year. Often she accompanied her father and brothers in a rowboat to dredge for oysters. In the autumn they went in quest of nuts that grew wild in the forests; and when winter cast her white mantle over the face of nature and the streams were frozen over, the children took delight in skating and indulging in other sports common to that season of the year. In the home she was a close companion of her mother, who early taught her the fundamentals of homemaking. While a mere child she acquired the art of breadmaking and of preparing delectable dishes, much to the liking of her parents and adoring brothers. Sunday was a day set apart for the worship of the Lord. Never were the Bouton children permitted to sing frivolous songs in the home nor indulge in games of any sort on the Sabbath day. Proper observance of the Holy Day must include attendance at Church, however many sessions there might be; and it was not uncommon for the family to engage in scripture reading and in discussing the truths of the gospel as revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith. Long before the birth of Louie, her parents, Joseph and Mary Bouton, had identified themselves with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; and her father for a number of years presided over the branch at Norwalk. During those years the Boutons constantly left their door open for the Mormon elders who frequently came that way for a brief period of relaxation from their arduous duties. At such times it was not unusual for the entire branch to participate in what was termed a "clam bake," usually held on a little island not far from the Bouton home. The designation, "Nauvoo Island," had been given this little spot of ground by Apostle John Taylor; and this added to its appropriateness as an occasional gathering place for the Saints. At the age of eight years, Louie was baptized by W. J. Dalton, and six years later the family left for Utah. They had gone but a short distance when the baggage train containing their personal effects took fire and all of their belongings except the clothes they wore were destroyed. This necessitated a return to Norwalk where they remained for a period of two years before again embarking for the west. The journey was begun in May; 1866, this time by train and boat to Omaha, and then to Salt Lake City by wagon and on foot. Before reaching Omaha, Father Bouton was taken ill, making it necessary for the mother of Louie to remain with her husband, while the girl and two brothers proceeded to Omaha, accompanied by Mormon elders. A young elder, Joseph H. Felt, recently returned from a European mission, was in charge of the Saints at Omaha. Hearing of the near approach of members of the Bouton family, young Felt and several other returned elders drew lots to see who should meet the boat at the dock, and the lot fell on Brother Felt. At this time Louie was emerging into young womanhood, full of ambition, with sparkling blue eyes and golden hair, and tall and graceful in form. When her eyes fell upon this eligible young man, her heart beat a little faster than usual; and Elder Felt was similarly affected at the sight of the charming young woman. A Pioneer to Salt Lake and Nevada The Bouton family arrived in Salt Lake City, September 16, 1866; and in December of that year Joseph H. Felt led Louie Bouton to the altar where they were pronounced husband and wife. Present at the wedding reception were nearly all of the General Authorities, including President Brigham Young. Shortly after their marriage, the couple was called by President Young to help settle the Muddy, now known as Moapa, Nevada. The journey there was a long and tedious one, taking them by way of St. George, over a road through quicksand and over mountains that seemed almost impassable. At St. George an old friend of Brother Felt tried to induce him to remain there and not venture farther into a wilderness of mesquite and cacti, inhabited by coyotes, rattlesnakes, and an occasional band of Indians. Approaching his wife, Elder Felt temptingly asked, "Louie, what had we better do?" The wife replied, "We were not sent to St. George; we were sent to the Muddy. You may do as you please. I am going on." The journey was continued and finally they arrived at St. Thomas, near the Muddy River; there they occupied a tent and wagon box until they were offered a chicken coop by a kind neighbor. In this they found a degree of comfort until something better could be provided. Fear of Indians impelled the Muddy pioneers to build a fort in which the women remained while their husbands and brothers were off at work. Construction of adobe houses became the order of the day; and assisting Joseph H. Felt in making adobes was his faithful companion, Louie, who tramped the mud to the proper consistency. When the house was completed, the clay floor was covered with a carpet brought from Salt Lake City; the roof was of brush and mud; the windows were of muslin stretched over the openings; and a blanket covered the doorway. The Muddy Mission was soon abandoned, and the Felt family returned to Salt Lake City to make their home. In the meantime Louie's father was taken ill and was advised by President Young to return to the old home in the East. Louie had a great desire to be with her parents to render them assistance, and she therefore accompanied them to Norwalk. She had been there but a short time when her father said, "Louie, you must go back to Utah to your husband and the Saints." The daughter replied, "I cannot go and leave Mother when she needs me so much." "Yes," said the father, "I cannot die in peace until I know you are back with the people of God." She therefore returned, and when her father heard of her safe arrival he said, "Now I can go in peace." He passed away that evening. Brother Felt was called on several missions and as a result acquired but little of this world's goods. Fortunate it was that Louie's father left her a sum of money, for with this she was able to build a nice little cottage and furnish it comfortably. In commenting on the abilities of Sister Felt and her activities, Sister Lillie Freeze said, "Louie is thoroughly domestic, clean, orderly, a good housekeeper, an excellent cook, a real homemaker. She is intensely energetic and sympathetic. Outside of her home life at this time she was a bright light in the social world. She loved parties and dances and was very popular. She and I were the leading ones in dramatics in the ward. . . ." But it was as an officer in the auxiliaries of the Church that Louie B. Felt was best known. It was near the close of 1869 that President Young called his daughters together to organize them into a society, "for the promotion of habits of order, thrift, industry and charity, to retrench from their extravagance in dress, in eating, and even in speech." Similar retrenchment societies were established throughout the Church in 1870, and Louie B. Felt became a member of the first organization of this kind in the Eleventh Ward in 1871. When the Salt Lake Stake Board was organized in 1878, the Retrenchment Society was merged with the Mutual Improvement Association; and Sister Felt was made a counselor to president Mary A. Freeze, in the organization. Began Primary Work In the same year Sister Felt was called to preside over the Eleventh Ward Primary. In June, 1880, a conference of the sisters' associations of the Salt Lake Stake (including all of Salt Lake County) was held in the Tabernacle. At this meeting President John Taylor had Sister Felt sustained as general president of the Primary Association of the Church. In later years, Sister Emmeline B. Wells said, "Sister Felt is not only the president who has presided the longest but she is the first woman in the history of the Church to be sustained as a General President." In those early days there were no outlines to guide the sisters in their work among the children and neither was there any source from which to draw funds to meet the expenses of the general board or to provide for lesson guides. Sister Felt and the general board had for some time considered the need for a means of regular communication with the stake and local Primary workers. Finally, President Joseph F. Smith gave his approval for a magazine, on condition that the sisters manage their own business and keep out of debt. With these stipulations, the maiden issue of The Children's Friend came from the press on November 18, 1901, with no debt incurred. Sister Felt had offered her home as security, if necessary. The first home of the magazine was one room in the Templeton Building which was secured at a small rental per month. The periodical has grown until today it is classed with the best children's magazines of the country. The lesson outlines have been improved from year to year to meet the needs of children in the formation of good habits, physical, mental and spiritual. The L. D. S. Primary Children's Hospital had its beginnings from what was known as the Hospital Fund, established for the benefit of children whose parents were not able to assist them with the medical and surgical attention they needed. Much of this development was the result of the able management of Louie B. Felt who was constantly alert to means for the improvement of child welfare throughout the Church. |
LOUIE B. FELT
GENERAL PRESIDENT OF THE PRIMARY ASSOCIATION
With members of her board Left to right, standing: Aurelia S. Rogers and May Anderson. Seated: Lillie T. Freeze, Louie B. Felt, and Josephine R. West. |