May Anderson: Second General Primary President and First Editor of 'The Children's Friend'

May Anderson emigrated with her parents from England to Salt Lake City in 1883 and became the close friend, secretary, and successor of Louie B. Felt, the first general president of the Primary. Hesitant when first asked to serve—'What do I know about your work?'—she was assured by Sister Felt, 'I believe it is your calling,' and served with the Primary for some thirty-five years. In January 1902, with May Anderson as editor, Louie Felt presided over the first publication of "The Children's Friend," the Church's official magazine for children; May wrote its lessons, shifting from rote catechism to stories and thought questions. She became the second general president of the Primary and testified: 'I am mother over more children than any woman, for I claim 50,000 children as mine, while I hold this position; and I pray every night and morning of my life that God will give me strength and ability to help to train them.' Her life—worn out in service to the children of the Church—is a testimony that in serving the little ones, one serves the Lord.

Fuller account of this event (as retold in The Friend (LDS magazine), Wikipedia):

May Anderson, secretary to the Primary General Presidency, first suggested the idea for a periodical for children in 1893. The men in the printing office discouraged Felt and Anderson from printing the magazine, one of them stating, 'Don't do it. Don't do it. Magazines run by women always fail. Take my advice and drop the idea.' In November 1901, an office building was secured and Anderson became the first editor. Felt put up her home as collateral and Anderson quit her job to work full time on Primary. The magazine was first published in January 1902, and was financially stable.

Fuller account of this event (as retold in The Friend (LDS magazine) - Wikipedia):

Felt, who said, 'If there was a time when it was important to attend to the spiritual education of our children, it is now when so many of our little ones attend the district school, where religion is forbidden to be taught.' May Anderson, secretary to the Primary General Presidency, first suggested the idea for a periodical for children in 1893. The men in the printing office discouraged Felt and Anderson from printing the magazine, one of them stating, 'Don't do it. Don't do it. Magazines run by women always fail. Take my advice and drop the idea.' In November 1901, an office building was secured and Anderson became the first editor. Felt put up her home as collateral, and May Anderson quit her job to work full time on Primary. The magazine was first published in January 1902, and was financially stable. In the first issue, Felt wrote, 'With feelings of intense joy, deep devotion and profound gratitude we introduce this little book.'