Harriet was born in 1838 in Springfield, Illinois. While in her teens, she and her family were converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and soon traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah, to join the Saints. Shortly after, Harriet and her family moved once again, this time to California in pursuit of financial gain during the gold rush. There Harriet and her family met the young William Bowker Preston, who later became Harriet’s husband. After William’s own conversion to the Church and a move back to Utah, he and Harriet were sealed by Brigham Young on February 24, 1858.

William and Harriet served in various positions in the Church throughout their marriage. Harriet had been serving as the Young Women’s president of Cache Valley when William was called to be the Presiding Bishop of the Church in April 1884. Harriet supported her husband throughout his many callings and assignments which often left her at home to raise the children and attend to the affairs of the household. She proved herself a competent businesswoman. William passed away in 1908, and Harriet followed him in death in December 1920.