In 1841 at the age of 9 Harriet was with her parents and elder brother Henry (born 1821) at St Mary Whitechapel, Middlesex, England. Her father was recorded as a farmer born outside the County of Middlesex. This occupation has to be incorrect as one could not farm in the middle of London. When Harriet married in 1854 she showed her father's occupation as merchant cheesemonger.
In 1851 at the age of 19 Harriet was living at Bethnal Green, Middlesex with her cousin and working as a servant.
Harriet bravely migrated to Australia as a single woman leaving her family behind in England. Harriet arrived in Melbourne at age of 21 on 3 October 1853 aboard the Statesman which had left Southampton on 14 July 1853. She was Baptist and literate. She was bonded to Mr Clapham of Prahran as a governess for £30 per annum.
She became an evangelist to the about 300 mostly fishermen, their wives and children at Queenscliff.
Place of birth, age, and parents names given at marriage in 1854. Her father's occupation was shown as merchant cheesemonger. Her parents had married at St Mary Whitechapel, London, Middlesex, on 22 May 1815. Witnesses included Elizabeth Slegg's sister Harriet. James Harwood was a widower, and Elizabeth Slegg was a spinster.
† Baptism
Baptism at Shadwell, London.
₪ Wedding
Marriage was at Anglican Cathedral at Eastern Hill, Melbourne. Parents names and occupations were given, as well as the age of the bride (22) and groom (24) and their places of birth. The details on the marriage certificate identify Harriet as the daughter of James Harwood, merchant cheesemonger, and Elizabeth Slegg.
¶ Death
On her death registration her father's name stated as John(sic) Harwood, and her mother's name shown as Elizabeth Slate(sic).