Louisa Barnes Pratt was born on November 10, 1802 in Warwick, Massachusetts. Her parents were Willard and Dolly Stephens Barns. As a child Louisa moved to Dunham, Canada with her siblings and parents after living for a while with her aunt. While there, she had her own sewing business.

Louisa Barnes was married to Addison Pratt at the age of 29 on April 3, 1831. Both were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were moved to many different places throughout their lives and separated for a lot of that time. While Louisa's husband was away on a mission for their church, she was left behind with her children and the task of moving the family to the Salt Lake Valley.

During this trip, she became determined to help women to claim their God-given rights and have a say in councils and meetings along with the men. Her position on women's rights emerged and stayed with her the rest of her life, which is reflected in her writings.

On one of Addison's missions to the Pacific Islands, she and her children went along because she didn't want to be separated again from her husband. While there, she taught and served the people of Tubuai, Society Islands, while also teaching her own children.

After separating from Addison for good, Louisa's courage and faith in the Church moved her back to Utah to answer the prophet's call. She settled in Beaver and lived out the rest of her life there, with occasional trips to Salt Lake City. Louisa Barnes Pratt died in her home from pneumonia on September 8, 1880.