Hannah Wilkinson was born in Smithfield, Rhode Island, a region experiencing the burgeoning of industrial activity. Her family were likely part of the local community involved in farming and perhaps the early stages of textile production that would later characterize the area.

Hannah spent her formative years in Smithfield, Rhode Island. Her education would have been typical for girls of the time, focusing on domestic skills and basic literacy. She witnessed firsthand the changes brought about by the American Revolution and the subsequent economic shifts.

During her youth, Hannah likely learned important skills related to textile production, possibly through family or other local employment. This would have been a common practice in early America. She likely developed resourcefulness and a practical mindset - traits that would benefit her later in life.