Louisa Albury was born in Mudgee, New South Wales, Australia, to Henry Albury and Harriet Winn. Her early life was marked by rural settings and the challenges of a growing family.

Louisa was one of twelve children. She experienced the dynamics of a large family, learning early responsibilities and resourcefulness. She also attended a local school briefly, revealing an aptitude for learning that was not fully developed.

As a young teenager, Louisa's labor was needed on the family farm. This work instilled a strong work ethic and familiarity with the hardships faced by rural communities, which would later inform her social and political activism.

At the age of 18, Louisa married Niels Hertzberg Larsen, a Norwegian gold miner later known as Peter Lawson. This marked a significant transition in her life, leading to motherhood and new responsibilities.