Accountant. Born in Kingsland, the area around where Dalston Junction station now is. She became interested in accounting by helping her father who was a banker. In 1887 she set up her own accounting firm, and applied to join the Society of Accountants and Auditors, but was rejected many times.
It wasn't until May 1920, when in her seventies, she was finally admitted to the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, becoming a fellow and the first woman chartered accountant. During her lifetime she supported many causes devoted to furthering women's rights. Died in St Leonards-on-Sea.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales's booklet, 100 Years, Celebrating Women in Accountancy, quotes Smith: ‘Require of me what you would require of a man and I will fulfil it.’ Mary Harris Smith, The Woman’s Signal, 1895.
Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk
