Mrs. Frances Anne Butler

(Born: November 27, 1809 - Died: January 15, 1893)

English actress. Frances Anne Kemble was born in London, England. Her parents were Marie and Charles Kemble, both prominent actors. She first appeared on the stage on October 5, 1829, playing the female title role in Romeo and Juliet. Having come to the United States on an acting tour, she married Pierce Butler, a wealthy planter, in Philadelphia, PA in 1834. In part due to their differeing views on the issue of slavery, he being the owner of many slaves and she being an abolitionist, she left him in 1845 and returned to the English stage, where she was well known for her readings from Shakespeare. Her husband filed for divorce on April 7, 1848, which was granted in September 1849. As part of the settlement, Mr. Butler retained custody of the children, and Mrs. Butler resumed using her maiden name. Thus, she is generally known as Fanny Kemble. She died in London, England, and is buried in Kensel Green Cemetary.