KEMBLE, FRANCES “FANNY”

KEMBLE, FRANCES “FANNY.” [1832] This actress, a niece of John Philip Kemble and Sarah Siddons, was a member of the “first family” of British thespians. In 1832 she accompanied her father, tragedian Charles Kemble, to America. Over the following two years, the pair toured and gave performances from New York to New Orleans. She made an unhappy marriage to a southern plantation owner, Pierce Butler, and the two were eventually divided by their sentiments on slavery. F. Kemble recorded her often acerbic observations of American institutions and manners. Published as the Journal [of ] Frances Ann Butler. Philadelphia, Carry, Lea & Blanchard, 1835.