A Cyclopaedia of Female Biography/O'Neill, Miss

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4120921A Cyclopaedia of Female Biography — O'Neill, Miss

O'NEILL, MISS,

Was born in Ireland, about 1791. Her father was the stage-manager of the Drogheda theatre; and she was introduced on the boards at an early age. When quite young she went to Dublin, where her personation of Juliet, in Shakspere's play of "Romeo and Juliet," established her reputation. She was engaged at one of the principal London theatres; and she soon became one of the most popular actresses of the day. At the time of her leaving the stage, on her marriage with W. Becher, Esq., M. P., she was in the receipt of twelve thousand pounds a year; the whole profits of which she is said to have distributed among her numerous relations.