A Cyclopaedia of Female Biography/Abingdon, Frances
ABINGDON, FRANCES,
An eminent, English actress, whose maiden name was Barton, was born in 1735. Some part of her earlier life she is said to have spent in great poverty, and when about fifteen, she joined a company of strolling players. In 1752, she was engaged at the Haymarket, London, where she was received with great applause. In 1755, she married Mr. James Abingdon, and in 1759, she left London for Dublin, where she was long the chief theatrical favourite. Her forte was in comedy; and as the finished lady, or romping chambermaid, she was equally at home. In 1761, Mrs. Abingdon left her husband to reside with Mr. Needham, who bequeathed her part of his fortune at his death. In 1799, she quitted the stage, and died at London in 1815.