A Cyclopaedia of Female Biography/Sheridan, Frances
SHERIDAN, FRANCES,
Wife of Thomas Sheridan, M. A., was born in Ireland, in 1724, but descended from a good English family, which had removed there. Her maiden name was Chamberlaine. She wrote a little pamphlet at the time of a violent party dispute about the theatre in which Mr. Sheridan had just embarked his fortune. He, by accident, discovered his defender, and soon afterwards married her. She was a very charming woman, and fulfilled all her duties with the greatest propriety. She died at Blois, in France, in 1767. Her "Sydney Biddulph," is a very well-written novel; and her little romance called "Nourjahad" shows a very fertile imagination. She also wrote two comedies, entitled "The Discovery" and "The Dupe." Although not handsome, Mrs. Sheridan is described as having had an intelligent countenance, fine dark eyes and hair, with a particularly fair complexion.
Mrs. Sheridan was as much beloved in her own family as she was admired by her contemporaries; and she was even more famed for her colloquial powers than for her literary talents. Her temper was good, though warm, of which infirmity she was herself aware. From her works, it is evident she had a strong sense of religion; and in her principal performance, "Sidney Biddulph," she portrays it as the only consolation her heroine receives during her misfortunes.