Ann Brunton Merry

Who was Ann Brunton Merry?

Ann Brunton Merry was an actress. She was the daughter of John Brunton, an actor and manager of the Theatre Royal, Norwich. In February, 1785, Miss Brunton first appeared at the theatre in Bath as Euphrasia in The Grecian Daughter, which was followed by other leading parts, and on 17 October of the same year she made her debut at Covent Garden theatre in London as Horatio in The Roman Father. Here she attained great distinction, and by many was rated second only to Mrs. Siddons.

In 1792 Miss Brunton married Robert Merry, a poet and playwright known by his pen-name "Della Crusca". He had run through his patrimony, but at that time still figured in fashionable circles. She at once retired from the theatre, and went with her husband to Paris, but when their means were entirely exhausted she wished to return to her former occupation. Family considerations on the part of Mr. Merry prevented her return to the London stage, but an offer that was made through Thomas Wignell, of the New Theatre, Philadelphia, was readily accepted.

The couple arrived in New York City, 19 October 1796. Mrs.