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Sheridan (RICHARD BRINSLEY BUTLER)

RICHARD BRINSLEY BUTLER, an English dramatist; born in Dublin, Ireland, Sept. 30, 1751; son of Thomas Sheridan (1719-1788 ); educated in Dublin and at Harrow. In 1772 he eloped to France with Miss Linley, a young singer of great beauty and accomplishments. In 1775 he brought out " The Rivals," which attained a brilliant success. On Nov. 21 he produced the comic opera "The Duenna," which had a run of 75 nights, an unprecedented success.

In 1776 he became one of the proprietors of Drury Lane Theater, where in 1777 appeared "The School for Scandal, " his most famous comedy, and in 1779 "The Critic," a farce. In 1780 he became a member of Parliament. In 1782 he became under-secretary of state; in 1783, secretary of the treasury; in 1806, treasurer of the navy and privy-councillor. His greatest effort as an orator was his "Begum" speech on the impeachment of Warren Hastings (1787). His wife died in 1792. In 1795 he married Miss Ogle , a daughter of the Dean of Winchester .

His Parliamentary career ended in 1812 .

In addition to the plays mentioned, he wrote: "A Trip to Scarborough" ( 1777); "The Stranger," and "Pizarro" (1799).

His speeches were published in five volumes (1816). He died in London, July 7, 1816, and was buried in Westminster Abbey.