Mrs. Gomersal as Queen Esther. Source: New York Public Library.
At the age of 17 Maria Gomersal (née Ribbon), the daughter of a musician, was recorded in the census as an actress boarding with a family in Wrexham. Two years later she married William Gomersal, lessee of Sheffield Theatre Royal from 1869 to 1872. In the 1871 census she is described as an operatic singer and actress
Extract from review of a pantomime at the Theatre Royal, Sheffield Independent 27 December 1869:
Mrs Gomersal, who represents the hero of the pantomime, is an actress in whose hands the character receives full justice. Possessed of a charming voice, which she knows how to use to the best advantage, she sings the songs allotted to her in a manner which must have surprised those who had not previously heard her.
She died at the tragically young age of 26, leaving a 6-year-old daughter. Her death was reported in the Sheffield Daily Telegraph 13 June 1871:
We regret we have recently to record the death of Mrs Gomersal after a long and painful illness extending over two years, during which time she had all the aid that medical skill could devise, and during the last six weeks the careful watching of a fond mother, who left undone nothing that thoughtful solicitude could suggest to lighten her sufferings. The unceasing efforts of human skill and affection proved, however, unable to arrest the hand of death. She was the first lady who played ‘The Grand Duchess’ in its English form, translated by her husband, and which was first produced in America at Mr Edwin Booth’s Theatre, Philadelphia. As a lyric actress Mrs Gomersal had attained one of the most prominent positions in the United States. So great was her popularity and the desire to witness her debut, that the house was overcrowded in all parts, the receipts amounting to over sixteen hundred dollars. In August 1868, she returned to this country merely on a visit, but was never able to return, in consequence of a sudden illness produced from bathing at Margate, where, by inadvertently entering the water while in a state of perspiration, she laid the foundation of all her sufferings.
Maria is buried alone in V1 157 in the Anglican area of the Cemetery. The stone has been removed but the inscription read:
In affectionate remembrance of Maria Gomersall, wife of William Gomersall, lessee of the Theatre Royal, Sheffield. She departed this life on the 9th day of June 1871 aged 26.