Mary Lamb (1764–1847)

Mary Ann Lamb was the elder sister of the poet and essayist, Charles Lamb and was the "Bridget Elia" and "Sempronia" of his essays. After suffering some type of breakdown, Mary killed their mother; and after their father's death, Charles assumed responsibility as her guardian for the rest of his life. They resided together and collaborated on many works, including many popular works for children. She continued to suffer bouts of mental illness throughout her life, but the siblings lived and worked at the center of a famous literary circle in London, and entertained in their home. Charles died of complications from an infection in 1834, and ironically, Mary survived him by 13 years.