Edgar Allan Poe

Family of Edgar Poe Poe born in Boston Jan. 19, 1809 Mom: Elizabeth (“Eliza”) Dad: David Parents were traveling actors Brother William Henry (2yrs older); younger sister, Rosalie

Family, contd. David Poe abandoned his family 1812: Elizabeth died of Tuberculosis (TB), NOT in a fire Shortly after, David Poe dies Edgar, William Henry, and Rosalie are orphans

The Allans Edgar taken in by John and Francis Allan in Virginia Francis: wonderful, caring woman John: wealthy Scottish merchant; terrible to Edgar; refuses to formally adopt him

The Allans The Allans moved to England for 5 years (Edgar is age 6-11), then returned to Virginia Edgar was a very good athlete and excellent student Childhood crush: Jane Stanard (mom of bf) who dies of brain cancer Fell in love with Sarah Elmira Royster; became engaged before attending the University of Virginia

U. Of V.A. Tuition for the university was $350. John sent Edgar with only $110. Had to burn table and chairs for heat Ran up $2000 gambling debt Kicked out of school John ended Edgar’s engagement to Sarah

West Point Edgar ran away; entered West Point to become a cadet Hated the army; John wouldn’t sign him out Edgar gets himself thrown out by refusing orders, drinking, and not going to church

Francis’ Death During his attempt to leave West Point, Francis Allan died of TB John didn’t tell Edgar until it was too late Found out John had several affairs; several illegitimate children Not long after Francis’ death, William Henry dies of TB complicated by alcoholism

The Clemms Poe travels to Baltimore, MD, to live with his dad’s sister, Maria Clemm, and her 8-year-old, Virginia Four years later, 27-year-old Poe and 12-year-old Virginia marry in May 1836 Poe works as an editor in Philadelphia, New York, and Boston

1842: Virginia contracts TB So poor he couldn’t heat the house Begins to drink heavily “The Raven” earns $12 Virginia dies on Jan. 30, 1847

Downward Spiral Poe falls apart; becomes alcoholic and drug user (Opium) One year later, begins affair with the married Sarah Helen Whitman She refuses to marry him b/c he’s a drunk and she’s already married

Returns to Virginia for work Reunites with Sarah Elmira Royster; they become engaged (Graveyard Proposal)

Poe’s health begins to fail Works as a lecturer; was widely received In 1849, Poe returns to Baltimore, MD, to pick up aunt Maria for the wedding He is found unconscious in a gutter

Poe’s Death Taken to hospital, where he’s unconscious for 3 days before he dies at age 40 Cause of death still unknown-3 Theories: a. alcohol b. Drugs c. Election Day Kidnapping

The Poe Toaster Man in black Poe’s grave for the past 60 years Leaves bottle of wine and three roses Identity never ascertained “The torch will be passed.”

Poe Toaster Article 2010