Dates to Remember

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection, primarily in the lungs. TB can remain in an inactive (dormant) state for years without causing symptoms or spreading to other people. When the immune system of a patient with dormant TB is weakened, the TB can become active (reactivate) and cause infection in the lungs or other parts of the body.

January 19 – Edgar Poe is born in Boston, MA to David and Elizabeth Poe.

Edgar’s parents separate when his father abandons the family. Edgar, his brother Henry, and sister Rosalie live with their mother. Henry lived with his grandparents. He became a writer, but dies of TB at the age of 24. Rosalie died at 64 – lived with family friends, the Usher family – there was question about her paternity.

Edgar’s mom Elizabeth dies of tuberculosis (TB). Edgar is adopted by John and Francis Allan – where he obtains his middle name. He is separated from his brother and sister.

Edgar and his family move to England and live there until However, five years later, John Allan’s business venture fails, and he must take his family back to Richmond, Virginia in 1820

Edgar goes to school in Richmond. In 1825, Poe becomes secretly engaged to Sarah Elmira Royster. She later left him for Alexander Shelton, who was wealthy.

John Allan inherits a fortune when his uncle dies. (Estimated $750,000)

Poe enters the University of Virginia; he was 17. He was unable to complete his studies at the university because his father – John Allan – refused to pay debts that Poe incurred during the school year. A large portion of these debts were from gambling.

Poe drops out of school because John Allan will not give him any money. Poe writes and prints his first book of poems, Tamerlane. Poe cannot support himself, so he joins the army.

Mrs. Francis Allan dies of tuberculosis. Poe and John Allan reconcile. Allan convinces Poe to leave the army and return to school at West Point – an army military academy. Poe is discharged from the army and receives an appointment as a cadet at West Point.

While at West Point, Poe receives little financial support from Mr. Allan. This financial hardship and Poe’s love of writing lead to his wanting to resign his commission. John Allan refused to give permission. So Poe did not report for duty or classes, and he was dishonorably discharged. He moves in with his Aunt Maria Poe Clemm and her daughter Virginia (age 9 at this date).

Again, Poe asks John Allan for money, but Allan refuses. He wins $50 for a short story “Ms. Found in a Bottle”.

John Allan dies. He leaves Edgar nothing in his will.

Poe works in Richmond, Virginia. His aunt Maria and cousin Virginia join him in Virginia. Poe marries his cousin Virginia. She is 13 years old.

Poe writes the “Fall of the House of Usher.”

Virginia Poe becomes ill with Tuberculosis (TB).

Poe wins $100 for writing “The Gold Bug”. His wife’s illness and financial problems cause Poe to sink into deep bouts of depression. Poe publishes “The Tell Tale Heart”.

The Poes and Mrs. Clemm move back to New York City Poe publishes his poem “The Raven”.

Virginia dies of tuberculosis. She died on January 30. Poe falls ill during this time.

Poe travels to Richmond, Virginia to lecture and see friends during mid- summer (July, August). He is reintroduced to Sarah Royster Shelton, who is a widow. Edgar and Sarah become engaged (again).

September 27 – Poe travels from Richmond to Philadelphia. September 30 – Poe gets on the wrong train and goes to Baltimore. October 3 – Poe is found in the street, half conscious, and is taken to a hospital. October 7 – Edgar Allan Poe dies.

What happened to Sarah Royster Shelton? Research on your own. Print or Mrs. Mathieson your findings. Write a paragraph (in your own words!) detailing what happened to her. ten extra credit points!