The Life and Times of EDGAR ALLAN POE

Poe’s Family Life Eliza Poe Poe was born January 19th of 1809 in Boston, Massachusetts Son of actress Eliza Poe and actor David Poe Jr. His mother Eliza died of tuberculosis (some reports say pneumonia) 2 years after Poe was born. His father also died/disappeared. His disappearance is surrounded in mystery. Adopted by John and Fanny Allan in 1811. Poe’s relationship with his foster father was marked by volatility Poe’s relationship with his foster mother was marked by affection. Eliza Poe

Poe’s Frist Love Sarah Elmira Royster Poe’s first love – whom Poe was secretly engaged to years before he married Virginia Clemm. Sarah’s father would not approve of the marriage and began to intercept letters from Poe to her, making her think Poe had forgotten her. She then married Alexander B. Shelton, who then died in 1844 Sarah Elmira Royster

John Allan – Poe’s Foster Father Poe’s Education The Allan’s moved to England where Edgar attended school. 1820: moved back to America (Richmond, VA). 1826: attended the University of Virginia but only lasted one semester due to lack of money Poe gambled and drank: He was desperate for money to pay his gambling debts, and school but John Allan refused to give John Allan – Poe’s Foster Father

Poe’s Career Edgar moved to Baltimore; wrote poetry (Tamerlane and other Poems) and worked for a small newspaper 1827, joined the US Army at 18 years old as Edgar A. Perry Promoted in 1829 to Sergeant-Major of the Regiment of Artillery. 1829: Mrs. Allan dies; Poe did not learn about death in time – by the time he arrived, she was dead. Poe leaves Army; enters West Point; dismissed 3 mos. later

Poe’s Career Continued…. Edgar worked very hard, continued to write, but his debt grew larger. He drank often. 1836: At the age of 27, he married his cousin, Virginia Clemm. She was 13 years old. 1836-1840: Published several stories/journals 1841: published The Murders in the Rue Morgue, the first true detective story. Poe’s name was not originally on the story, and he didn’t make $ 1845: “The Raven” earns him $15. Virginia Clemm

Poe’s Adult Life & Death 1847: His young wife, Virginia dies of tuberculosis (consumption) 1849: Poe leaves Richmond, arrives in Baltimore. 1849: August after his wife died, Poe went back to his first love Sarah Elmira Royster She declined his marriage proposal at first but eventually accepted Unfortunately Poe died before the wedding 1849: October 7, Edgar Allan Poe dies in a street in Baltimore. The reason for his death is unknown to this day…but there are speculations including: He drank too much He had rabies He was poisoned by corrupt political operatives 1910 - Poe is inducted into the Hall of Fame in New York

modern detective story. Although Poe’s life ended in despair and disappointment, his writing has made him immortal to many. Poe is now considered… The father of the modern detective story.

POE, the Baltimore Ravens mascot! Also including… In a poll put to the football fans of Baltimore, they were asked this question: What Baltimore person, place, or thing would best represent this new Baltimore team? Out of the 30,000+ fans to respond, 21,108 selected the winner: the Baltimore Ravens. POE, the Baltimore Ravens mascot!

AND… The Poe Toaster is the unofficial nickname given to a mysterious figure who pays an annual tribute to American author Edgar Allan Poe by visiting the author's original grave marker on his birthday, January 19. In the early hours of the morning on that date, a black-clad figure, presumed to be male, with a silver-tipped cane enters the Westminster Hall and Burying Ground in Baltimore, Maryland. The individual proceeds to Poe's grave, where he or she raises a cognac toast. Before departing, the Toaster leaves three red roses and a half-bottle of Martell cognac on the grave.

Mini Bio: Poe Mini BIO : Edgar Allan Poe http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x- 387NMCR6w (3:50mins)